Nature's Head Self Contained Composting Toilet with Close Quarters Spider Handle Design

We originally intended to purchase just one Nature's Head Composting Toilet for our nonprofit NC mountain retreat property. Unfortunately, we experienced some communication challenges while trying to cancel an order through Amazon that appeared not to have gone through. Long story short, we ended up with two toilets instead of one.... and we're thankful!! Was meant to be in our opinion! As a small startup nonprofit, an unexpected extra $1,000 expense was definitely not in our budget. That said, after actually using the first Nature's Head during one of our FULL capacity restorative retreats, we quickly understood why so many people rave about them. The toilet performed flawlessly. No odors. No mess. No complicated setup or break down using a simple shower pop-up-tent for privacy. Our guests appreciated having a clean, comfortable, environmentally responsible option while several camped and all enjoyed nature-based wellness experiences. It was simple to use, easy to explain, and surprisingly user-friendly for people who had never encountered a composting toilet before. Because it worked so well, we've decided to keep the second unit rather than return it. It will now support our "HiKing to Heal" program, a progressive "couch-to-mountaintop" hiking initiative that helps individuals reconnect with themselves through nature, movement, community, and healing outdoor experiences. Easy to transport, set up, and break down. For anyone building tiny cabins, yurts, treehouses, canvas glamping tents, off-grid retreats, homesteads, mobile setups, or remote recreational properties (like we hope to do in the next 3-10 years), this product is worth serious consideration. The portability alone opens up countless possibilities. We're currently developing a sanctuary where trauma survivors can rediscover hope, resilience, and restoration through nature's therapy, mindful movement, nourishment of body and soul, and supportive community. As we grow, we anticipate adding sustainable lodging options throughout the property, and I have little doubt that additional Nature's Head units will become part of that future. The initial investment can feel significant, especially for small organizations and startups. But after seeing the reliability, convenience, portability, and overall quality firsthand, I can confidently say this is one of those purchases that earns its reputation. If you're on the fence, stay curious and do your research. We did—and despite our unexpected ordering adventure, we're grateful we now have two. Highly recommended.

I bought this Toilet system for my vintage Airstream that is parked as a farm dwelling in rural Montana. While it does take a few minutes of reading to understand the system, if you use it with care and pay attention to your output, it works very well. I found it easy to install. I was able to adapt a vent opening to connect the vent hose to the existing toilet exhaust in the Airstream. I trimmed the vent hose to fit nicely. I've got mine in a narrow space so it's not mounted to the floor--I have to pull it forward to release the side clips to empty the urine container and to slide off the solid waste collector. I've just placed a sturdy washable outdoor rubber mat under it and it doesn't slide or tip as the space is snug. Emptying the Urine Container is simple but you do have to empty often--every 2-3 days for 1 person using only this toilet. The solid waste is a bit trickier, but if you follow the directions and upend the solid bin collector into a bag as directed, it's straight forward. Although I could wait longer, I dump the bin every 4 weeks. I'm able to manage it with a bit of effort in the small bathroom space. I use coconut fiber as the composting material--I bought enough to fill a large covered bin which I store outside in all weather--just add the block to your fiber storage bin and add water as directed--when moistened break into pieces--it looks like nice clean brown fibrous material--just allow plenty of room for the coco fiber brick to expand. You can then scoop the coconut fiber into the toilet solid waste receptacle to the right level. When you're ready to empty the solid waste, do stretch the opening of a 13 gallon kitchen bag over the opening of the base tightly over the rim so that you can invert the base and empty the contents into the bag--I use a 13 gallon composting bag. Don't count on the waste to be fully composted when it comes out of the bin although it isn't smelly if you use the toilet as directed. You'll want to dispose of the waste in a responsible manner--further composting or approved disposal method. I dump mine into a fully contained disposal compost system used only for this waste--it will take a long time to fill my system since it contains only the solids from one toilet/one person. I intend to compost it for 2 full years before using it--and then around trees we've planted. So far, I've used the toilet for Fall and Winter use in a mostly heated space but I'll update the review after a full year. I've tried multiple systems for toilet waste--and am very happy with the comfort of the toilet, functionality, cleanliness and appearance. If the costs were less, I'd buy several for our farm--as it is, they're a bit of an investment although I'm very happy to have mine. Edit update. As of May 2022 I’m still completely happy with the toilet and it is still functioning as intended.

