Biolan Simplett Plus Composting Toilet Review for Cottages, Cabins, and Off-Grid Homes

Key Summary

The Biolan Simplett Plus Composting Toilet is a compact, urine‑diverting, waterless toilet aimed at cottages, cabins, and off‑grid homes that see intermittent or seasonal use. Its simple design, passive ventilation, and separate handling of liquids and solids make it relatively low‑tech but hands‑on, with performance that depends heavily on correct installation, user behavior, and realistic expectations about capacity.

TL;DR

• The Biolan Simplett Plus is a **urine‑separating, waterless composting toilet** designed primarily for low‑ to moderate‑use cottages, cabins, and seasonal properties.
• It uses **separate chambers** for liquids and solids plus a **vent pipe** to manage moisture and help control odors, but success depends on good installation and regular cover material use.
• Installation is relatively simple for DIY‑oriented owners but still requires **proper vent routing, drainage for urine, and enough vertical space** below the toilet for the solids container.
• Daily operation is straightforward but **not hands‑off**: users need to sit correctly for urine diversion, add cover material after use, and empty bins at intervals tied to occupancy and season.
• Strengths include **no water use, low power requirements, and reduced wastewater load**; limitations include **manual handling of waste, modest capacity, and less suitability for high‑traffic or full‑time homes**.
• The system can support **environmentally responsible waste treatment** when users follow local regulations for composting, disposal, and graywater/urine management.

Product Introduction

The Biolan Simplett Plus Composting Toilet sits in the middle ground between makeshift bucket toilets and large, fully integrated central composting systems. Its urine‑diverting bowl, removable solids container, and passive ventilation aim to provide a simple, low‑maintenance option for cottages, cabins, and off‑grid homes that do not justify a full conventional bathroom. Before you invest in one, it helps to understand its real‑world strengths, limitations, and what daily life with a waterless, urine‑separating toilet actually looks like.

What Is the Biolan Simplett Plus Composting Toilet?

The Biolan Simplett Plus is a **self‑contained, above‑floor, composting‑style toilet** designed to operate without flushing water, sewer lines, or a septic connection. Instead of mixing everything into blackwater, it separates urine at the bowl and directs solids into a lined container below the seat. The goal is to reduce moisture in the solids chamber, lower odor risk, and simplify eventual handling and treatment of both fractions.

Although often described as a composting toilet, the Simplett Plus is more accurately a **collection and pre‑composting unit**. It begins the decomposition process in the solids container but usually does not complete full, pathogen‑reducing composting on its own. Owners still need a secondary composting or curing step outdoors or must dispose of contents in line with local regulations.

• Self‑contained unit that sits on the floor like a standard toilet pedestal
• Urine‑diverting bowl that directs liquids to a separate outlet
• Solids fall by gravity into a removable container beneath the seat
• Vent connection at the rear or top for a vertical vent pipe to the outdoors
• Compatible with cabins, cottages, outbuildings, and small off‑grid homes with limited services

Where the Simplett Plus Fits Among Composting Toilets

Composting toilet options range from basic buckets and sawdust systems to large, permanently installed central units. The Biolan Simplett Plus falls toward the **simpler, compact end of the spectrum**, offering more comfort and odor control than a bucket system, but less capacity, automation, and refinement than large electric or multi‑chamber composting toilets. This balance makes it best suited to **seasonal or part‑time properties with modest occupancy** rather than busy, year‑round family homes.

How the Biolan Simplett Plus Urine‑Separating, Waterless Design Works

The Simplett Plus relies on a **urine‑diverting bowl and a dry solids chamber** to reduce moisture and odors without flushing water. Understanding how each component functions helps explain what you can reasonably expect in daily use and what can go wrong if installation or use is off.

