Biolan Simplett Composting Toilet Review: Real-World Performance for Cottages and Off-Grid Homes

Key Summary

The Biolan Simplett is a compact, waterless composting toilet that uses urine diversion and passive ventilation to reduce odors and moisture. It suits cottages, cabins, and off-grid or seasonal homes with light to moderate use, as long as owners are comfortable with hands-on maintenance and managing organic waste responsibly.

TL;DR

• Biolan Simplett is a waterless, urine-diverting toilet that separates liquids and solids to support on-site composting and reduce odor.
• Best suited for cottages, cabins, and off-grid homes with low to moderate use rather than full-time, high-traffic households.
• Requires a vertical vent pipe and proper installation to keep odors low and moisture moving out of the toilet chamber.
• Users must regularly empty the solids container, manage urine disposal or collection, and add bulking material for effective composting.
• Performs reliably in many cottage and cabin settings but has practical limits in very cold climates, high-use situations, and locations without good vent routing.
• A good fit for owners prioritizing low water use and reduced environmental impact who are comfortable with a more active role in toilet maintenance.

Product Introduction

If you are planning a new cottage, renovating a rustic cabin, or finishing an off-grid bunkie, a full flush toilet and septic system may be more than you need or want to pay for. The Biolan Simplett composting toilet offers a compact, waterless alternative that can be installed in small spaces with basic tools and a vertical vent. Before you place one in your bathroom design or bunkie layout, it is important to understand how it works in day-to-day use, what ongoing maintenance it requires, and whether its capacity and performance match your family’s or guests’ habits.

What Is the Biolan Simplett Composting Toilet?

The Biolan Simplett (model 70570210) is a dry, waterless toilet that combines urine diversion and on-site composting of solid waste. Instead of flushing with water to a septic or sewer system, the Simplett collects solids in a removable container and routes urine separately to reduce moisture and odor in the solids chamber. A vertical vent pipe moves air upward and out of the building, helping to control smells and support drying and composting processes.

• Waterless design: no flush water use, making it suitable for off-grid and low-water sites.
• Urine-diverting bowl: front portion of the bowl channels liquids away from solids to reduce moisture and smell.
• Integrated solids container: a removable bin housed under the seat collects solid waste and bulking material.
• Passive ventilation: a vent pipe (typically routed through the roof or an exterior wall and above the eaves) removes moist air and odors.
• Compact housing: the toilet body is sized for smaller bathrooms, bunkies, and cottage additions.

This approach is designed to minimize water demand and reduce the load on septic systems or eliminate them entirely in some low-use, code-compliant situations. However, it also shifts more responsibility for waste handling and system performance onto the owner or caretaker.

How the Biolan Simplett Operates as a Waterless Toilet

The core of the Simplett’s design is its separation of liquids and solids, supported by adequate ventilation and the addition of dry, carbon-rich bulking materials. Together, these features aim to reduce odors, lower moisture levels, and create conditions that can support composting after the waste leaves the toilet housing.

Urine Diversion: Separating Liquids from Solids

At the front of the Simplett bowl, a molded channel captures urine and other liquids. These liquids are directed through a hose to a separate container or drain line, depending on your installation and local regulations. The goal is to keep most of the moisture out of the solids container so that the material inside stays drier and less prone to strong odors.

• Users must sit or stand close enough to the front of the bowl for effective urine capture, which can require some user education and clear instructions for guests.
• A separate urine container requires periodic emptying or a drain route to a suitable treatment or dispersal system, such as a small leach field or greywater system, where local codes allow.
• If urine regularly misses the front section or the diversion path, moisture can increase in the solids container, potentially leading to more frequent emptying and more odor.

For households willing to coach guests and family members on proper use, urine diversion can work reliably. In short-stay rentals or where many different users cycle through, consistent urine separation may be more challenging and affect overall performance.

Solids Handling and Bulking Material

Solid waste and toilet paper drop into the Simplett’s internal container underneath the seat. To support drying and composting, operators add a carbon-rich bulking material such as peat, sawdust, wood shavings, or a blend formulated for composting toilets. After bowel movements, a scoop or handful of this material is generally sprinkled into the container.

• Bulking material absorbs residual moisture and provides air pockets, improving aeration in the container.
• Carbon-to-nitrogen balance improves, supporting composting once the material is transferred to a separate compost bin or finishing system.
• The visual appearance of the toilet contents is quickly covered by bulking material, which many users find more acceptable.

