Composting Toilets Canada is an authorized dealer for Separett toilets
Separett Composting Toilet
Urine separating toilets like the Separett represent the first true advance in this technology in many years.
Composting toilets have been slow to catch on, because of problems with odour. This has largely resulted from too much liquid mixed with solids. With too much moisture you don’t get compost – you get a stinking mass of raw sewage! By separating the urine from the solids the Separett toilets solve this problem – resulting in odour free, trouble free composting.
Separett composting toilets are only now becoming widely known in North America, although they have been used and proven in Europe for over 10 years.
Here is how the the Separett works:
Separett urine drain forward
Urine is separated in the bowl. There is a drain in the forward section. Urine will naturally flow into this drain when we sit on the toilet. If standing, you may need to aim slightly forward. Standing may result in splatter, therefore the manufacturer recommends that men sit down to pee.
The blue ‘trap door’ or ‘view screen’ seen in the toilet bowl on the right opens automatically when you sit down. The solid material drops down into the lower compartment, where it rapidly dries out and shrinks dramatically.
The urine drains away from the Separett, and is then disposed of in one of 3 ways. Urine is sterile (or very nearly sterile) and does not pose a health risk.
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- French drain.
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- Drain to a tank.
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- Separett grey water connection
Separett inner compost bin (removable)
Soilds are contained in a lower bin, lined with a compostable plastic bag. The solids rapidly dry out, with the aid of a fan. This is critical to the success of the Separett, because the focus is dehydrating the material. To be blunt, dried poop does not stink. Because the material is shrinking rapidly, this bin will only need to be emptied about once a month or so, depending on the number of users. 2 bins (and 2 lids) are included with the toilet.
Solid waste never comes in contact with the inside of the Separett. It is all contained in the compostable bag. This makes emptying the toilet clean, fast and easy. You simply open the toilet, close the plastic bag, and take it outside to finish composting in a compost bin.
Ventilation
Separett – venting options
A big advantage of the Separett is that you have several venting options. Many other composting toilets MUST be
Separett Toilet – inner bin removed
vented through the roof only, because of odor issues. The Separett operates virtually odor free, so direct venting through the wall is also possible.
All composting toilets should be ventilated. If they are not, any smell will have nowhere to go other than into the dwelling. A small fan (built into the Separett) is the best way to do this. If there is no power available, you can try a passive vent that rotates in the wind. If at all possible, I strongly recommend using the fan. You can use a deep cycle (RV or marine) 12 volt battery, and a small, inexpensive solar panel to charge it. That is all the power you need. I do understand that some people have very remote cabins, and don’t want the hassle of electricity.
Below you can see an outdoor toilet installation, with no power and a rotating vent.
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- Separett
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- Separett outhouse
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- Whirlybird
This might be fine in an out building. In your house, you’ll need the fan to eliminate any chance of odor.
There are two Separett models, and the only difference is the fan. The Separett 9200 AC uses regular household electricity. You just plug it into a wall outlet. The two speed 9200 AC fan runs on 18 watts. The Separett 9210 DC runs on 12 volt electricity. This is perfect for off the grid situations or anywhere power consumption must be minimized. The one speed 9210 DC fan uses about 3 watts. The 9210 DC does come with a wall adapter, so you have the option of plugging it into a regular outlet if you wish. Both fans are very quiet, slightly louder than a whisper.
The dimensions of the Separett are as follows. These diagrams are in metric (sorry!).
total height 541 mm = 21.3″ height to seat 440 mm = 17.3″
wide 456mm = 18″ deep 672mm = 26.5″
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- Separett Composting Toilet
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- Separett child seat
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- Separett child seat
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- Separett toilet
The Separett is $1544 including shipping in Canada. ($1479 before shipping)
USA customers please visit the USA site. Call for shipping cost to other locations outside of Canada or the USA.
5 year warranty.
Made in Sweden by well paid and fairly treated workers.
You can purchase the Separett on my secure order page here
You can read frequently asked questions about the Separett here
The Separett toilet is ETL certified in Canada. Please click on the label to read more.
This is an excellent video review of the Separett from a recent customer of mine.
Here is a video on installing the Separett
Typical Customer Feedback. Zero unsatisfied customers to date.
“I did a lot of research when looking for a composting toilet for the new rental house I was building on my property. I decided upon the Separett 9200 Villa that separates liquid waste from solid waste. It seemed to make sense that separating the solids from the liquids would increase the decomposition rate of the solid waste, keeping it drier as well, which in turn would decrease any unpleasant odours indoors. That was four years ago, and really, it was the smartest decision I could have made.The Separett toilet not only looks smart but it is the easiest, non fuss system you could use. For two people, the solid waste bucket gets emptied into the specially designated outdoor bin, for further decomposition, maybe once every 4 weeks. The liquid waste I simply diverted into the existing plumbing of the building, and there is no smell, none! Honestly, for a waterless system, it is clean and so simple to use that I don’t understand why every household, especially those in more densely populated areas, do not have one of these in their home. Not only that, but by doing a few very easy things to aid in furthering along the decomposition of the solid waste in your contained area outside, you can have the blackest, richest soil to use in your garden later! I will be using this system again, in a new building, soon to be completed, and when/if my current septic system in my own home finally requires a clean out, forget it, I’m putting in a Separett waterless toilet.”
