Camper Van Toilet Options: Compostable Vs. DryFlush vs. Fancy Buckets

Comparing Your Camper Van Toilet Options

Before looking at individual products, this comparison table provides a quick overview of the main differences between the most common camper van toilet options.

Why We Generally Avoid Traditional RV Cassette Toilets

Traditional cassette toilets from brands such as Thetford and Dometic are common in factory-built RVs and motorhomes. These toilets usually use fresh water for flushing and collect waste in a removable cassette. Depending on the model and setup, they may also require chemical treatments to help control odours and break down waste.

Advantages of RV cassette toilets

• Familiar household-style operation
• Easy for campground users to understand
• Widely used in traditional RVs
• Replacement parts are generally accessible
• Can provide a more conventional bathroom experience

Disadvantages of RV cassette toilets

• Uses valuable fresh water
• Requires additional plumbing
• Creates more potential leak points
• May require chemical treatments
• Adds weight to the conversion
• Requires regular cassette emptying
• Needs additional winterization consideration
• Can be less practical for extended off-grid travel

Cassette toilets are not necessarily a bad choice. For travellers who primarily stay at developed campgrounds with access to appropriate waste disposal facilities, they may work perfectly well. However, Vancini camper vans are designed around simplicity, four-season capability and off-grid travel. In a camper van, fresh water is one of the most valuable and limited resources available. Using drinking water to flush a toilet is not always the most efficient choice. Water lines, pumps, tanks and connections can also introduce additional maintenance and freezing concerns during Canadian winters. For these reasons, we generally prefer waterless camper van toilet options.

1. Portable Camper Van Toilet Options

Sometimes the oldest technology still works. Yes, the legendary hardware-store bucket with a garbage bag has helped plenty of campers survive a weekend in the woods. Fortunately, modern portable camper van toilets are more refined, comfortable and discreet than the basic bucket setup.

Most portable dry toilets require:

• No plumbing
• No fresh water
• No exterior ventilation
• No electrical connection

Waste is normally collected in a removable bag or solids container. Some portable toilets also separate liquid and solid waste, helping reduce moisture and control odours.

Advantages of portable camper van toilets

• Affordable compared with larger systems
• Lightweight and easy to move
• Can be stored when not in use
• No permanent installation required
• No plumbing or electrical system needed
• Useful as an emergency backup toilet

Disadvantages of portable camper van toilets

• Limited waste capacity
• Requires frequent emptying
• Less comfortable for some users
• May not feel like a residential toilet
• Can become inconvenient during full-time travel

Who should choose a portable camper van toilet?

Portable toilets are generally best for weekend campers, occasional travellers, small camper vans, and minimalist van conversions.

BOXIO Toilet

The BOXIO Toilet is a compact portable separating toilet designed for camping, campervans and other small spaces. Its rectangular design makes it easier to store than many traditional portable toilets. It separates liquid and solid waste and does not require water, electricity or a permanent bathroom installation.

BOXIO advantages

• Compact and easy to store
• Urine-diverting design
• No water required
• No external ventilation required
• No electrical connection required
• Lightweight and portable
• Lower initial cost than most installed toilet systems

BOXIO limitations

• Limited capacity
• Requires frequent emptying
• May be less comfortable for larger users
• Does not provide a permanently installed bathroom experience
• May become inconvenient for full-time travellers

The BOXIO can be a practical solution for minimalist conversions, weekend travel and customers who want a compact backup toilet.

2. Composting Camper Van Toilet Options

The composting toilet for camper van use became popular because it eliminates the need for a conventional black tank while providing more capacity than most portable toilets.

Most composting or urine-diverting toilets include:

• A urine-diverting bowl
• A separate liquid container or drain
• A solids container
• A low-power ventilation fan
• An exterior vent hose
• A composting or bulking medium, such as coco coir

Keeping liquid and solid waste separate is essential. Reducing moisture inside the solids container helps limit odours, while continuous ventilation removes humid air from the toilet. Despite the name, a composting toilet does not always create completely finished compost inside the van. In many camper van installations, the toilet functions primarily as a waterless urine-diverting system with a solids container.

How often does a composting toilet need to be emptied?

Emptying frequency depends on the toilet model, the number of users, temperature, ventilation and how often the toilet is used. A liquid container may need to be emptied every few days when used regularly by two people. The solids container can normally last considerably longer, often several weeks, although actual capacity varies significantly.