The Simplett does not fully compost waste to a finished, garden-ready state inside the toilet body. Instead, it acts as a first-stage collection and partial decomposition chamber. Final composting and pathogen reduction happen outside the toilet in a dedicated composting system, which must be built and managed according to local rules and best practices.

Ventilation and Odor Control

Ventilation is central to the Simplett’s ability to keep odors low. The toilet body connects to a vertical vent pipe that typically runs straight up through the roof or out and up an exterior wall. Natural stack effect and small leaks of conditioned indoor air into the toilet help draw air through the solids chamber and out the vent. In some installations, owners add a small, low-wattage fan to increase airflow, though the base Simplett system is designed to operate passively.

• A vertical vent run with few bends generally improves draft, especially in cooler weather when indoor air is warmer than outdoor air.
• Vent termination above the roofline helps dissipate any remaining odor and reduces the chance of downdrafts.
• Good air sealing at the toilet connections helps ensure air is pulled through the chamber rather than leaking from joints into the bathroom.

When properly vented and maintained, many users report that the Simplett produces less noticeable bathroom odor than some conventional flush toilets used with undersized or stressed septic systems. However, poor vent routing, very short vent runs, or lack of make-up air can reduce performance and lead to intermittent smells, especially in hot, still weather or when the house is tightly sealed.

Installation Requirements for the Biolan Simplett

Compared to a conventional flush toilet and septic system, installing a Simplett is relatively straightforward. However, it does require thoughtful planning around vent routing, urine drainage or collection, and local code compliance. These factors often determine whether a composting toilet is a good choice for your property.

Space and Structural Considerations

The Simplett is a floor-mounted fixture similar in footprint to a compact toilet, but the body extends higher in the rear to accommodate the solids container and vent connection. It can fit in small bathrooms, bunkies, or cabin corners where plumbing a drain stack and water line would be more complex.

• A flat, level structural floor capable of supporting the toilet body and a full solids container is required.
• Allow clearance behind the toilet for the vent pipe connection and any service access.
• Plan a route to remove the solids container from the front or top (depending on configuration) without major obstacles.

In tiny cabins or outhouse-style buildings, reserving a small, well-ventilated space specifically for the Simplett can simplify installation and make ongoing maintenance easier.

Vent Pipe Routing and Details

The vent pipe is often the most important technical detail of a Simplett installation. Best practice is to route a dedicated, mostly vertical pipe from the toilet through the roof or along an exterior wall, with as few bends as possible.

• Use compatible pipe diameter and materials recommended by the manufacturer for predictable airflow and condensation control.
• Extend the vent above the roof ridge or eaves, similar to a plumbing vent, to help disperse odor and reduce downdrafts.
• Avoid long horizontal runs, multiple elbows, or shared vents with other systems that might reduce draft or transfer odors.

In some cottages and cabins, running a straight vent through the roof structure is easy. In others, rafters, beams, or loft spaces may require offsetting the pipe. Each additional fitting can add resistance to airflow, so planning the vent route early in your design is helpful.

Urine Management and Drainage

Because the Simplett diverts urine out of the solids container, you must choose how to handle this liquid stream. Options vary by jurisdiction and site conditions, so it is important to check local regulations before choosing a strategy.

• Portable container: route the urine line into a sealed jug or can that you periodically empty into an approved greywater system, septic system, or other permitted disposal location.
• Direct drain to a leach bed or soakaway: in some rural areas, diluted urine may be directed to a small subsurface dispersal field sized and installed according to environmental and public health requirements.
• Integration with existing septic or holding tank: where codes and plumbing layout allow, urine can be piped to an existing system, reducing the number of components you must manage separately.

Whichever method you choose, the urine path should be protected from freezing where winter temperatures drop below freezing, and from backflow or cross-contamination. In very cold climates, keeping the urine line as short as possible and routing it through conditioned or insulated space can reduce freeze risk.

Code Compliance and Permitting

Composting toilets occupy a complex regulatory space that varies widely between states, provinces, and municipalities. Some regions explicitly allow certain certified models as full or partial replacements for flush toilets, while others require at least one conventional fixture tied to an approved septic or sewer system.

