Nature's Head Self-Contained Compost Toilet - Best Overall
Nature's Head is the most widely used compost toilet in the RV community for good reason. The spider handle agitator mixes bulking material with solids after each use, speeding decomposition. Liquid and solid waste are fully separated at the point of deposit, which is the most effective method for odor elimination. The unit installs directly over a standard toilet flange or can be bolted to the floor with the included hardware kit. A 12V fan runs continuously to vent moisture and odor outside the RV. The solid compartment holds approximately 80 uses before needing to be emptied, which covers four to six weeks of full-time use for one person. Replacement coir bricks are widely available and affordable.
Check price on Amazon →These five compost toilets for RVs handle waste without water hookups, eliminate holding tank hassles, and keep your rig odor-free whether you are full-timing or weekend camping.
Compost toilets make off-grid RV living significantly more comfortable by eliminating black water tanks, dump station fees, and the anxiety of running out of holding capacity in remote locations. The five models below cover different size classes and price points to match everything from a small cargo van conversion to a full-size Class A motorhome.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
| — | — | — |
| Nature’s Head Self-Contained Compost Toilet | Full-time RV living | 4.9/5 |
| Air Head Compost Toilet | Tight cabinet installations | 4.7/5 |
| OGO Origin Compost Toilet | Modern design and electric agitator | 4.8/5 |
| Separett Villa 9215 | High-capacity families | 4.6/5 |
| Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric | All-season use and large capacity | 4.5/5 |
How we evaluated these
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
The shortlist
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature's Head Self-Contained Compost Toilet - Best Overall | Check price | ||
| Air Head Compost Toilet - Best for Tight Spaces | Check price | ||
| OGO Origin Compost Toilet - Best Modern Design | Check price | ||
| Separett Villa 9215 - Best for Families | Check price | ||
| Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric - Best for All-Season Use | Check price |
Each pick, examined
Nature's Head Self-Contained Compost Toilet - Best Overall
Nature's Head is the most widely used compost toilet in the RV community for good reason. The spider handle agitator mixes bulking material with solids after each use, speeding decomposition. Liquid and solid waste are fully separated at the point of deposit, which is the most effective method for odor elimination. The unit installs directly over a standard toilet flange or can be bolted to the floor with the included hardware kit. A 12V fan runs continuously to vent moisture and odor outside the RV. The solid compartment holds approximately 80 uses before needing to be emptied, which covers four to six weeks of full-time use for one person. Replacement coir bricks are widely available and affordable.
Air Head Compost Toilet - Best for Tight Spaces
The Air Head was designed specifically for boats and small RVs where floor space and cabinet height are at a premium. Its compact footprint is a few inches shorter than the Nature's Head, making it the right choice for Class B vans and teardrops where a few inches matters significantly. Functionality is nearly identical to the Nature's Head, with a rotating drum agitator and a separate urine bottle that detaches for easy emptying. The drum design means no agitator handle sticking up from the unit, giving a cleaner look. The smaller solid compartment requires slightly more frequent emptying than the Nature's Head but remains manageable for solo travelers or couples who camp primarily at dispersed sites.
OGO Origin Compost Toilet - Best Modern Design
The OGO Origin brings an updated aesthetic and an electric rotating agitator that triggers automatically after each solid deposit. The contemporary design integrates well in newer van builds and renovated fifth wheels where appearance matters. The urine diverter is among the most effective available, significantly reducing cross-contamination that causes odor. The liquid tank level is visible through a translucent section on the side, removing the guesswork about when to empty. The electric agitator runs on 12V and draws minimal current. A companion app is available for monitoring but is entirely optional. This toilet is the best choice for RV owners who want modern functionality alongside the practical benefits of composting technology.
Separett Villa 9215 - Best for Families
The Separett Villa 9215 uses a fan-assisted diverting system that separates liquid and solid waste. The solid chamber accepts a biodegradable liner bag, making empty-out completely clean since you simply remove the bag rather than scooping out material. This is a significant advantage for families or anyone who finds direct solid disposal unpleasant. The unit requires no bulking agent after each use, reducing consumable costs over time. Capacity is higher than most competitors, making it well-suited to couples and small families traveling full-time. The unit does require 12V power for the fan but draws very little current. Installation takes approximately two hours with basic hand tools.
Sun-Mar Excel Non-Electric - Best for All-Season Use
Sun-Mar's Excel non-electric model is the right choice for RVers who frequently camp in cold climates where electric fan components could be a concern, or who prioritize zero electrical draw. The fiberglass drum system is among the most durable available and the unit is sized for two to three full-time users. Evaporation handles most liquid through a drain design, and the three-chamber drum system separates fresh material from composting material from finished compost, allowing continuous use without waiting for full decomposition. The larger footprint requires more floor space than compact van builds can offer but fits well in Class A and Class C motorhomes. This unit is a long-term investment that outlasts most smaller alternatives.
Buying considerations
What to consider
Footprint and height are the first filters. Measure your available floor space and ceiling clearance before comparing models. Capacity matters for the number of occupants and how often you want to empty the unit. Solo travelers can manage with the most compact options while couples traveling full-time benefit from higher capacity solid chambers. Consider your electrical setup as well. Most units require a 12V connection for the vent fan, but if your system is minimal, a non-electric model like the Sun-Mar is worth prioritizing. Think about consumables too. Units that use coir or peat cost a few dollars per month to maintain, while bag-liner systems like the Separett cost slightly more but deliver a cleaner emptying experience.
What to consider
For other off-grid living upgrades, see the [best compost toilet for tiny house](/articles/best-compost-toilet-for-tiny-house) if you are also building a land-based setup, and check our [best compostable bag](/articles/best-compostable-bag) picks for managing kitchen waste on the road. Review our full evaluation process at [/methodology](/methodology).
Questions answered
A properly maintained compost toilet produces little to no odor inside the RV. The key is separating liquid and solid waste, which eliminates the ammonia reaction that causes smell. A small 12V fan venting to the outside handles any residual odor from the solid compartment. Most users report their bathroom smells significantly better than with a standard black water tank.
The liquid bottle typically needs emptying every two to four days for a single occupant, and the solid bin needs emptying every four to six weeks with regular use. Full-timers with two occupants should expect to empty solids every three to four weeks. Adding a carbon-based bulking agent like coconut coir after each use accelerates breakdown and extends the time between empties.