– E. Posgate
“We really like the Separett toilet. It is perfect for the location of our log cabin in northern Saskatchewan. It works very well. This is a great product and the service we have recieved from you and your company has been exceptional. We truly do appreciate this service.” – Charles C.
“At first I was skeptical about the Separett being odorless. My first test the May 24th guys long weekend, do I need to say anymore. This toilet performed flawlessly, it’s easy to install, clean and maintain (emptied once a year). Need a new septic system? Why spend $25,000 when you can buy a Separett at a fraction of the price with less maintenance and hassle. – Barry J. Clayton.”
“I liked my brother’s Separett toilet so much I went out and bought myself one” – Wayne L.
“We love our Separett Villa. It is truly odorless and is very easy to maintain” – Bruce and Mary T.
“I love the Separett toilet. Works like a charm!” Brian L.
“This is one fantastic device!” Eric B.
Submit your review | |
I can't rave enough about the Separett toilet. Previously we used a SunMar composting toilet an it was a piece of S#*T! It did not compost, hard to clean, continuous fly problems, a plugged urine line and it was huge. We never could get any help with our problems. The Separett toilet was simple to install and it works. Easy to remove waste, no smell, quiet and is the size of a normal toilet. Only down size is you have to sit to pee and sometimes males junk touches the urine separator. After my experience I would give this toilet a 11 out of 10. I would recommend this toilet without hesitation. As for the SunMar toilet I refuse to even sell it because I would feel like a thief taking anyones money for such a piece of junk.
I have waited 25 years for an indoor toilet at our cabin and have done my fair share of research for the "perfect one". I thought I had it all figured out until I came across the Separett and am so thankful that we waited. We don't have power at our cabin so purchased a small battery for less then $50.00 to run the fan. A big concern that I had was that the vent would be quite close to an open kitchen window but I can assure you, there is no odor. Love my Separett and would highly recommend it. I personally think the bags are worth their price in gold ... super easy to just toss in the outhouse when leaving.
What a wonderful invention. We now own two of these amazing poop decks. There is no smell.
The vent above the cottage needs to be high enough for the breeze to catch the plume of smell. Otherwise the smell floats in the bedroom window. We live off of the power grid so our fan is solar powered. Very efficient. Another neat advantage is that the urine effluent stimulates the trees receiving it and we have what appear to be genetic anomalies. The leaves are 3 times their normal size. Kind of funny when guests ask us what kind of trees we have that produce such beautiful shade and can they have one to transplant. We highly recommend this toilet. When I found out today that compostable Glad tall bags doubled are a fraction of the price of the Swedish bags but work as well I was so satisfied. One last thing- When I phoned, I got a real person. This toilet beats an outhouse anyday when one is afflicted with IBS and proximity is a priority.
We have electricity at our cabin in alberta. Do we need to run the power all the time when we are not at the cabin to maintain the odour ? How about winter temperatures does this effect the process? Thanks very interested.
You don’t need to run it all the time, especially if you are away for long periods. In this situation I suggest a non-powered rotating vent cap on the roof. Any breeze will rotate the vent, drawing air through the toilet and eliminating any chance of odour in the cabin. When you are there, plug the toilet in.
Winter temperatures are no problem at all. In an unheated cabin the contents will freeze. That is OK. Composting resumes when the temperatures warm up.
LOVE our Villa!! In putting together a tiny cabin on a horse farm, my main concern, as with most women, was the compost toilet issue. Having experienced the miserable, odorous toilets from outhouses, composts to port a pottys, I was skeptical that any solutions would be acceptable and sustainable. I am jumping up and down with joy as I write to say, ‘You’ve done it, Separett! Thank you!!!!
I scanned your website looking for replacement for the BioBlock, and found none. How often does this usually need to be replaced, and do I simply write you for purchase?
A grateful customer, Sarah
Something like this. 12 blocks for $14: http://www.amazon.com/Parazyme-urinal-block-springtime-PRICE/dp/B0087RSPDW
I am in the process of buying a compost toilet. At my Cabin I have a 2000 watt Honda generator. Will the generator be able to handle the electric Separett or would it be better for me to purchase a non electric.
