More and more campers want to travel in a more environmentally conscious way and are looking for sustainable solutions for everyday life in their motorhome. One of the most effective and simplest measures is replacing the conventional chemical toilet with a dry composting toilet.
This system scores points with its ecological advantages and also significantly increases self-sufficiency while traveling. In this article, you'll learn in detail how to retrofit a dry composting toilet, what you should consider during installation, and why BioTioo products in particular are a perfect complement to your project.
What exactly is a dry composting toilet (TTT)?
A dry toilet works entirely without water or chemicals. Instead, it separates urine and solids directly during use. The separator directs the urine into a front container, while the solid waste ends up in a separate rear container.
There, a layer of bedding material – such as wood shavings or coconut fibers – ensures that everything stays dry and no unpleasant odors develop. This causes the solids to dry out by up to 80%, meaning that emptying is necessary less frequently.
A dry composting toilet is especially practical in a motorhome . You are more independent, require less maintenance, and conserve resources at the same time.
Why retrofit a TTT? The advantages at a glance.
A dry composting toilet offers many advantages, both for you and for the environment:
- No water consumption
- No chemicals needed
- Low odor due to the separation of urine and solids
- Flexible and easy disposal
- environmentally friendly and sustainable
- Lightweight and space-saving
- Low running costs
Installing a dry composting toilet in a motorhome
Installing or retrofitting a dry composting toilet in your motorhome is a step towards greater independence, sustainability, and comfort. It hardly matters whether you own a new vehicle or an older model.
Key factors for retrofitting are: the space in the wet room, access to the outside ventilation, and the ease of use of the drain unit.
Dry composting toilets are almost always easy to install, as they are available in various sizes and many manufacturers design their models to be modular and flexible. The trend towards chemical-free toilets is no longer limited to world-traveling motorhome enthusiasts – weekend campers can also benefit from the switch.
Here's how to convert your campervan toilet
Many suppliers – including BioTioo – offer complete kits that allow you to easily install your composting toilet yourself. A little DIY skill is usually all that's needed. First, the old chemical toilet is removed and the water supply is shut off.
Then you position the new toilet, take care of the ventilation, and, if necessary, connect the fan or agitator to the 12-volt power supply. How complicated the whole process is depends on the model and the available space in your vehicle. If you're unsure, a garage or certified dealer will, of course, be happy to help.
Retrofitting dry toilets – step by step
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Remove the old toilet
First, remove the existing chemical toilet. This usually also includes disconnecting it from the fresh water supply and possibly from the wastewater tank. -
Shut off water connection
Since the dry toilet works without water, you can permanently shut off or close the water connection. -
Choose your seat
Choose a suitable spot in the bathroom. The toilet lid should open easily. Access to the urine and solid waste containers must be straightforward. Ensure a comfortable seating position. Check if there is enough space for an agitator (manual or electric). -
Plan and install ventilation
A fan ensures good ventilation and prevents odors and condensation. The fan should ideally vent directly to the outside. It's best to connect it to the 12-volt circuit of the old chemical toilet – not to the water pump – so that it also works when the pump is switched off. -
Position and secure the toilet
Place the new composting toilet in its designated spot and securely fix it to the floor; depending on the model, use screws, brackets or Velcro systems. -
Connect power (if needed)
If your model has an electric agitator or fan, connect these components to the 12-volt electrical system. Ensure neat cable routing and secure connections. -
Insert bedding and container
Insert the urine and solid waste containers and fill the solid waste container with some bedding. This will absorb the odor. -
Run a test run
Test the seat, the ventilation, and the agitator. Check that all connections are secure and tight, and that you can sit comfortably on the toilet. -
Complete!
You are ready for the first environmentally friendly use of your new composting toilet in your motorhome!
How much does a dry toilet conversion cost?
The cost depends entirely on the model. Our high-performance BioTioo dry composting toilets are available starting at €800, depending on the model. If you don't want to install it yourself, there will be additional costs for a workshop. Ultimately, however, the investment is worthwhile, as you'll save on water, chemicals, and disposal fees, and have less hassle in the long run.
Accessories for operating a TTT without chemicals
To ensure your composting toilet functions optimally, you need the right accessories. The correct bedding material is particularly important. Peat-free wood shavings, coconut fiber, or eco-friendly alternatives like miscanthus keep everything dry and odor-free. Biodegradable bags make disposal easier, and sturdy transport bags help keep things organized. Activated carbon filters in the ventilation system further improve the interior's cleanliness. For cleaning, environmentally friendly household remedies like citric acid or vinegar are sufficient – they are both effective and sustainable.
Dry toilets: Why BioTioo is the right choice
BioTioo stands for well-designed products, sustainable materials, and easy retrofitting. Our chemical-free composting toilets are manufactured in Germany, are of high quality, and look great to boot. In addition to exceptional product quality, you'll also receive plenty of support: whether by phone, video tutorial, or in an installation workshop – we're here to help. And best of all: BioTioo also ships to Switzerland. So, if you're looking for a reliable partner for your composting toilet project, BioTioo is the perfect choice.
Visit our online shop now and buy your sustainable dry toilet for your motorhome!
