Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Three mechanisms work together and make the crucial difference compared with chemical toilets or pit latrines:

• Urine separation: The integrated urinal (in the Classic, Accessible and Piazza models) directs most of the urine straight into a separate tank. Odours mainly develop when urine comes into contact with oxygen and microorganisms and releases ammonia. Separating the urine greatly reduces this process.
• Cover material: After each use, a handful of cover material is sprinkled over the contents of the toilet container. It immediately dries and reliably covers the surface, substantially reducing ammonia emissions. The cover material also creates a pleasant, fresh woody scent.
• Biological cleaners: Kompotoi uses only biodegradable cleaners based on beneficial microorganisms. They break down organic compounds and help reduce odour formation.

This system has proven itself in practice for many years: Kompotoi toilets have been used at festivals, construction sites and public locations for more than 15 years.

A composting toilet works without water and without a sewer connection. Instead of flushing excreta away, it collects them so they can later be composted or otherwise biologically recycled.

With Kompotoi, three elements make the system simple to use and low in odour:

• Urine separation: Most urine is collected separately via a urinal. This produces significantly less ammonia and reduces odour formation.
• Cover material: After each use, a handful of cover material is sprinkled over the solids. It dries the surface, covers the contents and supports the later composting process.
• Biological processes: Beneficial microorganisms help break down organic compounds and reduce odour formation.

The result is a natural cycle – without water consumption and without chemical-toilet additives.

The terms describe different characteristics of a toilet system:

• Dry toilet: Works without water and without flushing. Excreta are collected instead of being flushed away.
• Urine-diverting toilet: A dry toilet that separates urine and solids at the point of use.
• Composting toilet: A toilet in which the collected solids are composted – either directly within the system or later during processing.

Most Kompotoi models (Classic, Accessible and Piazza) are dry toilets that require no water connection. The Kompotoi Compo also includes an integrated composter. Depending on the version, the Kompotoi Petit is available either as a conventional dry toilet or as a urine-diverting toilet.

Kompotoi offers a range of models for different applications:

• Classic: (rent / buy) Our proven mobile toilet for events, construction sites and public locations. Capacity of around 500 uses, with urinal and solar lighting. Ideal for events, temporary sites, and short- or long-term rental.
• Accessible: (rent / buy) Spacious cabin designed to SIA 500 requirements, with ramp, grab rails, changing table and hand-washing basin with hand pump plus fresh- and waste-water tanks (20 l each). Around 400 uses. Ideal for accessible events and public spaces; also available as a permanent installation.
• Urinal: (rent / buy) Mobile urinal with two stainless-steel urinals. Around 500 uses. Ideal as additional capacity at busy events.
• Compo: (buy) Composting toilet with an integrated 120-litre composter for seasonal use by 4–6 people. Ideal for alpine huts, tiny houses, holiday homes, community gardens and off-grid living.
• Petit: (buy) Compact small toilet (approx. 12 kg) available in three versions, with or without urine separation. Ideal for campers, holiday homes without sewer connections and spaces where room is limited.
• Piazza: (buy) Permanently installed, accessible dry toilet for public spaces. Designed to SIA 500 / DIN 18040-2 and individually configurable (the basic fit-out corresponds to the Kompotoi Accessible). Ideal for municipalities, towns and cities, tourist locations and nature sites.
• Hand-washing station: (rent / buy) Self-contained washbasin with foot pump and fresh- and waste-water tanks (20 l each) – the ideal addition to any toilet.

Capacity varies considerably by model:

• Classic: 100-l container + 130-l urine tank ≈ 500 uses
• Accessible / Piazza: 70-l container + 130-l urine tank = 200 l ≈ 400 uses
• Urinal: 2 × 130-l tanks = 260 l ≈ 500 uses
• Compo: 120-l composter – suitable for seasonal use by 4–6 people
• Petit: 21-l container (+ 9.5-l urine canister in the urine-separating version)
• Hand-washing station: 2 × 20 l ≈ 60 hand washes

You can use our event calculator to estimate how many cabins you need:

No. Kompotoi toilets are fully self-contained and require no electricity, water or sewer connection.

This applies both to operation and to on-site maintenance. It makes Kompotoi particularly flexible for locations without infrastructure, such as construction sites, temporary events and remote mountain areas.

Solar lighting is integrated into the cabin and needs no external power supply. The hand-washing station is operated by a foot pump and has integrated fresh- and waste-water tanks (20 l each).

The difference lies in the system – and in the result:

• Pit latrine: All waste is collected together. Urine reaches the surface and fermentation processes release ammonia, causing unpleasant smells.
• Chemical toilet: Odours are chemically suppressed using biocides. The contents cannot be composted and must be sent through dedicated disposal routes into wastewater treatment, where both the added chemicals and the nutrients contained in the waste have to be removed again.
• Kompotoi: Urine separation prevents odours at the source. Cover material immediately dries the surface. The result is material suitable for composting – without chemical additives, unpleasant odours or wasted water.

