Make A DIY Composting Toilet

[@Teghan9559]

This is an awesome resource! And a great way to fight the crazy prices that composting toilets have gotten to since vanlife became so popular. Fancy toilets are great and all but it's hard to justify $1000. Thanks for this!

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

We agree! :)

[@michealkelm2834]

Way over priced !!! $700 +

[@3genac]

Very cool design and space-saving, but composting requires aeration. This type does not decompose solid waste, as do the 1000 models. However, after a time you may add human waste and shavings to a compost pile, so I guess it's a composting head if you have a compost pile. I just built a DIY urine-diverting 20 x 18 x 17 head of 1/2" plywood and no lumber; it weighs in at nearly 30 lbs. This 3/4" with lumber must weigh 40? Could make it even smaller with a marine/toddler seat. My diverter is shiny football-helmet gold made on a 3D printer. Do you offer a lidded model?

[@jancooper-fraser5734]

Great design and plans. I did things a bit different though. I rough cut 2 pcs of the plywood big enough for the top and bottom. I put them on top of each other. I covered the top pc with wide masking tape and used spray adhesive to attach pattern. Covered pattern with clear masking tape. I used 3 screws in the centre part ,that becomes scrap, to hold the top and bottom together. The screws don’t go through both - only part way through the bottom. Then I cut out. Cutting both out at same time is less work and they are identical. I used disk sander to sand anywhere it was a bit off the cut line. Keeping the pattern in place I drilled all the holes through both pieces and using square I transferred the lines where uprights go. I then removed the 3 screws holding the top and bottom together. I still had pattern on the top so drilled pilot hole and cut out the centre of the top piece. After removing the pattern I did all the counter sinking on both top and bottom. The assembly was same as your video.

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

That's a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing.

[@MarshaMarshaMarsh4]

Heyyy, Ty for cutting the sound when you were running the skill saw! Saving my eardrums! Most don’t care /bother concerning themselves w audio!

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

🤫😁

[@SaltCityFab]

I'm currently building an off grid shipping container home. This is the perfect solution to my toilet problem. Thank you for the resource.

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Let us know if you have any questions we can help you with ☺️🧻

[@slcoareschannel1943]

What a great option!! Thank you from someone who teaches Sanitation After a Grid-Down Event, who uses a composting toilet myself up at my property. This is one of the best toilets I've seen!! Very clean!

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Our pleasure! We appreciate the feedback.

[@allywhite9410]

Great design, thank you. Much better than big square boxes people suggest. This will work nicely.

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Let us know if you have any questions for your build! 🧻

[@oneeyedphotographer]

The "big square boxes" leave no inaccessible nooks and crannies and often provide storage for paper, cleaner, composting aids. Designed appropriately, they can serve double duty as a seat or perhaps hide as part of a bed. I sleep alone, I don't have anyone to disturb. Such a design works well in vehicles where space is critically short and multipurpose wins.

[@gregwalker3540]

My friend Bought your diverter...I'm building the toilet for her with aluminum finish....can you send a link for the DEADSOFT ALUMINUM TRIM?? I can't locate it ANYWHERE!

[@CarrieMtn]

Best tutorial Ive seen. I’ll probably be buying your accessories this summer. Thanks.

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Happy to help! Let us know if you have any questions at all :) 🧻

[@ONightbird]

Seriously agree!

[@michelem.6104]

I've heard that wood ash makes a great 'cover' material--and eliminates any #2 odors. Has anyone tried this?

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Yes! We do this on a regular basis and it's working great. It's an awesome way to use the ashes plus it's free!

[@Fenrires]

This is what I do, works great

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Lots of things work great...

[@katixc]

for years i used dry leaves from the stand of oak down the road... but i gradually stopped using anything at all and you know what? it's just fine!

[@kennethbooe3858]

An old time use from outhouse days

[@JoeRoss-d2y]

This is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Thank you so much.

[@dansbuilds]

Brilliant idea! Going to put one in my caravan conversion

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

We'd love to see what you come up with! Feel free to ask any questions or share photos to [e-mail].

[@dansbuilds]

@@thronecompostingtoilet Will do!