• Check local building, plumbing, and environmental health regulations early in your planning to understand what is permitted.
• Inquire about approvals for the specific model and for separate urine and compost management systems.
• Ask how composted material must be handled or disposed of, and whether on-site land application is allowed.

Even if a Simplett is technically easy to install, it is only a practical solution if you can operate and maintain it legally and responsibly over the long term. For many cottage and cabin owners, the Simplett ends up being one component in a broader on-site wastewater strategy rather than a standalone replacement for all plumbing.

Daily Operation: What Using a Biolan Simplett Is Really Like

From a user’s perspective, a well-installed Simplett can look and feel similar to a compact, modern toilet. However, the habits around flushing, adding cover material, and emptying containers differ from a conventional system. Understanding these day-to-day realities helps determine whether the Simplett matches your household’s preferences.

User Experience and Comfort

The Simplett is designed with a seat height and footprint that many adults find familiar. There is no visible water in the bowl, and when bulking material is used regularly, most users do not see raw solids. That said, there are a few operational differences.

• There is no flush lever. Users simply stand up and close the lid. The absence of flush sound may require some setting of expectations for guests.
• After bowel movements, each user should add a scoop of bulking material to cover the deposit, which becomes a normal part of the routine.
• Liquid-only use generally does not require bulking material, but users must still position themselves correctly for urine diversion.

In everyday use, a properly vented Simplett typically has a faint earthy smell around the bowl if the lid is opened briefly, but the bathroom air can remain neutral or slightly fresher than in rooms with poorly vented flush toilets. Users who are sensitive to any odor may notice differences from conventional fixtures, while others adapt quickly and are comfortable with the system.

Managing Bulking Material and Supplies

Owning a Simplett means you will store and handle bulking material regularly. For many cottage and cabin owners, this becomes a normal part of seasonal routines and is similar to stocking firewood or pellets.

• Bulking material is often stored in a covered bin or tote near the toilet, with a small scoop for daily use.
• Additional bags or bales of peat, sawdust, or proprietary blends can be stored in a shed, crawlspace, or utility room.
• Households must plan ahead and bring bulking material to remote cabins before busy weekends or longer stays, similar to planning for propane or fuel.

From a budget standpoint, the cost of bulking material is an ongoing operating expense, offset for many owners by lower water and septic system costs. The actual cost will depend on local availability of sawdust or shavings, whether you use bagged products, and how heavily the toilet is used.

Odor and Moisture in Daily Use

Odor performance depends heavily on how consistently the toilet is used according to instructions and how effective the vent and urine separation are. Under the light to moderate use scenarios the Simplett is designed for, and with good airflow, many owners report manageable or minimal odor. Problems tend to arise when the system is overloaded or when key maintenance steps are skipped.

• If the bathroom smells strongly of ammonia or sewage, it can signal that the urine line is blocked, the vent is restricted, or the solids container is too wet or too full.
• If you see condensation or dampness around the vent connection, it may indicate insufficient insulation or temperature differences leading to moisture build-up.
• Keeping the lid closed when not in use helps the vent draw air through the chamber instead of letting room air bypass the normal flow path.

Routine inspections of the vent pipe, urine line, and solids container level are generally enough to catch most emerging issues before they become major problems. Households that are attentive to maintenance usually see the best day-to-day performance.

Maintenance and Waste Handling with the Biolan Simplett

Unlike flush toilets, which hide most waste handling in underground tanks or distant treatment plants, the Simplett brings that responsibility closer to the owner. Understanding the maintenance workload and the steps involved in handling solids and liquids is key to deciding if this system is the right fit.

Emptying the Solids Container

The solids container inside the Simplett fills gradually with a layered mix of human waste, toilet paper, and bulking material. Depending on use level, it may need to be emptied anywhere from every few weeks during busy seasons to only a few times per year for light, seasonal use. The exact interval will depend on occupancy, frequency, and how much cover material you add.

• To empty, you open the toilet housing as directed by the manufacturer, remove the container carefully, and transfer its contents to a dedicated outdoor compost bin or secondary container.
• Wearing gloves and using basic sanitary precautions is advisable during any handling of partially composted material.
• After emptying, the container is cleaned as needed, reinstalled, and charged with a base layer of bulking material.

Owners who are comfortable dealing with garden compost or animal bedding often adapt quickly to this process. For others, this hands-on contact with human waste, even in partially decomposed form, can be a barrier to adopting a composting toilet system. Clarifying your comfort level and who in the household will handle these tasks is an important part of the decision.

