Living with composting toilets successfully at campgrounds

Wouldn't you love to have a yarn like this?

Rachel, the Campground Owner

"Running our campground’s the best job—families, RVs, campfires every night. We wanted to make the place eco-friendly, so we installed composting toilets in the main facilities. Guests love ‘em! They’re clean, odour-free, and look just like regular toilets, so no one’s weirded out. The vent system keeps everything fresh, and we only empty the compost every few months. We use it for landscaping around the site—makes the place look lush! Maintenance is a cinch, and it saves us a tonne on water and septic costs. It’s helped us attract eco-conscious campers, and it feels great to run a greener campground. Makes those starry nights even sweeter!"

Why Compost at Campgrounds?

Campsites and outdoor facilities often struggle with providing sustainable and low-maintenance toilet options. Composting toilets are the ideal solution for camp life, offering waterless, odour-free, and environmentally conscious sanitation. They eliminate the need for plumbing infrastructure, making them perfect for remote or off-grid campsites, ensuring comfort and convenience for campers without harming the surrounding environment.

What you need to know!

Composting toilets operate differently from traditional camping latrines or porta-potties. They provide the comfort and hygiene of conventional toilets while offering the advantage of minimal maintenance. Most systems are designed to be easy to clean, hygienic, and safe for both campers and operators.

A few important notes to consider before installing composting toilets at your campground:

• Ventilation: All composting toilets are vented to ensure they are odour-free. It’s important to place vents strategically at the campsite for proper airflow and odour management.
• Capacity: Some systems may require additional capacity if your campground sees high traffic. It’s important to evaluate usage patterns and consider solutions like extra compost chambers for larger groups.
• Customization: Whether your campground is for day trips or overnight stays, we can help guide you to the best system to suit your needs. Reach out to us for advice on 0800 022 027.
• Where to Get Your Compost Media (System Bulking Agent & Treatments): We provide the correct compost media to ensure your system runs efficiently. For campgrounds, it’s crucial to have a steady supply of bulking agent on hand, particularly during busy camping seasons. We can advise you on media storage solutions, and the best types of materials to use to ensure the composting process works optimally throughout the camping season.

What to do with your composted materials (the end product)

Once the camping season is over, or when the compost chambers need to be emptied, the final composted material can be handled in an eco-friendly way. There are several options for disposal or repurposing of the compost, depending on your campsite’s location.

If your campground has land available:

✓ You can safely bury the composted material on-site, ensuring it is far from any water sources and following local regulations for compost disposal.

✓ Composted material can also be integrated into a humanure composting system for use in campsite landscaping or surrounding wilderness areas, adding nutrients back into the soil.

If your campground is in a more sensitive location:

✓ The compost can be transported to an appropriate facility or farm for further decomposition or use as fertilizer. This ensures the camp remains sustainable without relying on on-site disposal.

✓ If the camp operates seasonally, the compost can be stored securely in compost chambers until disposal is needed after the busy period.

Sustainable results!

Using composting toilets at your campsite is a huge step towards sustainable camping practices. These toilets significantly reduce water usage, minimize the environmental impact of human waste, and create a more eco-friendly experience for campers. By closing the waste loop, you’re not only protecting the natural environment but also fostering a sense of responsible outdoor living.

See the range today | Composting Toilets for Campgrounds

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