I purchased the Natures Head Composting toilet through Amazon because my husband gave me a $1000 Amazon gift card for it. Had he not given me the gift card, I would have gone directly through the company. Later I contacted the company to purchase a vent and discuss a few questions I had. The gentleman who answered the phone was absolutely fabulous. I determined I probably won't need to vent my toilet because I use it only on weekends. I was so nervous to use and clean this toilet, but my fears were completely unfounded. I put this toilet next to my own household bathroom toilet and preferred the composting one! It was so nice not flushing constantly and wasting all that water. Because I work and am not always home, it took about 5 days to fill the urine container. Once filled I dumped, then flushed twice. I did use a little water to rinse the container out before re-installing. There was a strong odor, but it passed quickly. Later I watched a video where the person said to add about 1/4 cup of plain white sugar to the urine container after dumping it. the next time you go to dump, there is a marked difference in the smell - not nearly as strong when sugar is used. It took me about 2 weeks to be brave enough to poo in it and I was nervous!. Everything was perfectly fine and it was about 3 months before it was a little hard to turn the spider handle, which means it was time to clean the poo part out. That was non-eventful - perfectly fine! I did use rubber gloves. Nothing got on my gloves, but I am glad for the security of knowing I had them on. Those are now my toilet gloves and used only for that job. I camped all summer and never had any issues with the toilet at all - no smell in my little camper bus. I am certain this will remain one of my best purchases for camping. I can't even imagine dumping a black tank. gag me! When I dumped the poo container it smelled like dirt. I can handle dirt smell. severe black tank smell would make me vomit. I'm really sold on this toilet and think it's a smart idea for saving water.

We bought our Natures Head on May 29, 2014 and it has been in nearly continuous use by two people since that time. In the last four years we have damaged the original spider handle, required a replacement set of anchor knobs and a new fan. Each time that I contacted Larry at Natures Head and asked to pay for replacements he insisted on sending them out to me free of charge... YIKES... When does a company do this? This puts them at the top of my list of companies devoted to consumer satisfaction. BUILT LIKE A TANK: I like to use a bamboo toilet paper that composts quickly. My wife uses Charmin. The Charmin (depending on the quantity used per session) can really bind the turning process. As a result I may really crank down on the handles just to get it to start turning. THE GOOD NEWS here is that once it's started and made a quarter turn or so you just need to wait a few hours and it composts and turns quite freely. WHAT AMAZES ME is that I really crank hard and this toilet takes the abuse. 1/2 STAR OFF FOR THE FAN: I try to completely clean the toilet at least every 9 to 12 months. This requires taking it outside and pressure washing it. In order to do this you need to take the fan off. This requires a bit of time and a screw driver. I would prefer the fan unit be incorporated in the vent tube or at least have a quick release that does not require the use of tools. Also the fan screen can become clogged with compost which requires a complete disassembly to properly clean it. As I said, this is nit picking and is a nuisance but not a show stopper. THE NITTY GRITTY PESTS: The only issue we have found is using compost starters (Coconut Coir) that have been infected with either red spider mites or fruit flys. ARGH! When you wake up to tiny creepy crawlies on the toilet it can be disturbing to say the least. These little buggers can bite so solving this was a priority. 1. Clean the toilet thoroughly (pressure wash). 3. Get rid of the offending bag of compost. 3. Add a cup of diatomaceous earth (Home Depot or Lowes) to every new load of starter compost for at least a month after. FINAL THOUGHTS: If you don't mind the occasional incursion by pests (No fault of Natures Head) and don't mind an occasional upper body workout encouraged by a session where a large load of standard toilet paper was required then get Natures Head. We love it and don't regret replacing the original water toilet.

7-18-15 EDIT - 5 stars for customer service - Richard has provided outstanding customer service and I would recommend purchasing from Composting Toilets USA for this reason alone. My review is of the product and how it has worked (or not worked) for me, not of this vendor. I would prefer to give this 3.5 stars, but option isn't available. 3 stars = "it's ok" 4 stars = "I like it" I am somewhere in between. To account for the vendor's fantastic customer service I am rounding up. There seems to be some issues I am having that may be unique to me. I have installed this in an off grid cabin. I like the toilet, but agree the numerous other reviews I read that it is more costly than it should be for what it is, which is a glorified container for waste. The whole unit is molded plastic, making it lightweight which is nice. You must secure the unit by screwing it to the floor, or if on a hard surface attach it to a piece of wood. I had to do the latter which raise the toilet 3/4 of an inch. I'm already vertically challenged so this makes the toilet a little high for me and somewhat uncomfortable if I need to be there for any length of time. (I am 5'4" incidentally). The vent fan that comes with it is nothing to be excited about. No biggie, I am using it vent free (7-18-15 See update below) and seem to have no problems with odors. I do smell a slight mustiness but nothing gross. The biggest drawback to me is the separation design. If you read the manual it states that you can operate the unit with the solids bin flap open or closed regardless of intended use and solids and fluids will still be properly diverted. This has not been the case for me. I have to sit forward to make sure liquids go into the proper container, then shift back for solids to hit their mark if I leave the flap open. Otherwise I have to carefully control myself and do "one thing at a time." Perhaps this is again due to my smaller body size, I don't know. I realize a composting toilet requires some work and that's fine. I am disappointed that I have to pay so much attention to exactly where I sit for what I have to do. My solids chamber has become quite wet recently and I'm suspecting that it is due to the humidity in the air. We had a good rain the other day and that's when I noticed how wet it had become. There was no in the bin so I don't believe urine was getting in. (7-18-15 please read update below) Be cautious when turning your handle. If you do so too vigorously it will splash the contents around and when it comes time to empty it is much more messy as you have particles on the top half that you remove and they will drop off on the floor when you remove it. When emptying the liquids container expect some drippage from the top section. Have a little toilet paper handy to wipe it and the bottle top as well as where the bottle connects. I do like the compact design and ease of wiping down the exterior. It meets my needs and I'm glad to have purchased it. I do wish a few things worked a little more like they should for me. 7-18-15 I am updating my review as I have been using it for a while now. A comment about the "Splashing around" what I meant by this is that the contents are moist and when the unit is first put in use and you rotate the handle it turns quite easily. I was expecting more resistance and when I didn't, I spun the handle a bit too quickly and the solids got flung around inside the chamber sticking to the sides and top. So go slowly when rotating. With regards to the not using the fan. Long prior to purchasing this unit I did a lot of research. I was pretty sure this was the direction I wanted to go but contacted the manufacturer first. I had a good conversation and was informed that for limited use the fan would not be needed. That was the clincher for me as my cabin is off grid without power. I learned that the fan is necessary, regardless. This has been a big disappointment. Providing power is an additional cost. I ended up purchasing a solar vent cap (inexpensive) on Amazon and it only runs during the day, but works in low light...(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004UQV3II?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00) So far so good. If you want it to run day and night (off grid) you are going to need to do one of two things (or other options I'm not aware of) 1. Purchase a solar vent cap that has batteries that charge during the day to run it at night ($150-$175) or 2. purchase a deep cycle battery and a solar panel to charge it (in all costing over $100) to connect to the installed vent fan. Also, you will likely need to purchase some pvc pipe for the venting.