Managing Urine Containers or Drainage Systems

If you use a portable container for urine, it will need more frequent emptying than the solids bin, because the volume of daily urine is typically much higher than the volume of solids. In busy periods, a small container may need service daily or every few days. Larger containers or direct-drain systems reduce the frequency but can add complexity in freezing climates.

• Inspect urine lines periodically for clogs, crystallization from dried urine, or freezing in cold periods.
• Rinse containers and hoses occasionally with water and mild cleaners that do not disrupt future composting or harm septic or greywater systems.
• Monitor for leaks at connections and joints, especially where lines penetrate floors or walls.

With regular care, urine routing can remain a mostly background operation. Neglecting inspection and cleaning can lead to odors, crystallized blockages, or slow drainage that undermines the performance of the entire system.

Long-Term Composting and Final Disposal

The Simplett’s internal container is a first-stage collection and decomposition chamber. Long-term composting of the material typically takes place in an outdoor bin or series of bins that provide enough volume, aeration, and retention time for pathogens to break down and the material to stabilize.

• Many owners operate a two- or three-bin system, rotating which bin receives new deposits and which are resting and composting for a full year or longer.
• A mix of toilet solids, bulking material, yard waste, and sometimes kitchen scraps (where allowed) can produce a more balanced compost pile.
• Local guidelines or public health authorities may require that finished compost from human waste be used only on ornamental plants, trees, or land reclamation areas rather than on food crops.

Cottage and cabin owners who already manage compost for gardens or landscaping may find it straightforward to add a dedicated human-waste compost stream following local rules. Others may prefer to work with a professional hauler or disposal service if available, particularly in areas with strict regulatory requirements.

Capacity, Use Patterns, and Climate Considerations

The Biolan Simplett is best viewed as a low- to moderate-use system, especially in cooler climates where composting progresses more slowly. Its strengths and limitations become most evident when you match the system’s capacity to your actual usage patterns throughout the year.

Understanding Practical Capacity

Manufacturer guidelines typically describe an approximate maximum number of users or visits per day. In practice, capacity is influenced by how much bulking material is added, how well urine diversion works, and the temperature and humidity around the toilet.

• For small families using the Simplett on weekends during cottage season, the system often has ample capacity, with container emptying scheduled between visits.
• For full-time residential use by multiple adults and children, the container may need to be emptied frequently, and moisture management becomes more challenging.
• For occasional guest cabins or bunkies, the Simplett can work well as a secondary toilet, reducing load on the main septic system while still requiring regular oversight.

Planning for busy weekends, holidays, or rental periods is important. If the solids container is nearly full at the start of a high-occupancy week, odors and overflow risk increase. Regular checks before peak use can prevent this kind of overload.

Seasonal Use vs. Full-Time Living

Seasonal or intermittent use is where the Simplett often fits most naturally. In these scenarios, waste builds up gradually, containers can be emptied and composted between stays, and cold-weather challenges are minimized if the cabin is closed during freezing months.

• For three-season cottages, the Simplett can be used heavily in warm months and then allowed to rest and slowly compost in fall and early spring.
• In off-grid hunting or ski cabins with winter access, owners must plan for freezing temperatures and possibly reduced composting activity, but the system can still collect and hold waste until warmer weather.
• For full-time year-round homes, particularly in cold regions, the Simplett may require more frequent attention and thoughtful freeze protection for urine lines and vents.

Many full-time households pair a Simplett or similar dry toilet in one bathroom with a conventional flush toilet elsewhere in the home. This hybrid approach can reduce water and septic loading while providing a familiar backup for guests or for periods when composting toilet maintenance is less convenient.

Cold Climate and Freeze Protection

In cold climates, the Simplett faces two main challenges: urine line freezing and slowed composting rates. The solids container itself can serve as a holding chamber during cold periods, but liquids and vent performance need particular attention.

• Routing urine lines through insulated or conditioned spaces, and keeping runs short and sloped, helps reduce freeze risk.
• Some owners use slightly larger-diameter tubing or install heat trace cables in extreme climates, though energy use increases.
• Vent pipes may accumulate frost or condensation in very cold, humid conditions, and should be inspected seasonally for blockages or ice build-up.

