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Campervan Toilets Compared: Chemical, Separating, Composting and More
Choosing a toilet for your campervan can be surprisingly tricky. Chemical, separating, composting, cassette or a simple emergency toilet? The best option depends on your van's space, how often you travel and where you can empty the waste.
Portable chemical toilets
Portable chemical toilets, often called Porta Pottis, have a flush-water tank and a removable waste tank. They are popular in small campervans because they can be stored away when not needed.
Advantages: relatively affordable, compact and familiar to use. Disadvantages: you need to empty the tank regularly at an approved chemical toilet disposal point, and you may need suitable toilet treatment products. Best for weekend trips and smaller vans.
Separating toilets
A urine-diverting or separating toilet collects liquids and solids separately, usually without flush water. Separating the waste can help with odour management, but both containers still need appropriate disposal.
Advantages: little or no water use and often no chemical additives. Disadvantages: more hands-on emptying, and waste handling requires care. Best for travellers who want a waterless option and are comfortable with the routine.
Composting toilets
A composting toilet is designed to encourage the biological breakdown of solid waste. However, some compact products marketed as composting toilets are really separating or drying toilets, because the waste does not remain inside long enough to finish composting.
Advantages: potentially low water use and less reliance on chemical treatments.
Disadvantages: can require ventilation, space and ongoing maintenance. Never assume waste removed from a small campervan toilet is fully composted or safe to use in a garden.
Built-in cassette toilets
Cassette toilets are fixed into the campervan and have a removable waste cassette. Many use flush water and are often found in larger campers with a dedicated toilet area.
Advantages: convenient to use and feels more like a permanent bathroom. Disadvantages: takes up space, needs installation and still requires a proper disposal point. Best for larger vans and longer trips.
Bag-based and emergency toilets
A folding toilet frame or bucket-style seat with purpose-made waste bags is a simple backup for occasional use. These can be lightweight and inexpensive, but sealed waste must still be disposed of in line with local rules.
Advantages: cheap and easy to store. Disadvantages: less comfortable, recurring bag costs and not ideal for regular use.
Which campervan toilet should you choose?
For occasional weekends in a small van, a portable chemical toilet is often the simplest starting point. If you want a waterless system, compare separating toilets carefully. A built-in cassette toilet can suit a larger van, while composting systems need more research into ventilation, maintenance and waste handling.
Before buying, check the exact toilet dimensions, seated height, access for emptying, ventilation and privacy. Also think about where you can legally dispose of waste on your usual routes. Never empty toilet waste into ordinary drains, hedges or waterways.
Planning space for a toilet in your campervan
At Trekvana, we make ready-built modular campervan furniture in East Galway, including storage solutions for self-builders. If you plan to carry a portable toilet, measure it before choosing your furniture layout.
Explore our range at https://www.trekvanacampers.ie. Furniture is supplied assembled and unfinished, for collection in East Galway.