The Kompotoi Compo is a self-contained composting toilet with an integrated 120-litre composter and a spare container. Excreta are composted directly on site, so no external removal is required. An integrated ventilation system reliably prevents odours.

The Compo is ideal for seasonal use by 4–6 people and is particularly well suited to fixed locations without a sewer connection: alpine and mountain huts, tiny houses, holiday homes and off-grid housing projects.

Important: Leave at least 100 cm of clear space behind the cabin for maintenance access.

The Kompotoi Petit is a compact wooden toilet (54 × 42 × 53 cm, approx. 12 kg) for off-grid living without a sewer connection. It is available in three versions:

• Standard: No urine separation – solids and liquids are collected together in a 21-l container. The simplest and lightest version.
• Urine separation with canister: A separator directs solids into the 21-l container and urine into a separate 9.5-l canister. Ideal for mobile and flexible use.
• Urine separation with hose: Solids go into the container while urine is discharged through an approx. 2 m hose – for example to a sewer connection or an external tank.

Typical uses include campers, caravans, alpine huts, tiny houses and holiday homes without sanitation connections.

The Kompotoi Piazza is a permanently installed, accessible dry toilet for public spaces. Its equipment and interior can be customised to suit the location and specific requirements.

Suitable for municipalities, towns and cities, tourist destinations, club facilities, parks, hiking trails and public squares.

Technical specifications: three-layer laminated spruce, designed to SIA 500 / DIN 18040-2, cabin dimensions 182 × 193 × 232 cm, door width 94.5 cm, approx. 350 kg, 200-l capacity (≈ 400 uses), hand-washing basin with hand pump (20-l fresh- and waste-water tanks), solar lighting with motion sensor.

Optional equipment includes graffiti protection (metal cladding), heating, hot-water/permanent connections, green roofs and walls, and customised interiors.

Yes. Kompotoi toilets have been used for many years at public locations, events and construction sites and have proven to be a hygienic sanitation solution.

The composting-toilet system is designed with hygiene in mind: urine separation reduces moisture and creates conditions that make it harder for many microorganisms to multiply. The seat remains dry, and the cover material quickly dries the surface after each use. Unlike a flush toilet, there are no flushing aerosols (sometimes called a toilet plume) that can disperse germs into the air.

Classic, Urinal and Compo models are supplied with a disinfectant dispenser as standard. Kompotoi Accessible, Piazza and the hand-washing station have a soap dispenser.

Cover material performs three essential functions in a Kompotoi: it immediately dries the surface and helps prevent odours; it covers the contents after each use; and it provides the carbon needed for a favourable carbon-to-nitrogen ratio during composting.

Suitable materials include wood shavings, a sawdust mix (not too fine), crushed wood pellets, straw or shredded bark. The material should be absorbent and provide structure – very fine powder on its own is not sufficient.

Consumption depends on how the toilet is used and on the material itself. As a guideline, one handful of cover material per use (around 1–2 dl) is sufficient.

Using enough keeps the surface dry and reliably prevents odours. Too little cover material is the most common cause of odour problems in composting toilets.

Any standard toilet paper can go directly into the container – it is compostable and does not interfere with the process. We use recycled toilet paper in our rental toilets. Scented paper can be used, although it may have a slight negative effect on the biological cleaners.

Yes. Kompotoi cabins have an internal twist lock with a red/green indicator and can also be secured from the outside – useful overnight, during breaks or outside operating hours. The external lock indicates that the toilet is unavailable without the cabin having to be removed.

Yes. Kompotoi cabins are proven in cold and snowy conditions and are regularly supplied to winter and ski areas as well as mountain construction sites. Thanks to the natural salt content of the excreta, the solids container rarely freezes, and the roof is designed for snow loads.

The Kompotoi hand-washing station is fully self-contained and operated with a simple foot pump. No electricity or other connections are required. The fresh- and waste-water tanks hold 20 l each, enough for around 60 hand washes.

Dimensions: 85 × 61 × 212 cm; weight: approx. 65 kg. Supplied as standard with a soap dispenser, paper-towel dispenser and solar lighting.

The accessible cabin measures 182 × 195 × 230 cm (floor level 14 cm above the surrounding ground), has a 90-cm-wide door and weighs approx. 320 kg empty. In addition, there is a platform (177 × 150 cm) and ramp (177 × 150 cm), which can be fitted at the front or side.

At least 85 cm of clear space must be left behind the cabin for maintenance access and removal of the container.

In Switzerland, changes to the use of wastewater systems may require approval from the competent municipal authority under applicable Swiss, cantonal and municipal rules. Approval practice can vary by municipality.

