How Composting Toilets Empower Women

It's no secret that women and men have different needs when it comes to going to the bathroom. Our bodies are different, holes are in different places, and some of us can aim better than others... although I can't say that gender contributes to that based on some public restrooms I've seen... ;-)

I remember cross-country skiing with my dad as a little girl and being so irritated when Dad would have to go pee and simply glide up to a tree, unzipp his ski pants, and be done in 30 seconds. I, on the other hand, had to go find a snow-covered bush to hide behind, take off my gloves and coat, unbuckle my snow bibs, roll down multiple layers of clothing, and squat with hopes I'd keep my balance and not pee on my ski boots.

But I digress...

In this article, I'll share how composting toilets are the best toilet option for women and how they can empower us in many different lifestyles.

Why Women Should Choose a Composting Toilet

First off, composting toilets are a great option for everyone, but there are also some additional perks of using one as a woman. 

I might be biased because I’ve used various forms of composting toilets throughout my entire life, but here are the things I’ve found empowering as a woman because I use a composting toilet: 

1. Independence. Having a toilet that is truly self-contained is a game changer. This is especially true when traveling in an RV, campervan, or boat. Not having to deal with dump stations and not having parts on a traditional toilet system that can break is a huge stress relief. 
2. Privacy. Unlike men, women can’t just walk a few steps away and relieve themselves whenever they want. Having a place to use the bathroom in privacy without worrying about someone walking up on you while squatting behind a rock is priceless. 
3. Safety. You might not think of a composting toilet as a safety measure, but having a self-contained, easily accessible toilet truly brings me peace of mind. This is especially true as a solo female traveler. 
4. Sanitation. Public restrooms suck, and now more than ever, we should be aware of sanitation. Again, a man can use a public restroom to pee without touching anything (except the faucet to wash his hands, hopefully…). This isn't as easy for women. And those thin little paper butt gaskets certainly don’t give me peace of mind. 
5. Sustainability. Whether you’re single, partnered, traveling full-time, or have deep-planted roots, women are always in search of sustainable methods to improve their quality of life, as well as eco-friendly solutions to help save our planet. 

Although any composting toilet can provide these securities, when I did my research, I quickly discovered that not all composting toilets are created equal. I spent literally months reading articles, asking questions on forums, and talking to other solo female travelers about their experiences with composting toilets. 

I chose CompoCloset’s Cuddy because it literally checked every box on my list. It is easy to install in a small space, designed with a woman’s anatomy in mind, easy to empty and clean, has a large capacity for a solo traveler, and—you’ve got to admit—it’s pretty darn cute! 

Composting Toilets vs. the Female Body

A big question I’ve heard from women is about using a composting toilet with a woman’s anatomy. Male and female bodies are different, and we ladies can have a bit of a challenge when it comes to aim, but don't let that discourage you from using a composting toilet!

Why all this talk about aim? Many composting toilets have a urine diverter. This is what keeps your composting toilet from smelling since sewage is formed when urine and solids (poo) mix together. So, solids go in one container and get mixed with an organic substance like coco coir, and urine gets diverted into another container. Voila! An eco-friendly toilet method with no sewage smell, no chemicals, and the beginning stages of healthy compost.

So how do you make sure your pee and poo go to their respective bins? Separating liquids from solids isn't as easy with a female body.

Here are some tips on how to ensure your aim is accurate:

1. Practice makes perfect. Yep, just like everything else, every woman's body is slightly different, so don't be afraid just to try it out and see what works. The worst that will happen is you'll miss, take note, and try again next time.
2. Squat. That's right, ladies. Squatting is not only the most natural way for us to "go," but it's also great for our pelvic floor. Squatting encourages us to aim more forward when we pee, thus helping us hit that urine diverter.
3. Lean back. I get it; we can't all be squatters... if you prefer to relax as you relieve yourself, just lean back slightly to help things flow in the right direction.
4. Get the right composting toilet. It seems like a no-brainer, right? But seriously, read reviews and ask around. You'll quickly learn that women have opinions about the composting toilets they've used and that some models are not as women-friendly as others.
5. Don't panic. It's okay if you miss it occasionally! Just add a little more organic matter and empty your solids bin a little sooner.

