Electrical Incinerating Toilets

Incinerating toilets are self-contained units typically consisting of a traditional commode-style seat connected to a holding tank. The holding tank utilizes a gas-fired or electric heating system to incinerate the waste being deposited into the holding tank. A great perk of these units is that they do not require water, which can be ideal for remote locations. When properly maintained and functioning, these units produce a fine, sterile ash that can easily be disposed of with other trash. However, the incineration process also destroys the nutrient content, so the ash cannot be used as fertilizer.

In addition to their ease of use in remote locations, these incinerating toilets also have other perks, (1) they are relatively odorless compared to typical portable toilets, (2) They can also be used in unheated buildings, although the US EPA recommends that the propane tank be sheltered from severe winter conditions if propane is used. Other considerations are:

• Incinerating toilets need to be operated after every use.
• Operating costs for these products vary widely, as they depend on the electric or propane usage (where expenses may vary per region).

If you are considering using an incinerating toilet, check with your local public health authority to determine the installation and use requirements. Some authorities may require certification of NSF Protocol P157: Health and Sanitation of Electrical Incinerating Toilets.