First off I cannot say enough for the customer service we've received from Nature's Head. Michael in technical support is incredibly helpful, and one of the most genuinely good people to work with. He has helped us with fan issues, and venting questions, and always returns calls promptly. My wife and I bought this toilet for a van life conversion, and installed it in our bathroom. We use coconut noir and this toilet is working great for us. The one thing worth mentioning is when we first got it when didn't realize there are two positions the flap closing handle can rest at. When you just give it a light flip up it doesn't quite close all the way because there's a little bit of friction that comes into play as it seals against the bottom of the bowl, so we had some slight issues with the urine diverting feature. However, we found that if you pull on that handle a little more it will shift into a completely closed position, and the urine diversion works perfectly. With this knowledge, and the vent in place, it truly has no smell-as advertised. The urine tank is easy to empty, and a simple rinse out with water each day or two helps prevent smell build-up. The composting area for feces works well, and is easy to clean out. Simply remove the seat and dump the contents in a garbage bag to either dispose of or fertilize with. Also, this toilet is sturdy. I accidentally ran over it with my van after forgetting I had left it in front of it, and it still works perfectly! This toilet is so tough you can run over it, and it will still hold sh**. I would recommend this toilet to anyone!

It works well but has some annoying design flaws. 1. You can’t remove the liquid container without flipping the whole thing open. Not a dealbreaker, but it would be nice. 2. The liquid container is a little too opaque making it at times difficult to tell when it is full. Especially in a low light environment. 3. The interior cavity has too many nooks making cleaning more difficult than it should be. 4. The set screw to hold the handle on isn’t great. I have ad to replace it and ended up altering the metal to make it more durable. 5. It needs handles. For all the molded plastic adding hand holds or a spot to connect handles would be great addition. When it is ready to be emptied it is awkward to carry. Other than these things, it is a great composter. Minimal odor, especially with the fan, and has served a two person cabin very well. If it were cheaper, I wouldn’t be so bothered. For this price, these annoying details become serious flaws.

Quality item, feels well built and is intuitive to use. Easy installation. It's a pain to empty the main compartment and disassemble the whole thing but it's been problem free a year later.

This was one of my favourite purchases in a long time! I'm excited any time I get to use it. It gives me freedom from having to use water for the bathroom.

Das Teil hat jetzt 2 x 4 Wochen Skandinavien hinter sich + einige Kurzurlaube in Deutschland, den Lüfter habe ich immer noch nicht angeschlossen, bisher keine Geruchsbelästigung vorhanden, Funktion und Stabilität immer noch unverändert gut. Wie es bei einer Außentemperatur größer 25°C mit den Gerüchen ist kann ich noch nicht beurteilen.

Für unsere Zwecke das beste, was wir tun konnten!!

Had our Natures Head nearly a year now, not the cheapest on the market, but there's a reason for that; it's a well made piece of kit, well designed and customer service is exceptional. Unless you have a fairly arrid climate a fan is a must. Easy to install and maintain.

This toilet works as well as promised. It is easy to use and is odour free. Assistance regarding a power supply for the vent fan was easy to a access and Brian was very kind and prompt. Thanks.