Cost comparison: Cassette toilet to composting toilet
High time for a direct cost comparison between cassette toilets and composting toilets.
The most frequent counter-argument against the purchase of a composting toilet is the "high" acquisition costs. Time and again, the costs are cited as a knock-out criterion.
Of course, because most people already have the cassette toilet installed in their mobile vehicle and normally don't have to worry about buying a new one.
Unless the cassette toilet breaks down or dissatisfaction sets in. Why the change is worthwhile - 6 top reasons, you can also read here in this article:
Why the change from a cassette toilet to a composting toilet is worthwhile
Anticipated result:
Du sparst trotz Neuanschaffung Geld! Wie das geht, wie hoch die Einsparung ist und die Details klären wir nun hier in diesem Beitrag.
Key data calculation
We calculate the new purchase of the composting toilet over 1 year. The purchase price is therefore divided by 12 months. The figures used are approximate and average values from personal experience.
How many costs can a family of 3 save in a 14-day holiday by switching to a composting toilet? (Subsequent note - this is a cost example)
Changing to a cassette toilet is definitely worthwhile.
Acquisition
We have estimated the new purchase of a Trelino L composting toilet at EUR 699.
Total costs 14 days = 29.13 EUR
Since the cassette toilet does not usually have to be purchased new, there are of course no costs in this comparison.
Note: Nevertheless, the cassette toilet was originally paid for when the mobile vehicle was purchased.
Total costs 14 days = 0.00 EUR
Disposal intervals
The composting toilet has an 11ℓ solids tank. This lasts for 30-40 sessions.
Three people would probably empty it weekly, although the capacity would allow for longer collection. Disposal is via waste bins.
The urine container of 10 l volume lasts on average 2 days.
However, emptying it is not a major issue, as the options are more numerous, for example at the rest area or diluted into nature.
The cassette toilet, on the other hand, must be emptied every 2 days.
There is no getting around going to disposal stations here.
Accordingly, the family will empty their composting toilet 2 times and the cassette 7 times during their 14-day holiday.
P.S. Please inform yourself in advance, because different regulations apply depending on the region.
Running costs
Running costs are the costs that inevitably arise when using a portable toilet. This includes additives, disposal costs, litter and compostable waste bags.
Composting toilet
A composting toilet needs waste bags for easy disposal, compostable bags would be optimal.
In addition, some kind of litter is needed. For this cost comparison, we assume that compostable bags were purchased for 6.40 EUR a' 10 pcs.
Since the disposal takes place twice, 2 bags are needed, which cost 1.28 EUR in total. As a rule, there are free disposal options via waste bins everywhere.
Only in Germany is access to free rubbish bins somewhat limited.
In addition, small animal litter is needed to cover the solids. A 60 l package costs about 2.50 EUR. About 1 l is used per application. Accordingly, one application costs 0.04 EUR.
During a 2-week holiday, each family member goes to the toilet daily and uses 1 l of small animal litter. In total, 42 l of small animal litter are consumed in 14 days.
Total cost 14 days = 3,03 EUR
Cassette toilet
For a cassette toilet, the Aque Kem blue additive is needed. Certainly, an alternative can also be used. The costs then vary slightly.
One bottle contains 780 ml and costs 16.50 EUR. For one application 60 ml are needed.
Since the cassette is emptied every two days, Aqua Kem blue is also added every two days. Accordingly, one application with 60 ml costs - 1.27 EUR.
During a 14-day holiday, the additive is filled 7 times and this corresponds to 8.88 EUR in costs for the 14-day holiday.
In addition, there are the disposal costs for the cassette toilet. These vary greatly depending on the disposal station or campsite. On average, one disposal costs ≈ 4,- EUR.
Total cost 14 days = 36,88 EUR
TOTAL
Total expenditure
in 14 days holiday
for 3 persons
Composting toilet
Total expenditure 14 days = 32,16 EUR
Cassette toilet
Total cost 14 days = 36,88 EUR
Conclusion
This calculation example shows that changing from a cassette toilet to a composting toilet is already worthwhile for a 14-day holiday.
So the more often you travel, the more it pays to change your cassette toilet.
A composting toilet offers you numerous advantages. Disposal is much easier.
If you use a cassette toilet, you will not be able to avoid going to special disposal stations.
The urine container of your composting toilet can be disposed of in the toilet of a rest area or diluted in nature.
The bag of your solid waste container is disposed of in the rubbish bin. If you are travelling in Germany, you may have to pay a small fee for disposal, as there are hardly any free rubbish bins.
Abroad, you will usually find rubbish containers everywhere.
However, please check in advance with the respective municipality whether there are any regulations that contradict disposal in household waste.
You can find more information on how the composting toilet works here in our BLOG.