Urine Separation at the Bowl

At the front of the toilet bowl, a **shallow collection area** catches urine and channels it through a hose or pipe to a separate container or approved drainage system. Feces, toilet paper, and cover material drop through the rear opening into the solids bin. This physical separation of liquids and solids aims to:

• Keep the solids container relatively dry, which supports aerobic breakdown instead of smelly anaerobic conditions
• Reduce overall volume in the solids chamber, increasing time between emptying
• Allow urine to be managed separately, either by storage, controlled dispersal, or integration with a small graywater system where permitted

Because the system relies on gravity and user position, **correct use matters**. Users should sit fully back on the seat so feces land in the rear opening while urine flows into the front basin. For some men, sitting to urinate rather than standing can improve separation and reduce splashing or misdirected flow. Children and guests may need simple instruction until they are familiar with the layout.

Solids Collection and Cover Material

Below the seat, the Simplett Plus houses a **removable solids container** that typically uses compostable liners or bags for easier handling. Each time the toilet is used for solids, the user is expected to sprinkle a **cover material** such as peat, sawdust, or a commercial composting toilet mix over the deposit. This serves several roles:

• Adds carbon to balance the nitrogen‑rich human waste, supporting aerobic decomposition
• Absorbs some moisture, helping keep the chamber drier
• Shields fresh deposits from direct airflow, reducing immediate odor and discouraging flies
• Visually covers waste, improving user comfort and making the toilet more acceptable for guests

If users skip cover material or apply too little, odors and flies are more likely, especially during warm weather or at higher occupancy. The toilet’s performance is therefore **tightly linked to user habits**, not just the equipment itself.

How Ventilation Supports Odor Control

The Simplett Plus includes a connection point for a **vertical vent pipe** that routes air from the solids chamber to the outdoors. In most installations, the vent runs straight up through the roof, similar to a plumbing vent stack. When correctly installed, this creates a gentle, continuous draft that pulls moist, odorous air out of the toilet and draws fresh air in around the seat opening.

• Warm indoor air and solar heating of the vent pipe help establish upward airflow
• A rain cap or vent hood at the top keeps water and debris out while allowing air to escape
• In colder climates, insulating the vent or routing it indoors for part of its run can help maintain consistent draft

The Simplett Plus generally relies on **passive ventilation only**. In many cabins this is adequate, but in very tight buildings, long or complex vent runs, or hot, still conditions, odors can be more noticeable. Some owners choose to add a **small inline fan** (if compatible with the vent diameter and permitted by the manufacturer) to strengthen airflow, though this introduces a power requirement and adds complexity.

Managing Urine: Storage, Dispersal, or Treatment

The urine outlet on the Simplett Plus typically connects by hose to one of three solutions, depending on local code and site conditions:

• A **portable container** (often a canister or jerrican) that users empty at intervals into an approved dump station, sewer‑connected toilet, or outdoor dispersal system where legal
• A **subsurface dispersal field or infiltration trench** designed specifically for urine, placed away from wells, surface water, and property lines, and sized based on expected use and soil conditions
• Integration with a **small on‑site treatment or graywater system**, where building codes allow urine to be blended with other lightly contaminated water

Urine often constitutes the majority of liquid volume in traditional toilets, so this separate handling can significantly reduce strain on septic systems or eliminate the need for one on lightly used sites. However, regulations vary by state and municipality, so owners should **confirm local rules** before designing a urine management strategy.

Installation Requirements for Cottages, Cabins, and Off‑Grid Homes

Installing the Biolan Simplett Plus is usually within reach of a competent DIY homeowner, yet it still requires careful planning. Unlike a bucket system you can place anywhere, the Simplett Plus needs **adequate structure, vent routing, and urine handling** to operate reliably and meet health and building expectations.

Space and Structural Considerations

The Simplett Plus has a pedestal footprint similar to a compact conventional toilet but requires additional **vertical and access space** for the solids container. Common layout considerations include:

• Enough floor area in the bathroom or toilet room for the unit and comfortable legroom
• Clearance on at least one side or behind the unit for lifting the seat section and accessing the solids container
• Stable, level flooring that can support the unit and occupants, especially in older cabins or raised outbuildings
• A discreet but accessible route from the toilet to the outdoors for carrying out full liners or containers

Smaller cabins with very tight bathrooms may need a layout rethink to ensure the user can sit comfortably and the solids container can be removed without contortions. The unit is not unusually large, but the **need to remove the bin vertically** below the seat is a constraint many people overlook.