If the wastewater pipe is connected to a treatment plant or collection tank, discharge may in principle be possible. Approval from the competent authority remains necessary.

Whether a permit is required depends on the location and duration of use. In Switzerland, mobile composting toilets for temporary events or construction sites generally do not require a separate building permit, but requirements can vary by municipality and location. Permanent installations – for example at tiny houses, holiday homes, public facilities or fixed toilet sites – may be subject to Swiss, cantonal and municipal rules relating to planning, water protection or wastewater.

Because responsibilities and approval procedures differ between municipalities and cantons, we recommend discussing larger or permanent projects with the competent authority at an early stage.

Yes. A composting toilet can be used permanently as a fully functional household toilet – for example in a tiny house, holiday home, alpine hut or another building without a sewer connection.

Several Kompotoi products are specifically designed for this kind of long-term use. The Kompotoi Compo, Petit and various urine-diverting toilet solutions are particularly suitable for such locations.

Maintenance, composting or disposal, and any applicable Swiss, cantonal or municipal requirements should be considered from the outset.

Only biodegradable materials or materials intended for normal operation should go into a composting toilet.

• Allowed: urine, faeces, toilet paper and the intended cover material.

Do not put the following into the toilet:

• Wet wipes
• Sanitary pads or tampons
• Cotton buds
• Syringes or other sharp objects
• Cigarette butts
• Plastic, packaging or other waste
• Aggressive cleaning products or chemicals

These materials interfere with biological recycling, make composting more difficult and can create additional cleaning work.

The quickest way is to use our online quote form. Kompotoi will usually get back to you on the next working day with an individual quote.

Rental costs depend on the rental period, the number of cabins and the transport required. We will be happy to prepare an individual quote for you.

No. Kompotoi rents toilets for short assignments such as one-day events or weekend events as well as for long-term use lasting several months or an entire season.

Kompotoi delivers throughout Switzerland, with a particular focus on German-speaking Switzerland. The greater the distance from our locations, the higher the transport costs.

Purchased products can also be shipped within Europe on request.

Rental toilets are usually delivered, unloaded and placed in their final position using a light commercial vehicle (max. 3.5 t) with a crane arm – Monday to Friday, and Saturdays on request.

Purchased products are generally delivered Monday to Friday by an external freight carrier using a truck, to kerbside only. Final placement is the customer's responsibility.

Access: A surfaced road suitable for a light commercial vehicle. Please tell us in advance about archways, narrow entrances, unsurfaced ground, steps or indoor placement.

Site: Firm, preferably level ground. Leave at least 85 cm of clear space behind the cabin for maintenance access.

Cancellation terms are set out in Kompotoi's General Terms and Conditions (GTC). The contractual relationship is governed by the applicable terms and, where relevant, Swiss law.

Graffiti / tags: Removal is generally charged to the renter. Kompotoi sands and repaints cabins as needed after use. For events with a higher risk of vandalism, pre-painted cabins can be supplied on request.

Property damage: Please report deliberate damage immediately; depending on the circumstances, a police report may be required. Liability is governed by Kompotoi's GTC and the applicable Swiss legal framework.

None. Kompotoi toilets are fully self-contained – no electricity, no water and no sewer connection are required. On-site maintenance also requires no utility connections.

As a rule of thumb, allow 1 cabin per 50–80 people for a one-day event without unusually high peak demand. The actual requirement depends on how intensively the toilets are used, the food and drink offer, and whether alcohol is served. Capacity requirements increase for multi-day events.

Use our toilet calculator to estimate your exact requirement based on guest numbers, event duration and alcohol consumption:

Yes. Our on-site event service provides a Kompotoi team throughout the event to handle cleaning, emptying and refilling, so you do not have to organise these tasks yourself.

It is ideal for festivals, markets, sporting events and concerts.

The earlier, the better – especially for summer weekends. For larger events and/or events requiring staff (10+ cabins or on-site event service), we recommend booking at least 5–6 weeks in advance. Short-notice requests are accepted where capacity and availability allow.

Yes. Kompotoi rents individual cabins as well as larger quantities – ideal for weddings, garden parties, family celebrations and club events.

Bad smells are one of the most common concerns about dry and composting toilets – and our experience shows that this concern is unfounded. When used correctly, Kompotoi toilets have a pleasant fresh-wood scent, similar to fresh wood shavings. The wooden interior and wood-shaving cover material create a natural, forest-like atmosphere and a pleasant experience, very different from the chemical smell and plastic interior of a chemical toilet. Many guests actively prefer Kompotoi.

Yes. Their robust, winter-ready design makes Kompotoi toilets suitable for long-term use. Because they are mobile and require no utility connections, they are also ideal for changing locations on large construction sites. Recommended service models for construction sites are regular maintenance or on-demand maintenance.

