Getting started with a compost toilet can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. We're here to make it simple, clean, and stress-free.
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Whether you're switching to a compost toilet for van life, cabin living, marine travel, or off-grid sustainability, it’s normal to feel unsure about what’s actually required. The good news? With just a little setup and know-how, compost toilets are incredibly low-maintenance and easy to use. This guide breaks down exactly what you need—and what you don’t.
1. A Compost Toilet That Fits Your Lifestyle
Start with the right system for your needs:
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Full-time use or off-grid living? Choose a unit like the OGO™ ORIGIN, designed for continuous use with multiple users.
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Weekend getaways or minimalist camping? A system like the NOMAD by OGO™ may be a better fit—compact, portable, and non-electric.
Choosing the right toilet makes everything else easier. It’s the foundation for comfort, odor control, and easy maintenance.
2. Power (If Applicable)
If your compost toilet includes features like a ventilation fan or electric agitator (like the ORIGIN), you’ll need:
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A 12V DC power source—this could be a fuse from your RV system, a portable power station, or a rechargeable lithium battery.
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Basic wiring or adapters to connect your toilet safely. Most models include instructions or plug-and-play options.
Pro tip: If your lifestyle is mobile, a 12V battery setup gives you more flexibility than relying on shore power or wall outlets.
3. Compost Medium
This is the material you’ll add to the solids chamber to help with odor control and decomposition. Common composting mediums include:
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Coco coir (rehydrated coconut husk)
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Peat moss (eco-conscious users may prefer coco coir)
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Wood shavings or chips (untreated, chemical-free)
You’ll add a base layer when you start and occasionally refresh it after emptying the solids container.
Please note: when using the OGO™ ORIGIN Compost Toilet System, use only coco coir or sphagnum peat moss. Other materials may clog or damage the agitator due to improper consistency.
4. Urine Management
Urine separation is key to minimizing odor. With most compost toilets, urine is collected in a dedicated bottle or diverted to a drain system. You’ll need to:
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Empty the urine container regularly—every few days, depending on usage.
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Rinse and clean the bottle with diluted vinegar or mild soap.
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For tough deposits we recommend LemiShine and hot water once a month.
Systems like the OGO™ ORIGIN even have a built-in urine sensor to alert you before overflow happens. You can also bypass the bottle with a drain kit and plumb directly to you waste water system, depending on your set up. We made it easy to toggle back to the bottle and take apart for easy cleaning.
5. A Mindset Shift: Simple Routines, Not Big Chores
One of the biggest surprises for new users is how easy compost toilets are to live with. Once you build a habit:
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Emptying solids becomes a 5-minute task every few weeks.
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There’s no black water tank, no chemicals, and no messy dumps.
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Odors are virtually non-existent when used and maintained correctly.
6. Optional, But Helpful Tools
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Gloves for clean-out day (not essential, but good for peace of mind)
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Spray bottle of vinegar/water for wiping down surfaces
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Extra compost medium stored in a dry container
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Spare bags (for systems using liners, like the NOMAD)
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be an expert or go full homesteader to make a compost toilet work for you. It’s about choosing the right system, having a few key supplies on hand, and embracing simple routines.
At OGO™, we design our toilets with real-world use in mind—so whether you're stationary or constantly on the move, you can count on clean, odor-free performance without the stress.
Questions? We're always here to help. Your composting journey starts simple—and stays that way.