Vent Pipe Routing and Roof Penetration

Vent performance has a major impact on odor, so the vent pipe deserves as much attention as the toilet itself. Typical best‑practice guidelines for the Simplett Plus include:

• Use a **straight, vertical run** as much as possible, with minimal bends that could slow airflow
• Extend the vent **above the roofline and away from operable windows, decks, or seating areas** where people gather
• Seal roof penetrations carefully using appropriate flashing to avoid leaks, especially in snow‑load regions
• Support the vent pipe mechanically to resist wind and snow loads

Some owners attempt to route the vent out a sidewall with only a short rise, but this can result in **poor draft and noticeable odors** near the outlet. For most installations, a classic vertical stack is more reliable, even if it demands cutting through the roof and working with roofing materials.

Urine Outlet, Drainage Slope, and Freeze Protection

The urine outlet must slope continuously downward from the front of the bowl to its destination to avoid stagnant pockets that could smell or freeze. In seasonal climates with winter use, designers should consider:

• Routing the urine line indoors or in insulated chases as long as possible before it exits the building
• Using smooth, appropriately sized tubing to reduce the chance of crystallization or clogging
• Ensuring that any exterior urine tank, sump, or dispersal field is **below frost depth** or drained for the off‑season, as needed

On warm‑season‑only sites, urine routing is simpler, but owners still need to **protect nearby water bodies, wells, and neighbors’ properties** by following separation distances and soil‑percolation guidelines if they use subsurface dispersal.

Power Requirements and Off‑Grid Compatibility

The Simplett Plus is fundamentally a **non‑electric system**. It does not require blowers, heaters, or pumps to function, although owners can optionally add a small vent fan. This makes it appealing for off‑grid cabins and cottages that may have limited solar power or rely on generators. It also reduces vulnerability during power outages in grid‑connected vacation homes.

Because the unit does not flush, it also avoids the need for water pressure, pumps, or complex plumbing. This simplicity is one of its key advantages, but it shifts responsibility toward **human labor and monitoring** instead of mechanical systems.

Daily Operation: What Living With a Simplett Plus Actually Feels Like

For many owners, the crucial question is not the technical design but whether the Simplett Plus feels acceptable and manageable in everyday life. While experiences vary by household, there are some consistent patterns in how the toilet behaves when used as intended.

User Experience and Comfort

Visually, the Simplett Plus resembles a **compact conventional toilet** more than a rustic outhouse seat. The molded exterior, fitted lid, and defined bowl contour can make guests more comfortable compared to a bare bucket system. However, users quickly notice a few key differences:

• There is **no water in the bowl**, so users see the interior of the solids chamber when the lid is up
• After each solids use, users sprinkle **cover material** instead of flushing
• Occasional minor odors may be detectable, especially briefly after use, even with correct ventilation
• The sound is much quieter than a flush toilet, but there is a distinct **“drop” sound** as waste falls into the container

For most cottage and cabin users, these differences are acceptable trade‑offs for avoiding complex plumbing and protecting nearby lakes, streams, or shallow soils. Owners who expect the nearly odorless, “invisible” experience of a well‑designed flush toilet may need to reset expectations or consider a different solution.

Routine Tasks: Adding Cover and Checking Levels

Daily use of the Simplett Plus involves two recurring tasks: **adding cover material** and **monitoring fill level**. Depending on the cover type and occupancy, a small scoop or cup stored nearby is enough:

• After each bowel movement, users add enough cover to **fully hide the deposit** and lightly dust the surrounding area
• Users glance into the chamber periodically to check how full it is and whether the surface seems damp or compacted
• If the surface looks wet or dense, adding extra dry cover material and gently stirring (if recommended by the manufacturer) can restore airflow

Cover material must be stored in a dry place, often in a bin or bag next to the toilet. For very small bathrooms, this storage can feel cramped, and owners may prefer a **wall‑mounted container** or a nearby closet to keep the room tidy.