[@Ohsage1111]

I contacted throne to ask opinions on the usability of this diverter while peeing and standing. I got a prompt answer, which was basically a yes. The diverter arrived, and my husband did a test run by setting it on our house toilet and peeing into it. I also used a water jug to pour water in and was very pleased with the results. The deep bowl kept all liquids where they should be 🎉 I am rebuilding a toilet since the old diverter (a $40 one off Amazon) was awful for splash back and too shallow. I spent a few hours yesterday and got the entire base almost finished. Though I would recommend a few changes to the directions in this video: 1. Trace the template for the diverter support, but then double the plywood and cut the outside line at once. Thus you'll have 2 identical outside edges. Then cut the inner hole for the top part only. 2. If possible, use a bandsaw. I used a well powered jig saw and some of the cuts weren't perfectly vertical. My ocd wanted a nice strait 90 degree edge all around to support my shrouding material well. Lesson learned. 3. I am going to attach my diverter to the seat rim so it can be raised and lowered with the seat and won't have to be picked up and entirely removed for bag changes. 4. It's very easy to buy tubing to plumb the diverter out the back of the toilet and into a septic tank. I have a composting toilet that I use off my bedroom that utilizes a 1 gal jug. It fills in about 3 nights of peeing and emptying it necessitates mouth breathing as it does stink. A simple loop in the tubing provides a trap for odors or I have seen people suggest the use of a ping pong ball placed over the urine hole which floats when peed on but then covers the hole & blocks smells when not in use. I will try this. 5. I am not excited about the aluminum shroud so am in search of a flexible white plastic though I will settle for bendy board and several coats of white paint. I much prefer a white toilet. The aluminum reminds me of a prison toilet 😂 This diverter is burly and very well made! High-quality and highly recommended 👌

[@elizabethneville3086]

WOW!! Functional and really nice looking!!

[@OffGridMagic]

Great video. Thanks, Nick!

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

🥰🙌

[@dtlastraightahead2133]

Nice. Clean design ample size containers yet compact

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

🤗🚽

[@oneeyedphotographer]

It looks a bit industrial to me, but for sure alternatives would work well, well shaped wooden slats perhaps, even cardboard and cloth.

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Yes! We have plenty of those built by our customers! Check out some examples here: thronecompostingtoilet.com/compost-toilet-case-studies/

[@catherineostrom7575]

Cloth on a toilet? I don't think so.

[@evanpalmer232]

Do you have a link for the dead soft aluminum nosing?

[@GrantRTanner]

Super helpful video paired with your template. Thanks!

[@abigailpip112]

That's really nice. Thanks so much very good idea.

[@lomker24]

If you just do a rectangle one, would the amount and lay out of your support pieces change?

[@florathebus5873]

You guys are awesome! Looking forward to building my toilet with your plan!

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Yes! we can't wait to see it! 🧻

[@ewwwobbie]

Love it!

[@lanawaldron6819]

I have a tiny Go Lite trailer I'm rebuilding and wanted a toilet system, looked at several and like the diverter system you have the best. Am thinking this is the way I'm going to go for a number of reasons. Thanks.

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Let us know if we can help you with any questions! 🧻☺

[@murraymadness4674]

"You're good to go" lol nice design. I would suggest using floor sheet vinyl instead of aluminum sheeting. I have found lots of free "potty seats" for old folks, they seem like already setup for this kind of thing, just add the buckets and you're good to go. ;)

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Vinyl Flooring is a great option, and we love seeing all the different modifications our customers are coming up with. Bamboo planks is another favorite. Check out some examples here: thronecompostingtoilet.com/compost-toilet-case-studies/

[@nauy]

Would it help to put weather stripping on the inside edge of the top piece so that the diverter insert sits snugly instead of sliding around? It seems you have to constantly recenter the diverter.

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

We haven't tried that but it could help snug up the diverter. The great thing about the DIY option is our customers are free to make these types of improvements as needed!

[@TravisRoj]

How much to make one and ship to a potential customer?

[@jeffroche3265]

why just one fan with no other source of fresh. i get the negative pressure but why not a cross breeze by having a fresh air inlet like in an attic?

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

The beauty of Composting Toilets (if done right) is that they don't really smell! So there's no need to air out the stinky air, and thus, no need for a cross breeze. The main reason for the fan is to make sure the compost stays dry so that there won't be any smells in the first place 🙂 💩

[@lomker24]

I cant find the aluminum sheet

[@jasonvickery9256]

