At CompoCloset, we know that when it comes to off-grid or portable living, your toilet choice can make or break your experience. Whether you’re living full-time in a van, spending weekends off-grid, or just want a bathroom solution that doesn’t involve plumbing or chemicals, a sealing toilet might be exactly what you’re looking for.
But how does a sealing toilet compare to a composting toilet? And which one is better for your lifestyle?
We make both, so we’re here to give you an honest, no-fluff breakdown to help you decide.
What is a Sealing Toilet?
A sealing toilet, sometimes known as a dry flush toilet, is a self-contained toilet that automatically seals each use in a hygienic film or bag. This locks away odors and waste without the need for water, chemicals, or manual handling of solids.
Unlike many traditional sealing toilet models, our S1 Dry Flush Sealing Toilet also separates liquids from solids, which helps reduce odors, extend use time, and improve hygiene.
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 seal each #2 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
Many other sealing toilets on the market are wasteful, require complex cartridges, and don’t separate urine from solids leading to stink and short use times.
Best for:
- Weekend campers, RVers, and boaters
- People who prioritize cleanliness and convenience
- Families, caregivers, and shared toilet use
- Everyone, really!
Pros:
- No direct contact with solids
- Odorless
- Push-button simplicity
Cons:
- Requires battery power and sealing bag refills
- Higher long-term cost than composting toilets
- Needs more frequent emptying for solids
Composting vs. Sealing Toilet
So, what is a composting toilet system?
It’s a sustainable toilet system that separates solids and liquids, helping to dry and break down solid waste naturally. With the help of a composting medium (like coco coir), and urine diversion, it reduces smell and makes disposal relatively easy.
Best for:
- Full-time van lifers or tiny homers
- Eco-conscious users
- Those okay with a bit of hands-on waste management
Pros:
- Less frequent emptying of solids
- Lower ongoing cost
- More environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Requires organic matter to add to solids bin after each use
- Slight learning curve to understand how composting toilets work
So... Is a Composting or Sealing Toilet Right For You?
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 |
|
Best For |
Long-Term off-grid living, sustainability |
Short trips, shared use, hygiene-focused |
Why Choose a Sealing Toilet?
If you want a toilet that:
- Works with the push of a button
- Keeps things clean, sealed, and smell-free
- Feels more like a traditional bathroom experience
…then a sealing toilet like the S1 is your perfect match.
It’s great for short adventures, shared spaces, or just simplifying your life. And because it separates liquids from solids, it avoids many of the issues common with older dry flush toilets.
Why We Made the S1 Sealing Toilet
Let’s be honest—most sealing toilets on the market don’t cut it. They’re bulky, smelly, or require complicated cartridges. So we built the S1 to be better:
- Automatic, hygienic sealing
- Smart separation of liquids and solids
- Compact, modern design
It’s the sealing toilet people were actually asking for, and the one you’ll actually want to use.
Our Take
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.
Because no matter where you go, your toilet shouldn’t hold you back.