Odor Levels in Real‑World Use

When installed and used correctly, most owners report that the Simplett Plus maintains **acceptable odor levels** for a cottage or cabin. A faint earthy or woody smell from cover material is common, and brief smells immediately after use can occur until the cover is applied and ventilation removes the air. Persistent strong odors usually point to a **correctable cause**, such as:

• Inadequate or missing cover material after solids use
• Blocked or short vent pipe with insufficient draft
• High moisture levels in the solids chamber due to urine not fully diverting or excessive graywater intrusion
• Overfilled solids container, leaving fresh waste too close to the seat opening

Seasonal cabins that sit closed for long periods can accumulate stagnant air in the bathroom. Opening windows, running the vent for a while, and refreshing the cover layer at the start of each season generally help restore a neutral baseline.

Maintenance: Emptying, Cleaning, and Long‑Term Care

Composting‑style toilets like the Simplett Plus replace **flushing and sewer infrastructure with periodic manual handling of waste**. Understanding what is involved—and being honest about your comfort level with it—is essential before choosing this solution.

Solids Container: Emptying Frequency and Handling

The frequency with which you must empty the solids container depends on **occupancy, usage patterns, cover material, and temperature**. For a typical seasonal cabin, common patterns include:

• Light‑use cabin (1–2 people, weekends only): often **one emptying at the end of the season**, plus possibly one mid‑season if guests visit.
• Moderate‑use cottage (family of 3–4, several weeks each summer): **every few weeks** during peak use, with a final end‑of‑season emptying.
• Occasional rental or shared cabin: may need **more frequent checks**, as guest habits around cover material vary.

Emptying typically involves lifting the seat section, carefully removing the lined container, closing or tying the liner, and transferring it to an outdoor composting bin, curing area, or other approved disposal route. Gloves and reasonable hygiene practices are recommended. Some owners keep a **second container or spare liners** ready so the fresh bin can be installed quickly, then deal with the full one outdoors at a calmer pace.

Is the Output Fully Finished Compost?

In most climates and usage patterns, the material removed from the Simplett Plus will be **partially decomposed but not fully composted**. It may have a more uniform, soil‑like appearance than fresh waste, especially if the bin has been used over weeks or months, but it cannot automatically be assumed to be pathogen‑free. Owners should plan for one of the following:

• Transfer to a **dedicated outdoor compost bin** designed for humanure, where it continues to break down over a year or more before non‑edible landscape use
• Placement in a **secondary sealed container** or vault that is removed by a licensed hauler or disposed of through approved channels
• For sites with strict regulations, following any **local mandates** on composting toilet output, which may restrict on‑site land application

Using composted human waste on food crops is often restricted or discouraged by public health agencies. Even for ornamental use, many regions require that material be **well‑aged and fully stabilized** before land application. This added step is an important practical consideration when choosing any composting‑style toilet.

Urine System Maintenance

Urine is usually clear to light yellow, but over time, **mineral crystals and biofilm** can form in hoses, fittings, and tanks. Maintenance tasks may include:

• Occasional flushing of the urine line with water or a mild, manufacturer‑approved cleaner to reduce buildup
• Emptying and rinsing portable urine containers before strong ammonia smells develop
• Inspecting fittings and seals for leaks or weeping, especially where hoses exit the building

For cabins that are shut down over winter, draining or disconnecting exposed urine lines and tanks reduces risk of **freeze damage** and makes spring reopening simpler.

Surface Cleaning and Aesthetics

The visible surfaces of the Simplett Plus—seat, lid, and exterior shell—can be cleaned with **mild, non‑abrasive cleaners** similar to those used on standard toilets. Harsh chemicals, bleach, or strong solvents are best avoided, as they can damage plastics and potentially disturb the microbial community in the solids chamber if they drip inside. Regular wiping of the seat, lid, and bowl front where urine flows keeps the toilet hygienic and more inviting for guests.