Hello I have been developing my own diy composting toilet but the part I am lacking is the diverter. I was drawn to yours mostly because I am searching for something that will work for an elongated seat cover. In my design the opening of the solids diverter can not be deeper than 14cm or 5.5 inches. The reason for this is I will be using the exact center of the bucket for my diy agitator made from a cement mixer and the distance to the center of the bucket is about 15 to 16cm so the solids diverter would need to sit forward of that center. I'm not concerned with using the plans for the housing because I can customize that but the diverter is most important and the only thing I am lacking. I am also curious although it is not a deal breaker because I can customize something but if you installed a pipe straight down from the urine diverter would you still be able to remove the solids bucket with that pipe staying fixed in place? The purpose of the pipe would be to bypass the liquids container and go to a tank mounted below the floor. And finally the last thing I will want to implement in my design will be a sort of sliding door that can cover and uncover the solids area in case you just need to use the liquids area you are not visually exposed to the solids area. This is what I have found in my testing and the design once I fully implement will satisfy me. I will be glad to share the footage of the build and final product with you once completed. I have a working prototype already in use and the only thing I am lacking is a refined urine diverter to make it look more professional. I hope I have not overwhelmed you with these questions. The most important consideration is the dimensions of the solids opening. Thank you in advance.

[@jasonvickery9256]

Well possibly to answer my own question the website has the dimensions of the solids diverting section at 7.5 inches deep which means it will be past the centerline of the bucket and unusable for me and my centrally located agitation mechanism so I may research finding a wider 5-7 gallon bucket that pushes the center line to 8-9 inches so I can use this diverter or redesign my mechanism so it does not need to be centrally mounted which I have seen at least one example of online.

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

@@jasonvickery9256 Great questions! You can cut off the back part of the diverter to make the solids portion smaller if that works better for you. We've had a few people do that with good success. We actually don't recommend using an agitator with a composting toilet, and you can read all about the why behind that here: thronecompostingtoilet.com/blogs/compost-toilet-diaries/should-i-build-an-agitator-for-my-composting-toilet The diverter is engineered to be glued into a standard PVC slip fitting. We've found it works well to attach the diverter to a remote tank using flexible tubing so you can still lift the diverter out of the way and empty the solids bucket. We look forward to seeing what you come up with! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions.

[@Thaylianightshade]

​@@thronecompostingtoiletdo you have anything that shows the diverter connected to the pipe versus a jug?

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

@@Thaylianightshade We do! Here's a case study with a direct connect: thronecompostingtoilet.com/blogs/composting-toilet-case-studies/diy-throne-composting-toilet-in-a-skoolie-the-burlibus and more pictures here: instagram.com/p/Co2m5l8vXV-/

[@ceeweedsl]

With decades of using dry toilets and seeing all types my #1 comment is to forget the idea of active composting per se. Just dry out the poop, don't add much to it and it will not be a disposal issue. 1) divert urine! 2) Don't add anything bulky to the feces. No sawdust, cat litter or dirt. We use a light dusting of lime. 3) Ventilate if any odor and will help dry out fecal.

[@dustinfrost5214]

At 3:49 I was expecting him to say a little number 2 lol

[@donwyates]

Pretty heavy-doodie build! Did you make that diverter yourself? As a tent dwelling nomad with extensive experience evacuating in receptacles, I always ask: Why is your throne so high? Yes, you could accessorize with a Squatty Potty, butt... why not just make it short enough for direct, efficient, elimination of waste? Studies have shown improper potty posture can cramp one's poo-style! 😆 Kidding aside, I've been scheming something like this for a few years, but never built it. Something that would work in a SUV. W/O the odor.

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

That's a great question! The current design allows for max capacity for both liquids and solids. However, with it being a DIY solution you can modify the build with just the diverter to be squatty potty friendly! We are also working on a tutorial for a squatty potty stool for the tall version :)

[@gustavoadolfomendez8356]

Muy bueno!

[@BenTheThird]

I can’t find that deadlift aluminum nosing anywhere. Anyone have any leads?

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

You can get flashing that’s super thin from Home Depot for $25 that you can make two toilets out of. If you get thicker stuff from a metal shop it can be double that. We’ve gotten scrap stuff from a metal shop in the past that was thicker / better quality for $20.

[@BenTheThird]

@@thronecompostingtoiletthanks for the heads up. I built the toilet today!

[@farmer998]

What are these ones

[@charliecuaron8078]

Where did you purchase the flexible aluminum nosing? Cant find at amy hardware store. Thanks

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Hi Charlie, you can find it here: www.globalindustrial.com/p/decorative-aluminum-edging-with-screws-69450-72-inchl-for-13-16-inch-thickness-anodized Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@TheMarukeru]

Might you have a link to the jug you used? I am finding various options, however, their dimensions seem to vary as well and I'd like a nice, snug fit like what you have here. And a Follow-up, I assume this is a 5gal bucket?

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Absolutely! This is the jug we used, it comes with a liquid level alarm upgrade! thronecompostingtoilet.com/products/2-gallon-jug-level-alarm

[@spudzero2]

Where can I order the urine diverter?

