13/05/2026
🌿 How Our Off-Grid Compost Toilet Works 🌿
One of the questions we get asked most at Saltmarsh Shepherd Huts is about the compost toilet — especially whether it smells. The simple answer is… no, it doesn’t!
Our compost toilet is designed to be clean, simple to use, and environmentally friendly. Instead of using large amounts of water like a standard flushing toilet, it works naturally by separating waste and covering it with sawdust after each use. The sawdust helps absorb moisture, reduce odours, and start the natural composting process.
Using a compost toilet saves a huge amount of water compared to traditional toilets, making it a much more sustainable option for off-grid living. It also reduces the need for chemical waste systems and allows us to keep the hut simple and low impact on the surrounding countryside.
The toilet itself is very straightforward to use:
1️⃣ Do your business
2️⃣ Use toilet roll only
3️⃣ Add one small scoop of sawdust down the chute
4️⃣ Close the lid
That’s it.
The combination of sawdust, ventilation, and keeping the lid closed means the toilet stays fresh and odour-free. Most guests are surprised by how normal and easy it feels to use.
Off-grid living is all about simplifying things, reducing waste, and living a little closer to nature — while still being comfortable and practical.
If the toilet becomes nearly full during your stay, just let us know and we’ll empty it for you.