Where cabins are not kept above freezing, most composting activity inside the toilet will pause during winter. This is usually not a problem structurally, but it does mean that most decomposition will occur later in the outdoor compost system after transfer in warmer seasons.

Environmental Impact and Resource Use

A key reason many cottage and off-grid owners consider the Biolan Simplett is its potential to reduce water use and environmental impact compared with conventional flush toilets and septic systems. The environmental footprint of a Simplett system depends on how it is installed, how the compost is managed, and what it replaces on the property.

Water Savings and Septic Load Reduction

The Simplett is fully waterless at the point of use, which can significantly reduce water demand in buildings that would otherwise rely on limited well capacity, rainwater catchment, or hauled water. In off-grid contexts, this can free up water for other uses like washing, cleaning, and irrigation.

• Each avoided flush saves several liters of drinking-quality water that would otherwise be used to move waste.
• Reduced wastewater volume can extend the lifespan of existing septic systems by lowering hydraulic loading.
• On undeveloped properties, some owners can avoid installing a full septic system for small, code-compliant structures by using composting toilets where permitted.

These savings come with tradeoffs around bulking material production and handling, but for many cabins and seasonal homes, the overall water-use reduction is substantial.

Nutrient Cycling and Compost Use

By keeping solids and much of the urine on-site, the Simplett system makes it possible to return nutrients from human waste to soils rather than exporting them to centralized treatment plants. When managed safely, this can support healthier soil ecosystems and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.

• Finished compost from human waste, applied to non-food landscapes according to local guidelines, can build soil organic matter and improve structure.
• Urine, when appropriately diluted and applied following regulations, can provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to soils, though many jurisdictions restrict this practice.
• Careful management is essential to avoid pathogen transfer, groundwater contamination, or nutrient overloading of sensitive ecosystems.

In practice, many owners are conservative, applying finished compost only to ornamental plantings and forested areas, and routing urine to approved dispersal systems. Even with these conservative uses, the Simplett can support a more circular approach to nutrient use at the property scale.

Embodied Impacts and Materials

The Simplett housing is typically made from durable plastic or composite materials designed to withstand moist, corrosive environments. While manufacturing these materials has an embodied carbon footprint, they can last many years with minimal replacement parts, especially in protected indoor environments.

• Comparing the embodied impacts of a Simplett to those of a full septic system, tank, drain field, and associated excavation is complex but, for small cabins, often favors simpler composting setups in terms of materials and earth disturbance.
• Maintenance primarily involves consumable bulking material and occasional hose or fitting replacement rather than large, energy-intensive components.
• Proper care can extend the life of the toilet body and vent components, reducing the frequency of major replacements.

For owners prioritizing low-impact infrastructure, particularly on sensitive waterfront or forested sites, the Simplett can be part of a strategy that balances durability with modest material and energy demands.

Strengths of the Biolan Simplett in Real-World Use

Based on how the Simplett is designed and how similar systems perform in comparable settings, several strengths tend to stand out for cottage and off-grid owners evaluating this model. These advantages are most pronounced when the system is installed correctly, matched to appropriate usage levels, and maintained consistently.

• Low water use: As a fully waterless toilet, the Simplett sharply reduces potable water demand and wastewater generation.
• Simple mechanical design: With no complex moving parts or integrated heaters in the base model, there is less to break than in some high-tech composting toilets.
• Compact footprint: The unit fits small bathrooms and bunkies, making it suitable for cabins where plumbing space is limited.
• Flexible siting: Because it does not require a sewer pipe or large under-floor tank directly below, it can be installed in locations where conventional toilets are difficult to plumb.
• Quick seasonal startup and shutdown: For cottages, owners can open and charge the toilet at the beginning of the season and then secure it again at closing time with relatively simple steps.
• Potential to reduce septic costs: By lowering flush volume and solids loading, the Simplett can lessen the size or frequency of pumping for septic systems in mixed-use setups.

Owners who value these strengths and are comfortable handling bulking material and waste typically report the most satisfaction with the Simplett and similar urine-diverting composting toilets.

Practical Limitations and Common Pain Points

No composting toilet is a perfect substitute for a flush system in every setting. The Simplett has practical limits that become especially important in higher-use, colder, or more guest-heavy environments. A realistic view of these constraints can help you decide whether this model suits your property.