Capacity and Suitability for Different Usage Levels

The Biolan Simplett Plus is designed primarily for **low‑ to moderate‑use** situations. It can serve as the main toilet in a small seasonal cottage or off‑grid cabin, but it is not intended to match the capacity of a large, central composting system or a full septic installation in a busy, year‑round home.

Seasonal Cottages and Vacation Cabins

For many North American buyers, the most realistic fit for the Simplett Plus is a **seasonal cottage or vacation cabin**. In this setting, typical conditions favor its design:

• Occupancy is intermittent, offering the solids chamber time to rest and dry between visits
• Owners often prioritize **low environmental impact** near lakes or rivers and want to avoid traditional septic fields
• Trips are long enough that the system sees consistent use, encouraging owners to stay on top of maintenance routines

In such scenarios—especially for 1–4 regular users willing to apply cover material and manage emptying—the Simplett Plus typically offers a reasonable balance between effort and reliability.

Off‑Grid Tiny Homes and Full‑Time Use

For **full‑time off‑grid homes or tiny houses**, the Simplett Plus can work but demands more frequent attention. High daily use means the solids container fills more quickly, and moisture loads rise. In these contexts, some limitations emerge:

• Emptying intervals may compress to **weekly or bi‑weekly**, which not everyone finds comfortable
• Any lapses in cover material, vent performance, or urine diversion will show up quickly as odors or flies
• Users may want a secondary **backup toilet or emergency option** during illness or heavy guest use

Households that expect a near‑conventional experience with minimal interaction may find a **larger, fan‑assisted or drum‑based composting toilet**, or a combination of septic and low‑flush fixtures, better matched to their lifestyle than the Simplett Plus.

Light Commercial or Public Use

The Simplett Plus is generally **not optimized for high‑traffic public restrooms or commercial facilities**. While it might serve in very low‑use outbuildings (for example, a small staff cabin or a back‑of‑house shed bathroom), frequent, anonymous use asks a lot of any system that depends on users to correctly add cover material and sit in the right position. Public applications often benefit from **larger capacity vaults, more robust venting, and simpler user interfaces** than a small urine‑diverting unit can provide.

Environmental Impact and Resource Use

One of the main reasons homeowners consider waterless, urine‑separating toilets is their potential to **reduce water consumption and wastewater pollution** compared with conventional flush systems, particularly in areas without municipal sewers.

Water Savings and Reduced Wastewater

Because the Simplett Plus does not flush, households can significantly cut indoor water use for toilets. In conventional homes, flushing toilets can account for **a notable share of total indoor water consumption**. Eliminating that demand can be meaningful for cabins on **limited wells, rainwater collection, or trucked‑in water**, and it reduces stress on small treatment systems.

Separating urine further lowers the burden on any existing **septic tank or leach field** by diverting much of the nitrogen and liquid volume away from the soil absorption area. This can help extend the life of small or aging systems, though it does not substitute for properly permitted wastewater treatment where required.

Nutrient Cycling and On‑Site Composting

In principle, the Simplett Plus supports a **nutrient‑cycling approach** in which human waste is eventually transformed into stable compost for non‑food landscaping. When managed carefully, this can reduce demand for synthetic fertilizers and keep nutrients out of surface waters. In practice, the benefits depend on whether owners are willing and permitted to manage a dedicated humanure compost bin and wait the necessary time before use.

If regulations or personal comfort lead to disposal via municipal systems or licensed waste services instead, the environmental advantage shifts more toward **water savings and reduced infrastructure intensity** than nutrient recycling. Even so, avoiding a full septic system for a lightly used cabin can reduce material use and excavation impacts.

Strengths of the Biolan Simplett Plus in Real‑World Use

Based on its design and typical user reports, the Simplett Plus offers a series of tangible strengths for the right types of properties and owners. These advantages are most evident when expectations are aligned with what a compact, waterless, urine‑diverting toilet can realistically deliver.

