What works, what doesn’t, and why the wrong material can wreck your system.
If you’re new to composting toilets, you might assume you can fill the bin with any absorbent material—kitty litter, sawdust, pine pellets, or even garden soil. But when it comes to the OGO™ ORIGIN, the compost medium is more than filler. It’s critical to the system’s performance, and choosing the wrong one can lead to serious issues.
Here’s what you can use, what to avoid, and how it differs from other toilet systems like the NOMAD by OGO™.
What NOT to Use in the OGO™ ORIGIN
Despite being natural or absorbent, the following materials are not suitable for the ORIGIN:
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Kitty litter (clumping or clay-based)
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Sawdust
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Wood ash
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Pine pellets
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Straw, hay, mulch
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Soil, sand, or cardboard/paper shreds
These materials tend to become dense, wet, and clay-like when mixed with waste. This can:
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Strain or stall the agitator motor
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Clog the internal arms that are meant to mix your compost
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Trap moisture, leading to odors and poor composting conditions
In short: these materials are too heavy, too sticky, or too inconsistent for a compost toilet with internal agitation.
What You CAN Use in the OGO™ ORIGIN
For best performance, stick to lightweight, fluffy, and absorbent compost mediums that allow oxygen to circulate.
Coco Coir
Our preferred choice. Coco coir is made from coconut husks and breaks apart into a spongy, breathable material. It absorbs moisture without clumping and is easy for the internal agitator to mix thoroughly. It keeps airflow high and odor low, and it protects the motor from overworking.
Sphagnum Peat Moss
This is an acceptable alternative if coco coir isn’t available. It has a similar texture, though it’s more acidic and may be dustier. If dampened correctly, it performs well and can be a solid backup option.
OGO™ Compost Medium - Pre Moistened - 24oz - Resealable Packs
Why It Matters for the OGO™ ORIGIN
The OGO™ ORIGIN uses an electric agitator to automatically mix your compost medium with solid waste. That system requires a light and workable medium. Anything too heavy or sticky can bind the arms, burn out the motor, and ruin the composting process.
Using the right medium ensures:
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Efficient waste mixing
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Maximum odor control
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Long-term system durability
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Better compost breakdown and fewer clogs
But What About the NOMAD by OGO™?
The NOMAD by OGO™ is a manual, non-electric system that uses layering, not agitation. Because of that, the NOMAD can work with a much wider range of compost mediums.
You can use:
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Pine pellets
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Sawdust
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Shredded paper
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Other natural layering materials
As long as you follow a layer-waste-layer routine and change the bin after a few uses, NOMAD users have more flexibility in what medium works for their setup.
Just keep in mind: while the NOMAD offers more freedom, you may need to experiment with different materials to find what works best for your use pattern and climate.
Final Word
If you’re using the OGO™ ORIGIN, stick to coco coir or sphagnum peat moss. Other materials may work in other systems—but not in one that relies on electric agitation. The wrong medium can reduce performance, increase odor, and eventually damage your system.
If you’re using the NOMAD by OGO™, you have more options. Just be sure the material is absorbent, compostable, and fits your travel or lifestyle rhythm.
Still not sure what to use or how much to load? We’re here to help you compost cleanly and confidently. Reach out anytime.