[@Tahshahope]

Where did you get the moulding around the top edge of the toilet. I am having difficulting finding it. Maybe I am not calling it the correct thing?

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

You can get it here: www.globalindustrial.com/p/decorative-aluminum-edging-with-screws-69450-72-inchl-for-13-16-inch-thickness-anodized Let us know if you have any other questions!

[@Tahshahope]

@@thronecompostingtoilet thanks for your help!

[@jimbaranski4687]

Can someone tell me what the outside perimeter distance is for these toilets?

[@tinywoodstove]

What do you mean by "outside perimeter distance"?

[@jimbaranski4687]

@@tinywoodstove what is the distance around the outside of the toilet on a horizontal plane?

[@tinywoodstove]

@@jimbaranski4687 There is no required distance around the toilet. The vent fan can be mounted on the bottom to vent through the floor so no additional space on the sides or back is required. You will need to ensure you have enough room in front to sit and use the restroom.

[@jimbaranski4687]

@@tinywoodstove you misunderstood me. I wanted the dimensions of the generic toilet you offer plans for. Height, Width, Length, perimeter, like the perimeter of a circle.

[@sandracox791]

Do you make these to sell?

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

We do! You can find our shop here: thronecompostingtoilet.com/ :) Let us know if you have any questions!

[@JasonEmanuel]

Wow, great design. I will have a look at your kit. Do you have any clever ideas to make the interior "water" proof for accidents? Our current composting toilets use milk jugs and they eventually split at the seems after about a month of use.

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

We recommend thicker plastic jugs, for example food storage containers. For spills we recommend either a big plastic box the jug is put in (to prevent accidents to go anywhere) or treating the wood with polyurethane or a FlexSeal kind of material.

[@ceeweedsl]

Absolutely you want to get the right jug, not make a toilet that works with poor jugs. There are plenty. You found the worst.

[@JasonEmanuel]

@@ceeweedsl thanks. This toilet i mentioned is a c-head so purchased vs built. Where do you find sturdy milk jugs? I can only find milk and distilled water jugs which are both pretty thin in my area

[@PablitoSroczynski]

Do you send to Poland? I wanted to order but it says I can't ship to my country.

[@BBHamsFreedom]

Do you make these for others?

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

We don't, but our Throne ready-to-use toilet is set to launch this year! You can sign up for news and updates here: thronecompostingtoilet.com/shop/kits/the-throne-composting-toilet/

[@kaysenapowell5250]

Do you make & ship to individuals & the vent system

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

We do! You can order our individual parts here: thronecompostingtoilet.com/ 🧻

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I plan on building one of your designs but with nails

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Sounds good, we'd love to see it! 😀 If you have pictures you'd like to share, send them over to [e-mail]🚽

[@PollyHistor]

Hello. Excellent video, I'm very grateful for the tutorial! I've been planning out a van conversion and the $1000+ compost toilets on the market are ridiculously overpriced. I also had thought about a 5 gal bucket and water jug; as I'm (Beastie Boys) crafty enough to build the rest to my own specs, but it is the "diverter" piece of the equation that has been my conundrum. Is that a specialty order part? Thanks in advance! 🖤

[@PollyHistor]

I should also inquire about the fan, as I hadn't thought about that aspect. Is that a custom item as well, or what kind of parts would I be looking for? Thank you! 😊

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Glad you enjoyed the video! We have the Diverter and Vent Kit available at thronecompostingtoilet.com/collections/shop

[@murraymadness4674]

@@thronecompostingtoilet I'd say $100 for the diverty smells like $1000 toilet prices...a couple funnels are what some people use for about $10..

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

@@murraymadness4674 Yes, and that's a great option for when budget is the main factor in your build! If you're looking for a balance between budget and functionality thought, the Throne diverter (and the Throne DIY parts) are the perfect products to get you off-grid, dump station independent and still inclined to invite your mother-in-law to use your toilet. 😁

[@remoteramblers]

Super helpful video! Can't wait to start ours, just got all the equipment in the mail today! Do you have an amazon link for the aluminum trim you mentioned?

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

We do! www.amazon.com/dp/B000N8EO3I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JK94VVZT3NFAKSJ7S4FE Can't wait to see what y'all come up with!

[@shespillscoffee]

@@thronecompostingtoilet the comments on Amazon indicate that this is not really bendable. Are you positive this is the same trim you used?

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

@@shespillscoffee Yes, that's the one we used 🧻

[@helenawinegar7902]

It's unavailable now...

