A waterless toilet can be a practical solution for cabins, bunkies, tiny homes and off-grid properties where installing a septic system is too expensive or impractical.
However, many composting toilets come with their own challenges. Some require peat moss or coco coir, while others use urine bottles that must be emptied frequently. Larger systems may also need regular mixing, moisture management and cleaning.
The Thinktank takes a different approach. It’s a waterless, urine-diverting toilet that sends urine into a separate drain while solid waste drops into a ventilated, bag-lined container. Rather than composting waste inside the bathroom, the system is designed to simplify waste separation, odour control and removal.
1. Better Indoor Odour Control
Most waterless toilets use a fan to pull air from the bathroom, through the toilet and outside. This can remove heated or air-conditioned air from the building, and other exhaust fans may interfere with the airflow.
The Thinktank uses its own outdoor air intake and exhaust vent. Outside air passes through the solids compartment before being vented outdoors. Because the toilet is nearly airtight during normal use, odours are less likely to enter the bathroom if the fan is temporarily switched off or the power goes out.
The exterior exhaust must still be positioned carefully. Thinktank recommends placing it at least 7 to 10 feet away from windows, walkways and gathering areas.
2. No Urine Bottle or Regular Mixing
Portable composting toilets often collect urine in a removable bottle that must be emptied and cleaned regularly.
The Thinktank connects to a permanent one-inch urine drain instead. Urine flows directly to an approved tank, drainage system or disposal area.
The solids compartment doesn’t normally require peat moss, coco coir or sawdust, and there’s no crank or powered agitator to operate. Toilet paper can also go directly into the container.
For proper drainage, the urine line should maintain a continuous downward slope of approximately one-quarter inch per foot. Cleaning it regularly with water and vinegar or a liquid enzyme cleaner can help prevent urine-salt buildup.
3. Less Mess and Easier Cleaning
Instead of a conventional toilet bowl, the Thinktank uses a large vertical chute that allows solid waste to fall directly into the container below. This reduces contact with the sides and makes the toilet easier to clean.
A trap door covers the solids container when it isn’t in use and only needs to be opened during a bowel movement.
If the chute needs cleaning, it can be sprayed with a small amount of water and wiped with a paper towel. The paper towel can then be dropped into the solids container.
Men can also stand while urinating as long as the trap door remains closed. Many other urine-diverting toilets require everyone to sit to keep urine out of the solids compartment.
4. High Capacity Without an Agitator
The solids container holds approximately 40 to 60 solid uses, depending on toilet-paper use and how much drying time there is between visits.
Each time the trap door opens, the container rotates slightly. This spreads the waste around instead of allowing it to build up directly beneath the opening. Continuous airflow helps dry and shrink the contents, making better use of the available space.
When the container is full, the toilet opens from the top so the bag-lined container can be covered and removed as one unit. Thinktank recommends removing the entire container rather than lifting the bag alone, since a full bag could tear.
5. Designed for Permanent Off-Grid Installations
The Thinktank is well suited to permanent installations in cabins, bunkies, workshops, cottages and off-grid homes.
Its fan uses approximately one watt and can run from a standard 120-volt outlet or a 12-volt power source. The fan is accessible for cleaning and can be replaced with basic tools.
The toilet is made from rotationally moulded plastic with marine-grade stainless-steel hardware and is rated to support more than 350 pounds.
For cold-weather use, an adjustable comfort damper can temporarily reduce the amount of cold air moving through the toilet. It should be reopened after each use so the contents can continue to dry.
The toilet isn’t marketed as insulated or freeze-proof. In harsh winter conditions, the urine line may require insulation, heat cable or a drainage location below the frost line.
Is the Thinktank Right for You?
The Thinktank won’t suit every space. A compact Nature’s Head, OGO or Air Head may be easier to install in a van or boat, while a Sun-Mar may be preferable for anyone looking for an in-unit composting process.
For a permanent cabin, bunkie or off-grid bathroom, however, the Thinktank offers a practical alternative with less day-to-day maintenance. It’s made in Canada and designed with the realities of remote and off-grid living in mind.
Ready to simplify your off-grid bathroom? Explore the Thinktank Waterless Toilet, review the installation requirements or contact Canadian Off Grid to find out if it’s right for your property.