A separating toilet additionally separates urine and faeces at the point of use – liquids go into a separate tank or are drained through a pipe, and the solid fraction ends up in a container with composting material. Thanks to the separation, the inside is dry, odours are greatly reduced, and the container with solid waste needs to be emptied less often.

When used correctly, the odour is minimal – the key factors are: urine separation, dry bedding material (sawdust, coconut, pellets) and efficient gravity or mechanical ventilation. The most common causes of unpleasant odours are insufficient bedding material, lack of ventilation and infrequent emptying of the tanks.

The frequency depends on the number of users and the capacity, but in a typical motorhome or allotment with 2-3 people, it is usually every dozen or so to several dozen uses. The urine tank in separating toilets is usually emptied every 1-3 days.

The most commonly used materials are sawdust, wood chips, coconut peat or ready-made composting mixtures – it is important that the material is dry, absorbent and binds odours well. After each visit to the toilet, fresh waste is covered with a thin layer of material.

After a maturation period (usually several to several dozen months in a separate compost bin), a stabilised material is obtained, which can be used under trees, ornamental shrubs or inedible plants. It is not recommended to use such compost directly on vegetable beds or in lettuce and herb crops.

In most systems, you can dispose of regular, unscented paper, which decomposes in the container along with the waste.

Yes, many models are designed specifically for motorhomes, vans and small spaces – they are compact, lightweight and easy to install. It is worth checking the exact dimensions before purchasing.

The separation mechanisms themselves also work in freezing conditions, but the composting material and waste can freeze, which slows down the decomposition process. For winter, it is recommended to insulate the room well, shorten the time between emptying and remember to keep the ventilation pipes and urine drainage pipes clear.

On many allotment gardens, a dry toilet is an accepted alternative to a septic tank, provided that it meets sanitary requirements and does not pollute the soil or water. It is always a good idea to check the rules of the specific allotment garden and local regulations regarding the distance from the plot boundary, wells and buildings.

Replacing a sanitary facility does not usually require a permit, but a separate toilet cubicle or small structure on the allotment may be subject to notification or specific distances from boundaries. In practice, it is worth consulting the allotment garden management or local council, especially if you are planning a new building or a change in the way sewage is disposed of.

The purchase cost is higher than a simple portable toilet, but you save on water, septic tank emptying and chemicals for cassettes. The main regular expense is the filling material.

Technically, it is possible, but it requires a well-designed ventilation system, convenient access to containers and consistent maintenance. In many cases, however, a composting toilet is chosen as a solution for a summer cottage, a registered cottage or as a second off-grid toilet.