The Separett 9210 draws about 2.5-3 watts. Almost nothing. The Separett 9210 runs on either DC (a 12 volt battery) or AC with an included wall adapter. The generator is plenty, with batteries of course. In my experience, non-electric composting toilets do not perform as well. You need to move that moist, stinky air out of the toilet. A simple vent is a minimal solution, but the vents may not always draw. If someone tells you their “non-electric” toilet will be 100% odour free, be suspicious.
Thanks for the information. What about cold winter months. I live in the north and from October to April it is very cold, in the -40c. Would you recommend this toilet or another one. What maintenance required and what other materials do i need to purchase to operate the toilet. If I consider buying I don’t want to be hung up because I didn’t order something that i should have.
Cold is no problem. Maybe insulate the urine drain tube. All you need are compostable bags, available online or at most grocery or hardware stores.
Im in the process of buying a cabin and I want to install a Separett 9210. Speaking to the government, they are saying they will not approve my application because that system is considered A Temporary System. In the Newfoundland & Labrador regulations it states that “a certificate of approval shall not be issued or renewed where the proposed sewage system does not conform to the requirements of the Public Health Act and Regulations made under that act”. Do the Separett 9210 meet the requirements of the Public Health Act. Is the Separett 9210 an approved means of disposal.
I love my toilet! It is very low maintenance and no smell! I was wondering if there is such a thing as a urinal version??
I’m so glad you like your toilet. I hear that every day, but I never tire of it! I do think there is a urinal made in Sweden, but it is not imported into Canada.
We purchased a Sun-Mar toilet ( high usage one) 5 years ago for a small cottage used during summer months for my widowed sister. She followed instructions and it was totally cleaned each fall. Last year the stench was unbelievable and we removed toilet. It was full of crap! Tried power washing it, scraping, vinegar and everything else we could do to clean it. Put toilet in small outside shed and we can still smell it. Not going back in cottage for sure. My sister is returning in May and we are at a loss as to purchasing and researching composting toilets. The cottage has hydro electricity.
Reading about separating urine is very interesting. Really like your site, am learning lots about toilets.
Interested in purchasing from you.
I hear that a lot. Call anytime.
I am also building a cabin in Newfoundland and would very much appreciate an answer to Danny Waterman’s question below concerning Public Health regulations in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thank you.
I am not familiar with regulations in Newfoundland and Labrador. Generally across Canada some areas are very accepting, others less so. There is usually nothing in the books about composting toilets in most areas, so the inspector will sometimes just say “no” rather than deal with it. You may have to go above them, to a supervisor or the engineering department, and try to get approval on an individual basis. Basically they will want to see you are dealing with the waste appropriately. It’s not really the toilet that they should be worried about – that is just a receptacle. It’s how you deal with what comes out of the toilet that is important. You can understand their concern. Human waste can make people sick, and we need to be very careful. If you show them you understand this, hopefully you will be successful.
Some people, frustrated with bureaucratic obstacles to an efficient and eco-friendly way of dealing with human waste, will simply put in something that is easily approved, like a chemical toilet or a “pump and haul” toilet system, where waste is stored in a tank, and hauled away by a truck (ugh!). Then, when the inspector leaves, they pull out the system they installed, return the unused components to the store, and put in a composting toilet. I am not suggesting you do this.
All this being said, composting toilets go in with permits all the time. Please let us know what happens.
Hi, this toilet seems to be a top seller for cabins and tiny homes. I have a travel trailer that I live in full-time and would like to convert for off grid living. Is it easy to install and convert? I’m guessing I could drain the liquids into the grey holding tank. I’m wondering more about venting the toilet as my current toilet doesn’t sit right next to an outside wall.
Thanks!
Hi Amy. The toilet is pretty easy to install, typically this is about a 2 or 3 hour job for a reasonably handy person. Cutting holes in the wall or roof is the only place that presents a challenge. You need to be sure you don’t hit any wires or pipes, and that it is at exactly the right spot. The external hole needs to be nicely cut with a hole saw, to ensure a good fit. A suitable cap needs to be fitted to keep out the rain. Flashing is needed if you go through the roof. This is all standard, every day stuff for a carpenter or plumber, and many unskilled but very careful people do it themselves. I can’t comment on how difficult your specific conversion would be, but these toilets go in travel trailers all the time. In terms of venting options, perhaps you should call me to discuss. You don’t necessarily have to go through an adjacent wall, but you need to be careful with the overall length of the pipe and the number of bends. Air does not like to travel far or go around corners. I’m toll free at 1 888 361 0014. Call anytime, you’ll get me personally.
Thanks for your detailed response. I measured my toilet this morning and it looks like the Separett is too big for my space, anyway. I was weighing my options between this and the Nature’s Head – Can I assume the venting issues will be the same with the Nature’s Head?
My question has to do with urine removal. The site shows a diagram of a French Drain. Exactly what is that and what does it entail? And if that’s impossible for our cabin setup how is water added to the Ejektor container?
