CRAFTY GATHERER | COMPOST TOILET

Built from untreated plywood with stainless steel hinges and screws, the toilet comes as a flat pack for easy assembly. We’ve made sure the toilet is sealed to keep flies out and designed the seat to be extra wide for those who prefer to squat — a small feature with big ergonomic benefits. Each kit also comes with instructions and a Compost Loo How-To Poster.

Versatile setup
This system is designed to work with a 20L bucket — but it also works well with a wheelie bin compost system. Simply empty your full 20l buckets into a larger bin for longer-term composting and safe breakdown of humanure.

Why a compost loo?
Every flush of a conventional toilet wastes around 10L of clean, drinkable water. Composting loos save water and allow you to return nutrients to the earth — creating a closed-loop system: grow food, eat it, compost the waste, and feed the soil again. It’s simple, effective, and a great way to build resilience and reduce waste.

What’s included:
All wooden parts, stainless steel hinges, and screws.
We recommend: Sealing with tung oil, linseed oil or a natural paint for durability and easy cleaning.

The system is low-maintenance: do your business, cover with sawdust, and close the lid. When full, swap the bucket and compost the contents. No urine separation needed (though optional), and surprisingly — no smell either.

Designed for use with 20L buckets (not included). You can easily source these from Mitre 10, Bunnings, or even local cafés and bakeries.

Q: How do I compost the waste safely?
A: We recommend collecting full buckets to compost in a larger compost system. Once you’ve built up a decent amount of buckets, allow it to compost in a well-managed heap that reaches thermophilic temperatures (55°C+) to kill off any pathogens. Always follow safe composting practices if you plan to use the finished compost on food crops.

Width: 600mm
Height: 440mm
Depth: 550mm

Seal for longevity:
Before use, we recommend sealing all wooden parts with tung oil, linseed oil, or a natural paint. This helps protect the wood from moisture and makes it easier to wipe clean.

Keep it dry:
Wipe down surfaces regularly to keep them dry and clean, especially around the bucket area. Moisture can affect the timber over time if left unmanaged.

Clean regularly:
Use a damp cloth and mild, natural cleaner (like vinegar or castile soap) to wipe surfaces. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that could damage the wood or affect your composting process.

Swap and empty buckets often:
When the bucket is full, seal with a lid and take it to your composting area. Replace with a clean bucket straight away to keep things tidy and smell-free.

Ventilate the area:
Good airflow helps reduce moisture and keeps things fresh. If using in a small space like a van or cabin, a vent or small fan is a great addition.

Check your composting site:
Make sure your compost heap or bin is working well — it should heat up and break things down over time. Stirring and layering with carbon (sawdust, wood chips, straw) helps.

With a little care, this toilet will last many years and make your composting journey simple and satisfying.