At CompoCloset, we’ve always believed that great toilet solutions should be practical, portable, and kind to the planet. For years, we’ve proudly championed composting toilets like the Cuddy and Cuddy Lite, helping vanlifers, tiny homers, boaters, and off-gridders manage their waste more sustainably.
But we also listened. We heard from customers who loved the idea of composting, but wanted something cleaner, easier, and more hands-off. That’s why we built the S1 Sealing Toilet—a solution that takes what people love about dry flush toilets and improves on it in all the right ways.
If you're weighing up composting vs. sealing, this guide is for you.
We're the only toilet company making both—so we’ve got a unique perspective to help you decide what fits your lifestyle.
A composting toilet separates solids and liquids, helping to dry and break down solid waste naturally. With the help of a composting medium (like coco coir), it reduces smell and makes disposal relatively easy.
Best for:
Full-time vanlifers or tiny homers
Eco-conscious users
Those okay with a bit of hands-on waste management
Pros:
Least frequent emptying of Solids
Lower ongoing cost
More environmentally friendly
Cons:
You need to empty solids manually
Requires a compost medium
Our Cuddy has a built-in agitator to help break down solids with ease, while the Cuddy Lite, a portable composting toilet, uses a simple layering method for a lighter, more flexible setup. If you want a classic composting experience, they’re both tried-and-true companions.
Learn more about what is a composting toilet here.
Sealing or "dry flush" toilets wrap waste in a hygienic film or bag after each use, locking away odors and making disposal more convenient. They’re great for people who want a more traditional bathroom experience—without the plumbing.
But many sealing toilets on the market are wasteful, require complex cartridges, and don’t separate urine from solids—leading to stink and short use times.
That’s where the S1 Sealing Toilet comes in.
Developed after listening to real feedback from portable toilet users, the S1 is our answer to the demand for a cleaner, more hygienic toilet that’s still portable and planet-conscious. It combines:
A battery-powered sealing system to wrap each use automatically
Urine diversion, just like Cuddy, to reduce smell and extend time between empties
A compact, sleek design that’s easy to use and easy to live with
Discover the S1 dry flush toilet
Best for:
People who value hygiene and convenience
Weekend campers, RVers, or those caring for others
Those who prefer a low-maintenance toilet
Pros:
No contact with solid waste
Minimal odor
Great for shared or short-term use
Cons:
Requires battery and refill bags
Higher ongoing cost
More frequent emptying of solids than Composting toilets
When choosing between composting and sealing toilets, it really comes down to what kind of experience you're looking for.
Composting toilets are all about independence, sustainability, and extended off-grid time. They need little to no power or chemicals, they’re low-cost over time, and they give you more control over your waste management. If you’re someone who wants to stay off-grid longer, leave a lighter footprint and doesn’t mind a bit of compost care, it’s an empowering and eco-friendly choice.
Sealing toilets, like our S1, are about simplicity and hygiene. With the push of a button, waste is sealed away, odors are gone, and you don’t have to see or smell a thing. It's perfect if you're short on time, space, or patience—or if you’re sharing your toilet with guests or family.
Both options avoid chemicals and water, and both are better for the planet than traditional systems. It's just a matter of what suits your life best.
|
Feature |
Composting Toilet (Cuddy) |
Sealing Toilet (S1) |
|
Power Needed |
Little to no power required |
Yes (Internal Li-ion battery for short trips) |
|
Odor Control |
Compost medium + airflow |
Sealed bags + urine diversion |
|
Waste Contact |
Some during emptying |
Minimal/none |
|
Maintenance |
Compost Medium refresh + empty bin |
Replace bag roll + empty bin |
|
Cost Over Time |
Lower |
Higher |
At CompoCloset, we don't believe one toilet fits all. That’s why we’ve built both.
If you’re already comfortable with managing your waste and love the sustainability of composting, and want to stay off-grid longer, the Cuddy or Cuddy Lite is perfect for you.
But if you’re looking for less smell, less effort, and a more hygienic experience—especially for guests, families, or short trips—the S1 might be exactly what you've been waiting for.
We made the S1 because we care about how people actually use their toilets. It's not about trends—it’s about real-world function, real feedback, and giving people better options.
Check out the S1 Kickstarter
Learn more about composting with the Cuddy
Explore the S1 dry flush toilet
Because no matter where you go, your toilet shouldn’t hold you back.
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Erica Pugh is Co-founder and Head of Marketing at CompoCloset.
She realised the necessity (for her) of having a toilet for travel and vanlife during multiple trips in the USA and Europe
When Richard asked if she wanted to help bring CompoCloset to life she was all in.
From the beginning Erica's goal for CompoCloset was to educate people on the benefits of composting toilets and to build a community of like minded portable toilet users. She now knows way too much about other people's bowel movements.
From Orcas Island, Washington she now lives in Vienna, Austria.