Low‑Tech, Low‑Energy Operation

The absence of built‑in fans, heaters, or pumps means there is **very little that can mechanically fail**. For remote or off‑grid cabins where service calls are difficult, this simplicity can be an asset. Owners are not reliant on continuous power, and the system continues functioning during outages or shoulder seasons when solar or battery capacity may be limited.

Compact Footprint for Small Buildings

Compared with large, multi‑chamber composting toilets, the Simplett Plus has a **relatively small footprint** and can fit into modest bathrooms or partitioned corners of cabins. It avoids the need for a full‑height basement composter beneath the floor or a large external tank behind the building, which can simplify retrofits in existing structures.

Reasonable Odor Control When Used Properly

The combination of **urine diversion, cover material, and vertical venting** generally keeps odors within acceptable bounds for residential and seasonal settings. While it will not be as neutral as a well‑ventilated, water‑flushing bathroom in all cases, most owners find that it meets or exceeds their expectations for a waterless solution, provided they follow operating guidelines.

Scalable for Low‑ to Moderate‑Use Properties

For cottages, hunting cabins, or small off‑grid homes that see **modest visitor numbers**, the Simplett Plus offers sufficient capacity without overbuilding. Its performance tends to be most reliable when daily use is **steady but not excessive**, allowing some decomposition and drying to occur in the solids chamber between emptyings.

Limitations and Trade‑Offs to Consider

No composting‑style toilet is a perfect substitute for a fully plumbed bathroom, and the Simplett Plus is no exception. Potential buyers should weigh several limitations and trade‑offs when deciding whether it makes sense for their property and household.

User Involvement and Comfort With Waste Handling

A central trade‑off is the level of **manual involvement** required. Unlike flush toilets that hide and transport waste immediately, the Simplett Plus asks users to:

• Add cover material consistently after solids use
• Monitor bin levels and moisture conditions
• Empty the solids container and handle bags or liners that contain human waste
• Maintain the urine system, including occasional rinsing and managing any buildup

Some homeowners and their families are comfortable with this level of involvement, especially in a cabin context where they expect a more hands‑on, outdoors‑oriented lifestyle. Others may find the regular contact with waste materials uncomfortable or impractical over time, particularly if not everyone in the household is equally engaged in maintenance.

Space Requirements for Venting and Access

While the unit itself is compact, the need for a **full‑height vent stack and clearance for bin access** can complicate installation in very small or oddly shaped cabins. Low ceilings, loft structures, or rooflines with multiple angles may require creative vent routing, which can compromise performance if not executed carefully. Bathroom layouts that tuck the toilet deep into a corner may also make bin removal awkward, especially in winter when moving full liners through the building takes extra care.

Suitability for Only Low‑ to Moderate‑Use Applications

The Simplett Plus is **not designed as a heavy‑duty, large‑family central toilet**. Under sustained, high‑occupancy conditions, the solids chamber fills quickly, moisture levels rise, and the risk of odors and flies increases unless users are meticulous about cover and frequent emptying. Households that expect frequent guests, long rental seasons, or large gatherings may find that the toilet becomes a pinch point and demands more attention than they prefer.

Regulatory and Disposal Considerations

In the United States, local and state regulations regarding composting toilets, urine dispersal, and on‑site handling of human waste vary widely. In some regions, the Simplett Plus may need to be part of a **broader wastewater management plan** that includes graywater treatment, minimum distances from wells and water bodies, and approved methods for disposing of partially composted solids. Prospective buyers should factor in the **time and cost of confirming compliance** in their jurisdiction.

How the Simplett Plus Compares to Other Waterless Toilet Options

To understand whether the Biolan Simplett Plus is an appropriate choice, it helps to position it against some common alternatives that cabin and cottage owners consider.