Did you know that CompoCloset’s Cuddy Composting Toilet has a urine-diverting solids cover, so even if you "miss," liquids still get diverted into the liquids bin! There's even an LED light that signals when it's time to empty the liquids bin, so you don't have to worry about the dreaded overflow.

Tips on Selecting a Woman-Friendly Composting Toilet

What works for one woman might not work for another, so take your time when considering your composting toilet options. Here are some things to consider when selecting your throne:

1. What type of home will it be in? Are you putting it in a tiny house or a traditional home? Are you replacing your RV toilet or the toilet in your boat with a composting toilet? Are you building out a campervan and want a composting toilet included? Location will help you determine the size, style, and functionality you need.
2. How is it designed? Not all composting toilets are designed the same. From seat design to urine diversion to the opening for solids, one body type might not be as comfortable on one as another. Consider a woman’s body anatomy when selecting your composting toilet (duh, that’s what this whole article is about!).
3. How much space do you have? Regardless of the type of home you're putting your composting toilet in, if you have limited space, you'll need to find one that fits. Cuddy is perfect for a compact space since it's a mere 16.3"h x 15.1 "w x16.8"d and only 21 lbs empty!
4. Is it easy to empty and clean? Having an eco-friendly toilet shouldn't create more work for you. Consider how the composting toilet is emptied, the parts it has, and the process entailed in cleaning it. Cuddy's liquids bin and solids bin can be removed in seconds without having to dismantle any other part of the toilet. 
5. How much does it weigh? This might seem like an odd consideration, but especially if you’re a solo traveler, it might be more difficult to empty a composting toilet with a heavier design. 
6. How many people are using it? Obviously, the more people using your composting toilet, the quicker it will fill up and need to be emptied. 

Using a Composting Toilet While on Your Period

Aunt Flo visiting? No sweat! Composting toilets are period-friendly. The main thing to remember is that you shouldn’t throw tampons or sanitary napkins into the solids bin. I personally use a separate, small airtight container with a biodegradable bag next to the composting toilet to put toilet paper, wipes, and period products in. Then I just toss it with my regular garbage. 

If you use a cup, blood can go into the solids bin without any ramifications. You’ll just want to add a little extra organic matter to your solids bin, and you may need to empty your bin sooner than usual if you notice excessive moisture buildup. 

If blood gets on the urine diverter, just wipe it up! I keep a spray bottle with a vinegar solution (a natural disinfectant) and spray it on the seat and urine diverter as needed to keep things fresh and clean. 

You can learn more about maintaining your composting toilet here. 

Which Composting Toilet is Best for Women? 

Now that you’re excited to try a composting toilet, which one is best for women? Well, that answer may be different depending on your needs. 

Once you’ve determined your needs from the list previously in this article, do some research, ask your friends, join a forum to see what folks are saying, and then make your choice!

I’ll save you a little time and share some of the benefits I found with Cuddy after using it for over a year on the road full-time: 

1. It’s compact and square, and the lid opens flat against the wall, so it fits literally anywhere you have an open spot. I was able to drop it right into one of my benches and just lift the bench seat to use it!
2. Venting is optional. This was a must for me since I didn’t want to drill new holes in my van. I found the internal fan and carbon filter worked great, and I never had any smell in my campervan.
3. It’s easy to empty. You literally just open the lid, lift the seat, and pull out the liquids or solids bin to empty. No disassembly required!
4. It’s comfortable. I found the seat to be super comfy as far as toilet seats go. 
5. CompoCloset has outstanding customer service. Sure, you might think I’m biased, but I actually got my Cuddy well before I met the Compo Crew. I had questions right off the bat, and the owner himself walked me through things 1:1 via Facetime. Seriously, who does that??  

Composting Toilets: What’s Your Experience as a Woman?

Composting toilets are a sustainable, low-waste alternative to traditional toilets. They are self-contained and user-friendly, helping women feel empowered to travel, live off-grid, build simpler tiny homes, and be environmentally conscious no matter their lifestyle. 

Have you had experience using a composting toilet as a woman? We want to hear your experience! What worked for you? What do you wish was different? Let us know in the comments below.