• User involvement: The system requires ongoing hands-on tasks, including adding bulking material, emptying the solids container, maintaining urine lines, and managing an outdoor compost system.
• Capacity: The internal container has finite volume and is better suited to low or moderate use than to large households or continuous, heavy traffic.
• Odor sensitivity: While many users find odors manageable, those very sensitive to any smell may perceive differences from conventional toilets, especially during very humid or hot weather.
• Climate: In cold climates, freeze protection for urine lines and vent performance may require additional design effort and, in some cases, modest energy use.
• Regulatory variability: Not all jurisdictions treat composting toilets the same, and owners must ensure that toilet use, compost management, and urine dispersal all comply with local rules.

For some households, these limitations are acceptable trade-offs for water savings and independence from large septic infrastructure. For others, the day-to-day involvement and regulatory uncertainty may make a conventional system or a hybrid approach more appealing.

Where the Biolan Simplett Fits Best: Use Cases and Scenarios

The Simplett’s design and performance characteristics point toward a set of scenarios where it tends to be a strong fit, and others where it is more of a niche or secondary solution. Mapping these scenarios to your own cottage, cabin, or off-grid home can clarify whether to move forward or to consider alternative options.

Strong Fit Scenarios

The Simplett often performs well in the following contexts, assuming proper installation and maintenance:

• Seasonal cottages with 2–5 regular users on weekends and holidays, where owners can empty and manage compost between visits.
• Off-grid tiny homes and bunkies used as guest spaces or studios, especially when tying into a septic system would be cost-prohibitive.
• Remote cabins or backcountry structures where water is scarce, haulage is difficult, and a simple vented toilet is more practical than a full plumbing installation.
• Hybrid systems where one bathroom uses a Simplett to reduce overall water and septic load while another bathroom offers a conventional flush toilet for guests and everyday convenience.
• Environmentally focused homesteads that already manage compost and greywater on-site and are comfortable with the additional tasks involved in humanure management.

In these situations, the Simplett’s modest capacity, low water use, and straightforward mechanics align with owner expectations and available maintenance time.

Situations Where Caution or Alternatives May Be Better

There are also scenarios where a Simplett may not be the most suitable choice, or where additional planning is needed to avoid disappointment or performance issues.

• High-occupancy rental properties with frequent guest turnover, where explaining correct use and ensuring consistent maintenance can be challenging.
• Large full-time households that need multiple toilets operating continuously, where container capacity and maintenance frequency may be limiting.
• Very cold regions where cabins are used heavily in winter and where freeze protection for urine lines and vents would be complex or energy-intensive.
• Urban or suburban homes subject to strict plumbing and sewage regulations that limit or prohibit composting toilets as primary fixtures.
• Households uncomfortable with any direct handling of human waste or compost, or where no one is willing to take on that responsibility.

In these cases, owners might still use a Simplett as an auxiliary or seasonal solution, but should consider whether other technologies, such as larger central composting tanks, advanced treatment units, or conventional septic systems, better match their needs and constraints.

How the Biolan Simplett Compares to Other Composting and Waterless Toilets

If you are evaluating the Simplett, you are likely also considering other composting or waterless toilet options. While detailed brand-to-brand comparisons depend on specific models, it can help to understand where a compact urine-diverting unit like the Simplett sits on the spectrum of available technologies.

Versus Central Composting Systems with Remote Tanks

Some systems place a flush or low-flush toilet in the bathroom and route waste to a large composting chamber or drum located in a basement or under the floor. These central systems often have higher capacity and can serve as primary toilets for full-time homes, but they require more complex construction and usually higher upfront cost.

• Central systems can handle more users and higher traffic with less frequent emptying, but installation may require significant framing, plumbing, and sometimes electrical work.
• Compact units like the Simplett are quicker to install and easier to retrofit but have lower capacity and more frequently handled containers.
• For small cottages and simple cabins, the Simplett’s lower complexity can be a better match than a large multi-fixture system.

Owners deciding between these categories balance upfront investment and construction complexity against long-term convenience and capacity.

Versus Incinerating Toilets

Incinerating toilets use electricity, gas, or other fuels to burn waste to a small amount of sterile ash. They require minimal ongoing handling of solids, but they trade water savings for energy use and typically need more robust venting and safety systems.