Advantages of composting toilets

• No flush water required
• No conventional black tank
• Good option for extended off-grid travel
• Longer intervals between emptying solid waste
• Very low continuous electrical consumption
• Fewer proprietary disposable liners than dry flush toilets
• Large user community and established products

Disadvantages of composting toilets

• Usually requires exterior ventilation
• Ventilation fan generally runs continuously
• Liquid container needs frequent emptying
• Solids must eventually be handled
• Requires composting or bulking material
• Correct use is important for odour control
• Can occupy a significant amount of bathroom space

Nature’s Head Composting Toilet

The Nature’s Head Composting Toilet is one of the most established composting toilet options used in camper vans, boats, cabins and tiny homes. It separates liquids and solids, uses a manually operated agitator and includes a small ventilation fan.

Nature’s Head advantages

• Established reputation
• Proven mechanical design
• Large user base
• Good solids capacity
• Low fan power consumption
• Replacement parts and accessories are widely available

Nature’s Head limitations

• Relatively large footprint
• Requires permanent ventilation
• Manual agitator must remain accessible
• Liquid container requires regular emptying
• Requires more routine maintenance than a dry flush toilet

OGO Composting Toilet

The OGO Composting Toilet uses an electric agitator instead of a manual crank and offers a more modern, compact design.

OGO advantages

• Electric agitation
• Modern appearance
• Compact footprint
• Removable liquid container
• Designed for mobile and small-space installations

OGO limitations

• Higher initial cost than many manual systems
• Requires electrical power
• Still requires exterior ventilation
• Still involves liquid and solids maintenance
• Includes additional electrical and mechanical components

Separett Tiny

The Separett Tiny is a compact urine-diverting toilet designed for camper vans, tiny homes, cabins and other small spaces. It separates liquid and solid waste and uses a fan to remove air and moisture from the solids area.

Separett Tiny advantages

• Compact design
• Effective urine separation
• Suitable for small bathrooms
• Clean, understated appearance
• Different liquid-management configurations are available

Separett Tiny limitations

• Requires exterior ventilation
• Requires a continuous electrical supply for the fan
• Uses a bag-based solids collection system
• Does not use the same mixing method as traditional composting toilets

Who should choose a composting toilet?

A composting toilet may be appropriate for travellers who spend long periods away from serviced campgrounds, want to conserve fresh water, and are fully comfortable performing routine waste maintenance.

3. Dry Flush Camper Van Toilet Options

A dry flush toilet is one of our preferred solutions for many modern camper van conversions because it combines convenience, cleanliness and installation flexibility.

Most dry flush camper van toilets require:

• No water and no plumbing
• No black tank
• No separate urine bottle
• No continuous ventilation
• No manual mixing or agitation

Instead, waste is enclosed inside a disposable liner. This reduces direct contact with waste during routine use and maintenance. The principal trade-off is the recurring cost of replacement cartridges or foil liners. Travellers also need to carry enough consumables for longer journeys.

Laveo Dry Flush Toilet

The Laveo Dry Flush Toilet is a portable waterless toilet powered by a rechargeable battery. During each flush cycle, the liner twists around the waste and creates a sealed section inside one continuous cartridge. It does not require plumbing, an exterior vent or a permanent electrical connection.

Laveo advantages

• Portable and removable
• No plumbing required
• No fresh water required
• No exterior ventilation required
• No separate liquid container
• Rechargeable battery
• Full-size seat
• Simple installation
• Can be transferred between vehicles

Laveo limitations

• Requires replacement cartridges
• Creates an ongoing consumable cost
• The used cartridge is removed as one unit
• The cartridge becomes heavier as it fills
• Replacement cartridges must be stored for longer trips

Clesana C1

The Clesana C1 is a premium waterless toilet designed for a more permanent camper van installation. Instead of storing waste inside one continuous twisted cartridge, the Clesana heat-seals each use inside an individual high-barrier bag. After the sealing cycle, the package drops into a collection drawer and a clean section of liner is prepared for the next use.

The toilet operates from the camper van’s 12V electrical system and requires a more involved installation than the portable Laveo.

Clesana C1 advantages

• Each use is sealed individually
• Strong isolation of waste and odours
• No fresh water required
• No black tank
• No exterior ventilation required
• No separate urine container
• Automated operation
• Premium appearance
• Can be integrated into a permanent bathroom
• Rotating installation options may be available

Clesana C1 limitations

• Higher initial purchase price
• Requires a hard-wired 12V connection
• Has a higher short-term electrical draw during sealing
• Less portable than the Laveo
• Requires compatible liner consumables
• More involved installation
• Adds electrical and mechanical complexity

Laveo vs. Clesana: Dry Flush Camper Van Toilet Options

The Laveo vs. Clesana comparison is not about identifying one universally superior toilet. Both are waterless systems, but they serve different camper van layouts and travel priorities.