Versus Basic Bucket or “Humanure” Toilets

Compared with simple bucket toilets lined with sawdust and a seat, the Simplett Plus offers:

• A more **finished, furniture‑like appearance** that many people prefer indoors
• Built‑in **urine separation**, which can reduce moisture and odor in the solids bin
• Integrated **vent connection**, improving odor control versus unvented buckets
• A fixed pedestal height and secure seat attachment, improving comfort and accessibility

However, both systems require **similar levels of manual handling**, and the bucket approach may be less expensive up front. For owners comfortable with very simple setups, the incremental benefits of a manufactured unit must be weighed against budget and aesthetic preferences.

Versus Large Central Composting Toilets

Compared with large, multi‑chamber or drum‑based central composting toilets, the Simplett Plus is **smaller, cheaper, and less infrastructure‑intensive**, but it also offers:

• Lower overall solids capacity, often limiting it to smaller or seasonal households
• Fewer internal mixing or aeration features, which can mean more manual attention to moisture and structure
• Less ability to fully finish composting within the unit, increasing reliance on external composting solutions

Central composting units often demand more floor or basement space and more complex installation but may better suit **year‑round family homes or eco‑lodges** with continuous use and higher expectations for convenience.

Versus Incinerating or Electric Toilets

Incinerating toilets and certain electric composting models reduce waste volume dramatically and can create a relatively inert ash or dried residue. In contrast, the Simplett Plus:

• Uses **no built‑in electric heating elements or blowers**, making it more compatible with low‑power sites
• Requires **ongoing outdoor composting or approved disposal**, rather than producing sterile ash
• Avoids the higher **up‑front cost and ongoing energy use** associated with incinerating systems

For fully off‑grid cabins or owners prioritizing low embodied energy and simplicity, the Simplett Plus may feel more aligned with their values than electrically intensive options. For those prioritizing minimal handling of waste and near‑zero odors, an incinerating toilet can be tempting if power supply and budget allow.

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

Choosing a composting‑style toilet is as much about lifestyle and expectations as it is about technical specs. The Biolan Simplett Plus can be a **reliable, environmentally considerate solution** when matched with the right site conditions and user habits, but it is not a universal answer.

Good Fit Scenarios

The Simplett Plus is most likely to perform well when:

• The property is a **seasonal cottage or cabin** with low‑ to moderate‑occupancy and intermittent use
• Owners are comfortable with **hands‑on maintenance**, including emptying bins and managing an outdoor compost or disposal arrangement
• Site access, local regulations, and building design allow proper **vent routing and urine management**
• There is a strong desire to **minimize water use and reduce septic system reliance**

In these contexts, the Simplett Plus can strike a realistic balance between environmental performance, comfort, and cost without the complexity of a full‑scale central composting or septic installation.

Situations Where Another Option May Be Better

On the other hand, homeowners may want to explore alternative options if:

• The home is **year‑round with high daily occupancy**, where larger capacity or more automated systems reduce maintenance burden
• Family members or frequent guests are **uncomfortable with manual waste handling** or unlikely to use cover material correctly
• The building layout cannot accommodate a **full‑height vent stack** or practical access for bin removal
• Local regulations heavily restrict **on‑site composting or urine dispersal**, making compliance difficult or costly

In such cases, a different type of composting, incinerating, low‑flush, or conventional toilet system—paired with an appropriately designed treatment system—may better align with long‑term expectations and code requirements.

Planning Next Steps

If you are evaluating waterless toilets for a cottage, cabin, or off‑grid home, it helps to map out a **complete sanitation plan** before committing to any single product. That plan should include not only the toilet itself but also how you will handle **graywater, urine, and solids over time** in a way that meets local requirements and feels manageable for your household. The Biolan Simplett Plus can form a practical core of that strategy for many seasonal and modest‑use properties, provided everyone understands and accepts its hands‑on nature.

Sources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Water use and conservation in households https://www.epa.gov
• World Health Organization — Guidelines on sanitation and health https://www.who.int
• National Small Flows Clearinghouse — Composting toilet system operation and maintenance resources https://www.nesc.wvu.edu
• Biolan — Manufacturer documentation on urine‑separating and composting toilet design principles https://www.biolan.com
• Various state and local U.S. health departments — On‑site wastewater and composting toilet regulations (consult your state or county health department website)