• Incinerating systems drastically reduce the volume of waste but can have higher operating costs and require reliable power or fuel supplies.
• The Simplett avoids the energy use and high peak loads of incineration but demands more user involvement in composting and handling.
• In remote off-grid cabins with limited power, a passive system like the Simplett may be more feasible than an incinerating toilet.

For owners with strong preferences against handling any solid waste, incinerating toilets may be worth considering, but they come with their own infrastructure and cost considerations.

Versus Simple Pit or Vault Privies

In some rural areas, traditional outhouses or vault toilets remain common. These can be low-cost but raise concerns about groundwater contamination, odors, and ease of long-term management. A contained, vented system like the Simplett can offer a more controlled and, in many cases, environmentally responsible alternative, especially near sensitive water bodies or shallow soils.

• Pit privies rely on in-ground absorption and are harder to inspect or manage safely once buried.
• The Simplett keeps waste in accessible containers, allowing for more deliberate composting and disposal practices.
• Ventilated, above-ground units can better protect groundwater when sited and maintained correctly.

For cabins transitioning from basic outhouses to more contained systems, the Simplett can be part of a gradual upgrade path toward improved sanitation and environmental protection.

Planning a Bathroom Around a Composting Toilet Like the Simplett

If you are designing or renovating a bathroom with a Biolan Simplett in mind, a few layout and design choices can make ownership more convenient and comfortable. Thoughtful planning can also help integrate future upgrades or additions to your sanitation system over time.

Layout, Vent Routing, and Service Access

Positioning the Simplett against a wall where a vent can easily rise straight up can simplify installation and improve performance. Ensuring clear access to the front or top of the unit for container removal avoids awkward maintenance later.

• Align the toilet so that vent piping does not collide with rafters, beams, or windows above.
• Leave enough side clearance for users to sit comfortably and for maintenance access to fasteners or panels.
• Consider a nearby closet or utility space for storing bulking material, gloves, cleaning tools, and spare containers if you plan to keep multiples.

Locating the bathroom near an exterior wall can also simplify routing of the urine line to an outdoor container or drainage system, particularly if cross-floor plumbing is limited.

User Education and Signage

For cottages and cabins that host guests or short-term renters, repeated explanations of how to use a composting toilet can become tiresome. Simple, clear signage and easy-to-understand instructions can reduce confusion and misuse, improving performance and reducing owner workload.

• A small sign above or beside the toilet explaining how to sit and where liquids should go helps maintain proper urine diversion.
• Brief bullet points on when and how to add bulking material encourage consistent coverage of solids.
• Notes on what not to put in the toilet (such as wipes, tampons, or chemicals) can prevent clogs and slow decomposition.

Owner manuals, laminated quick-start guides, and occasional walkthroughs for new users can keep the system operating smoothly over time.

Is the Biolan Simplett Right for Your Cottage, Cabin, or Off-Grid Home?

Choosing a waterless composting toilet is both a technical and lifestyle decision. The Biolan Simplett can provide reliable, low-water sanitation for many cottages, cabins, and off-grid homes, especially under light to moderate use with engaged owners. At the same time, it demands regular participation in waste handling, careful attention to venting and urine management, and adherence to local regulations around composting and disposal.

• If you prioritize reducing water use and septic dependence, are comfortable managing compost, and your usage patterns are modest, the Simplett can be a practical, low-energy solution.
• If you expect heavy, year-round use, have limited time or willingness for maintenance, or live where regulations are restrictive, you may want to consider hybrid or conventional alternatives.
• If you are uncertain, starting with a Simplett in a secondary bathroom or outbuilding can give you real-world experience before making larger plumbing decisions.

Evaluating your climate, guest patterns, water sources, and local rules alongside the Simplett’s operating characteristics will give you the clearest picture of fit. With realistic expectations and consistent care, many owners find that a system like the Biolan Simplett supports comfortable, low-impact living at the cottage or cabin.

Sources

• Biolan — Simplett composting toilet technical data, installation and user guidance https://www.biolan.com
• World Health Organization — Guidelines on sanitation and health, composting toilets and on-site systems overview https://www.who.int
• United States Environmental Protection Agency — Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems, environmental considerations for alternative toilets https://www.epa.gov
• National Environmental Services Center — Fact sheets on composting toilets, design, operation, and maintenance best practices https://www.nesc.wvu.edu
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention — Basic sanitation and safe handling of human waste in non-sewered settings https://www.cdc.gov