[@helenawinegar7902]

​@@thronecompostingtoilet it's unavailable now.. any other suggestions?

[@bamahomestead6323]

This might be worth a shi**. I may have to give it a go! 😂

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Let us know if you have any questions we can help you with! :)

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I like this design I just wouldn't bother with a urine diverter, I woul add vent hose and computer fan and install it in my travel trailer after I removed the RV toilet

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Adding an urine diverter can increase the time between emptying the toilet by a lot, especially if you have several people use the toilet! ☺️💩

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I guess I could always buy a extra jug, cause I'd want to use a trashcan liner and full juz filled with urine.

[@johnv4217]

4:13 "I hate Phillips". Based

[@alanosborne1947]

Hey Nick,I've been following y'all for a couple of years now and I'm on your mailing list. I first contacted you about your Premium Throne you'll be offering for sale hopefully soon. In the mean time I downloaded your plans and I'm thinking of just going ahead and make my own toilet. One thing I noted in your build is you have the diverter sitting loosely on top of the framework. Wouldn't it be better to secure it under the top section that the toilet seat is attached to? Thanks for the video I'm a visual type of guy and it really helped me to see how you laId it out. NOW GET THAT Premium Throne BUILT AND RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC!! 😄😄😉😉

[@CindyHouck]

I see you didn't get an answer, Alan, that's too bad. We just built one using these plans. If I understand your question correctly, you're saying you'd have the diverter permanently mounted somehow. If you did that, then you wouldn't be able to easily remove it to empty the ickies. It needs to be loose for emptying the liquids almost daily and the solids every week or month. We did have a bit of trouble in that area, though, with the little tiny supports under the seat resting INsecurely on the diverter edges. We essentially routered out a place for the diverter to sit so it is flush with the wood that supports it.

[@alanosborne1947]

@@CindyHouck Thank You for replying I understand now!

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Sorry for not responding sooner but thanks for the feedback and question, Alan. Also, thanks Cindy for your response. We agree, having the diverter available to easily remove makes it is easier to both empty the containers and clean the diverter itself. Being able to do so was something we couldn't find in other options. Cindy has a great suggestion for "nesting" the diverter securely. And we're still working hard on the Premium, thanks for your patience.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Then there are people like me who are even cheaper. I use a shorter bucket that a camping toilet seat fits on so less chance of an accidental spill. I use a toilet waste bag that has a waste gel inside prefilled. When full, close it up and toss in trash.

[@ceeweedsl]

By cheaper, you mean, you spend money constantly on gel bags instead of DIY once. Makes sense for occasional use.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

@@ceeweedsl that was a long time ago. I now have a folding pottie lined with a compostible liner and use peat moss in it. I dig the deepest hole possible when camping and bury the bag and contents when breaking down camp. I'm always looking for something better.

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

Get the Free DIY Throne Plans here: thronecompostingtoilet.com/pages/free-diy-composting-toilet-plans

[@joareisvilanueva8147]

🌎🇧🇷👍🙌

[@jonrunningbear8206]

Ok you do not address the fact that all females don’t pee forward so the urine diverter in the front is a fail. Second the fan is needed to DRY the solids not for odor.

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

The fan is used to transport the air outside, which mainly helps with drying the contents, which helps with odor control 💨 And the great thing about the Throne urine diverter is the long R&D phase perfecting the design for all anatomies and sized (it's kids-friendly, too!). Feel free to try it before making a judgement😁🧻

[@jonrunningbear8206]

@@thronecompostingtoilet I have been building bus conversation and tiny houses for 41 years have already “tried” it ! your design will not work for all females adult or child. Not all woman has we forward in fact most woman don’t pee forward so the urine collection won’t work and you’ll end up with sewer and stink

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

@@jonrunningbear8206 The females in our R&D team, who are actually using the Throne diverter daily, disagree about your assessment 😉

[@PollyHistor]

Maybe get your gal a urine funnel. They sell specialty ones, but I've found a Dollar Store funnel and Nalgene bottle works efficiently for the meantime. Best of Luck!

[@catherineostrom7575]

As an elderly female, I tend to agree with not always peeing forward. I often have to wipe my butt cheeks afterwards.

[@robtheplod]

Nice loo.... its funny though as you need £5k of tools to make it!

[@thronecompostingtoilet]

You don't! That's the beauty of DIY composting toilets, they can be as simple or as sophisticated as you want it to be, and the same goes for the tools you're using to build them!

[@chuzzbot]

Switch to metric Dermerica

[@Gw0wvl]

Another youtuber who thinks hes a DJ