Choose the Laveo when you prioritize:

• Portability and installation simplicity
• A removable toilet for flexible use of interior space
• Lower electrical integration
• The ability to use the toilet outside the van

Choose the Clesana when you prioritize:

• A premium integrated bathroom
• Individually sealed waste with automated operation
• A permanent toilet installation with a more residential appearance

What Is the Best Toilet out of all Camper Van Toilet Options?

The best toilet for a camper van is the one that fits your real travel habits rather than the one receiving the most attention online.

Choose a portable toilet if:

You travel occasionally, have limited space or mainly want an emergency toilet. Portable toilets are simple and affordable, but they need to be emptied frequently.

Choose a composting toilet if:

You spend extended periods off-grid, use the toilet regularly and want to reduce your dependence on replacement liners. You must also be comfortable with ventilation and routine waste maintenance.

Choose a Laveo Dry Flush if:

You want a convenient waterless toilet without committing to a permanent bathroom. The Laveo works particularly well in flexible camper van layouts, weekend builds and rental vans.

Choose a Clesana C1 if:

You want a premium, permanently integrated waterless toilet and value individually sealed waste. Your van will need an appropriate 12V electrical system and space for a fixed installation.

Choose a cassette toilet if:

You prefer conventional RV infrastructure, mainly stay at serviced campgrounds and do not mind maintaining a water-based toilet and removable waste cassette.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing Between Camper Van Toilet Options

Before selecting a toilet system for your camper van conversion, consider the following questions:

1. How many people will regularly use the toilet?
2. Will it be the primary toilet or only an emergency backup?
3. How many consecutive days do you usually travel?
4. Will you regularly have access to campground washrooms?
5. Are you comfortable emptying a liquid waste container?
6. Are you comfortable handling a solids container?
7. Do you have enough room for an exterior ventilation system?
8. Do you want the toilet to be fixed or removable?
9. How important is a residential-style appearance?
10. Are ongoing cartridge or liner costs acceptable?
11. Will the camper van regularly be used in freezing temperatures?
12. Where will the waste be disposed of legally and responsibly?
13. How much storage can be allocated to liners and other consumables?

Frequently Asked Questions About Camper Van Toilet Options

What is the best toilet for a camper van?

There is no single best toilet for every camper van. Portable toilets are suitable for occasional travel, composting toilets work well for extended off-grid use and dry flush toilets are ideal for customers who prioritize convenience and minimal waste handling.

Do camper van toilets need plumbing?

Not all camper van toilets need plumbing. Portable, composting and dry flush toilets can operate without a traditional water supply or black tank. Composting toilets normally require an exterior vent, while most dry flush toilets do not.

Do composting toilets smell inside a camper van?

A properly installed and maintained composting toilet should control odours effectively. Correct urine separation, sufficient ventilation and proper moisture management are essential.

Is a dry flush toilet worth it in a camper van?

A dry flush toilet may be worth the cost for travellers who want a waterless system with minimal direct waste handling. The main compromise is the ongoing cost and storage of replacement liners or cartridges.

Does a dry flush toilet need ventilation?

Systems such as the Laveo Dry Flush and Clesana C1 do not normally require an exterior ventilation fan because the waste is enclosed inside sealed liners.

Which is better: a composting toilet or a dry flush toilet?

Composting toilets are often better for extended off-grid use and for travellers who want fewer proprietary consumables. Dry flush toilets are generally better for customers who prioritize convenience, cleanliness and reduced waste handling.

Can a camper van toilet be used during winter?

Waterless toilets can be useful in four-season camper vans because they do not depend on flush-water plumbing. However, waste storage, ventilation, electrical requirements and manufacturer temperature recommendations must still be considered.

Can you put a regular RV toilet in a camper van?

A conventional RV toilet can be installed in some camper vans, but it normally requires fresh water, additional plumbing and a waste tank or removable cassette. This adds space, weight and winterization requirements.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Camper Van Toilet

There is no perfect camper van toilet. There is only the system that best matches your travel style, available space, budget and comfort with maintenance. Some travellers want the simplest possible emergency toilet. Others need a system that supports several weeks of off-grid travel. Some are comfortable maintaining a composting toilet, while others prefer to press a button and have each use sealed away.

At Vancini Conversions, we take the time to understand how each customer will genuinely use their van before recommending a toilet system. Whether the right solution is a compact portable toilet, a composting system or a premium dry flush toilet, the goal is the same: to create a bathroom system that supports your adventures instead of complicating them.

Planning a custom camper van conversion in Ontario? Contact Vancini Conversions to discuss your layout, travel habits, and the camper van toilet options that make the most sense for your build.