As New Zealanders increasingly take to the road to explore the country’s natural beauty, the demand for sustainable self-contained solutions has become central to the future of mobile living. In response to both regulatory changes and industry advocacy, the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) has released a long-anticipated national technical guidance document—specifically focused on composting toilets for use in recreational vehicles (RVs).

This marks the first time a New Zealand regulatory body has formally published detailed guidance specifically addressing the design, installation, and use of composting toilets in vehicles certified under the Self-Contained Vehicles Regulations 2023. The guide provides much-needed clarity for manufacturers, certifiers, and owners alike—establishing a standard that ensures composting toilets are not only recognised as compliant, but properly understood and consistently assessed across the country.

We at Waterless Composting Toilets NZ (WCTNZ®) are proud to have been a significant contributor to the technical refinement of this guide. Our participation in the consultation process helped shape a practical and informed standard that reflects the true operational principles of dry composting systems, and how they are best used in mobile applications.

Composting toilets offer a unique, water-free approach to sanitation. Rather than flushing waste into a tank or external system, these toilets rely on controlled decomposition to safely manage and contain solids, often for weeks or months at a time. For RV owners, the advantages are substantial: fewer dump station visits, no reliance on water, and a compact system that can operate fully off-grid.

The new PGDB guide confirms that composting toilets are a valid and compliant option within the scope of the 2023 regulations, which require a permanently installed toilet in any certified self-contained vehicle. The document outlines clear technical requirements: composting systems must be securely fixed within the vehicle, constructed from appropriate and durable materials, designed with adequate capacity, and incorporate safe and hygienic waste handling methods.

Importantly, the guide acknowledges the specific functional differences between composting toilets and traditional cassette or flushing systems. While ventilation is still recommended, the guidance allows for flexibility—recognising that the appropriate ventilation setup will vary depending on the design of each system. It is up to the manufacturer to specify how ventilation is managed as part of the system’s overall performance. This approach supports innovation and practical functionality, without imposing requirements drawn from unrelated technologies.

From our perspective, this is an essential and timely development. Composting toilets have long been used successfully in mobile contexts around the world, and in New Zealand we have seen rising demand from travellers seeking a more independent, low-impact lifestyle. Until now, however, the lack of clear national guidance created uncertainty—especially for those involved in certifying vehicles or designing new builds. This document provides the foundation the industry has needed to move forward with confidence.

For those new to composting toilets, this guide also opens the door. RVs provide one of the most practical starting points for adopting this technology. The systems are self-contained, easy to operate, and designed to perform reliably under the conditions typical of New Zealand travel—long distances, remote locations, and varying climates. With proper use, a quality composting toilet can provide weeks of solids containment, odour-free performance, and a level of convenience that many users quickly come to prefer over water-dependent alternatives.

We’ve found that once people experience a well-installed composting system in a mobile setting, they rarely want to go back. These systems are quiet, simple, and require minimal ongoing maintenance. And because they don’t rely on water or chemicals, they align well with New Zealand’s environmental values and the goals of responsible camping.

We also recognise the importance of proper education and system selection. Not all composting toilets are created equal, and correct installation plays a vital role in achieving optimal results. At WCTNZ®, we provide not only compliant systems, but also the support, documentation, and user education needed to ensure long-term performance. Our involvement in shaping this guidance was grounded in that same principle: making sure composting systems are not just permitted, but properly understood and supported by both industry and regulators.

We commend the PGDB for its work in developing this guidance. It reflects a thoughtful and collaborative approach to regulation—one that draws on technical expertise and practical field experience. It also aligns closely with the intent of the broader Self-Contained Vehicles Regulations, which aim to lift standards across the board and ensure New Zealand’s mobile tourism sector can operate sustainably into the future.

With this guidance now in place, we believe the case for composting toilets in RVs has never been clearer. They are compliant, effective, and well suited to the needs of modern travellers. Whether you’re designing a new build, certifying a vehicle, or simply considering an upgrade from an old cassette system, composting toilets offer a future-proof solution that meets the standard—and meets the needs of real-world travel.

The new PGDB guide on composting toilets is available now. For those looking to get started, this is an excellent entry point into sustainable sanitation. And for the many who’ve already made the switch—this guidance confirms what we’ve known for years: composting toilets work, and they’re here to stay.

PGDB's Guide for Certifying Composting Toilets in RVs

WCTNZ® welcomes comments—share your feedback on the Self-Contained Vehicles Regulations in the comments section below.

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