I can’t tell you how excited I am to be considering this product as a replacement for my “shitty” Sunmar system.
There is a French drain diagram on my site, but basically it’s a rock pit. I can walk you through it on the phone if you are still confused after looking at the diagram. The Ejector tank has fittings that can accept a hose.
Thanks! Do you also sell the Ejector tanks and do you use Canada Post for shipping? I’m thinking of their impending strike…
What type of compost bin is necessary for the solid waste Do you really just throw the bags in and it all becomes compost
You can use any kind of bin, but personally I prefer something that is not open to the bottom. That way there is no chance of leaching out. The perfect solution is two rotating drums. These are available at around $125 each, maybe less online. You start with one drum, then when it’s full you start using the second. When the second drum is full, the contents of the first drum are ready for the non-edible plants. And yes, you really just throw the bags in. They are biodegradable and break down quickly.
that sounds good
and what about toilet paper is that added as dry matter to aid decomposition
Yes, the toilet paper is added, no problem. Any kind of toilet paper is fine.
No one seems to go into details about how to safely “compost” the humanure after it is transferred from the Separett toilet. Anything I have seen shows covering the poop with some soil, putting the lid on the “Separett receptacle”, leaving the lid slightly open, and leaving it for 6 months. It seems like a child or animal could easily open the container. And you would need a lot of containers.
Rather than using the Separett bin as the receptacle for the actual composting process, could you please give a detailed explanation of bigger bins used for composting, what materials you add to the bins (besides the humanure), how to keep the bin aerated without leaching – in other words, the whole process.
Actually my site has detailed instructions on how to compost human waste. It’s on the right side bar. You can also view it here.
The bins that come with the Separett only work for very casual use.
With the Separett, how does composting occur – ie. why does it not need agitator, moss etc like other systems?
Also, is it ok to leave for extended periods (weeks) without emptying?
The Separett is a UDDT – a urine diverting dry toilet. It works by dehydrating the waste, not composting. No composting occurs in the toilet itself. The material dries out (it may not get totally dry), losing odour, and shrinking drastically. The inner bin is emptied into a compost bin elsewhere. The composting occurs in the bin. You can leave it for as long as you like, but the compostable bag may break down. That is not a big problem.
Wish to install Separette to replace an Ecolet that is unfortunately a very poor device that never functions as advertised.
We have regular AC but have several outages per year – (living at the end of the grid).
We note your answer regarding AC/DC “The Separett 9210 draws about 2.5-3 watts. Almost nothing. The Separett 9210 runs on either DC (a 12 volt battery) or AC with an included wall adapter.”
Can we set up the toilet with the AC 110V via wall adapter and have a back-up deep-cycle battery connected to cut in during outages
or would we need to set up a more sophisticated switching system to transfer between power supplies?
I don’t know of a way to accomplish that. Perhaps an electrician might. Why not just run it off the 12 volt battery all the time, and charge the battery with a solar panel? If the power goes out for a few hours it is not a big deal. I believe any odor would be negligible.
How long will it take for the comparable bag to biodegrade?Can you put the bag in a Compost Bin for use in the garden?
The bags will break down in about a month. You can use it in the garden, on non-edible plants only.
Hi I have a cabin in NS that has no power and I have been thinking of getting this system. Do you thin that using the unit that hooks up to a battery is going to work as well as the one that has power? I have been debating on Power. I am close to the water so the urine run off would not harm the water would it?
Thanks for your help
The battery powered (12 volt) systems definitely powerful enough. No problem there. Urine cannot be discharged anywhere near fresh water. Salt water is probably okay, but regulations vary. Better would be to drain it well away from water.
I wish you guys were around 15 years ago I bought a envirolet from down east and it was the worst item I have ever purchased.
I tore it all apart and did what you have now built and it works terrific cheers ted
What size is the urin discharge pipe and how far off the floor? Is there an online installation manual? Thanks , will be ordering soon.
It’s 1″ inner diameter flexible water pipe. The drain exits 7″ high. The best installation overview is the video on my Separett page. I have a pdf file. If you email me, I’ll send it to you.
I am not sure this toilet is right for us. I have family members with IBS who experience diarrhea regularly and I am not sure if feces would dry out enough in this case?
Draining the urine to the grey water tank sounds too good. What are the disadvantages of doing that versus disposing of urine separately? I suppose it then leaves you with fewer options for emptying your grey water tank. Does it lead to more odour due to longer time between emptying or more total volume? Thanks.
I am not aware of any disadvantages. Urine is virtually sterile. I don’t think it would change your options for emptying the grey tank. Diluted urine will not produce significant odor. Grey water dispersal of urine is listed as an option under the very comprehensive BC Government Guidelines on composting toilets.