Yes. Kompotoi toilets can be installed permanently in public spaces with or without a sewer connection. In fully self-contained operation, no infrastructure is required. If desired and permitted, the urine outlet can also be connected to an existing sewer.

For permanent installations in public spaces, we recommend the Kompotoi Piazza. It is individually configurable, designed to SIA 500 / DIN 18040-2 and can be visually adapted to its surroundings.

A Kompotoi requires no water or electricity connection and no sewer, which can considerably simplify planning and operation.

Permanent installations in public spaces are nevertheless subject to the applicable Swiss legal framework as well as cantonal and municipal requirements. Depending on the location, building, planning, water-protection or other rules may apply.

Because responsibilities and approval practices vary by municipality and canton, we recommend discussing the project with the competent authority at an early stage.

In principle, Kompotoi toilets can also be transported to difficult-to-access locations. Their sturdy base allows them to be moved with a forklift or pallet truck. All cabins have external lifting points for crane, gondola or helicopter transport.

Because these transports require individual planning, please discuss any special requirements with us well in advance. Special transport is generally organised by the customer.

• 📞 044 273 30 30 (Mon–Fri 08:00–12:00, 13:30–16:30)
• 📧 dispo@kompotoi.ch
• 🌐 kompotoi.ch/servicebestellung

• Regular maintenance: A fixed schedule (daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly). Includes container replacement, cleaning and consumables.
• On-site event service: Our team remains on site. Ideal for larger events.
• On-demand maintenance: Kompotoi comes when needed, within 3 working days.
• Container/material exchange: Kompotoi collects full containers and, if requested, delivers fresh materials; you handle cleaning and maintenance of the toilet yourself.
• Self-managed composting: You take care of maintenance and recycling yourself. Kompotoi can support you with advice and practical tips.

How often a composting toilet needs emptying depends on the model and how intensively it is used.

• Classic: approx. 500 uses → at 20 uses per day, roughly every 14 days.
• Accessible: approx. 400 uses.

For low-use locations, on-demand maintenance is a good option (Kompotoi comes within 3 working days).

For public locations, regardless of usage, we recommend maintenance at least once a week. This helps keep the toilet, consumables and surrounding area in consistently good condition.

Costs depend on the service model, number of cabins and travel distance. We provide an individual quote on request.

Yes. This is one of the practical advantages over chemical toilets: changing or emptying the solids container and pumping out the urine tank can be done without specialist tools and can easily be handled yourself. Kompotoi provides clear instructions:

Kompotoi uses only biodegradable cleaners based on beneficial microorganisms for cleaning and maintaining the toilets. These microorganisms break down organic compounds, reduce odour formation and support biological decomposition processes.

The cleaner is also available for private use:

Yes. Kompotoi also services purchased toilets using the same service models offered for rental units – from regular maintenance and on-demand maintenance through to fully self-managed operation with advice. Simply contact us for a tailored offer.

Yes. Kompotoi products can be purchased directly in three ways:

• New: All current models (Classic, Accessible, Urinal, Compo, Petit, Piazza and hand-washing station) are available to buy.
• Pre-owned: Used cabins in good condition at reduced prices – the same function at a lower cost.
• Purchase after rental: If you decide to buy a rented toilet, rental payments made during the previous 6 months can be credited towards the purchase price.

The Kompotoi shop offers a broad range:

• Toilets: From compact toilets and mobile urine-diverting or composting toilets to accessible solutions – there is an option for many different needs.
• DIY kits: Functional components for building your own composting toilet
• Composting and pyrolysis accessories
• Consumables: cover material, biological cleaner and toilet paper
• Pre-owned units: used cabins at reduced prices

Viewings are available for Kompotoi products only (Classic, Accessible, Urinal, hand-washing station, Compo and Petit) and take place at our location at Zürcherstrasse 254, 8406 Winterthur, Switzerland. Please arrange an appointment in advance:

Cover material, biological cleaner, toilet paper and other consumables are available directly from our online shop. Rental customers can also order supplies conveniently through the service-order form.

Purchased products are covered by the statutory warranty rights applicable under Swiss law, including the Swiss Code of Obligations. If a product is defective or you need spare parts, contact us and our team will help you as quickly and straightforwardly as possible.

Current promotions and new products are always available in the shop. To avoid missing offers, you can also subscribe to the Kompotoi newsletter.

Yes. Our online shop carries the components needed for a self-built toilet, including separation systems, urine outlets, containers and other DIY accessories.

The online shop accepts credit card, TWINT, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Payment in advance and cash on delivery are not available.

Delivery time depends on the size of the product:

• Parcel delivery (accessories and consumables): usually 3–5 working days
• Freight delivery (large cabins such as Classic, Accessible and Piazza): 7–14 working days, delivered to kerbside

Self-collection is not available for these standard deliveries.

Shipping costs depend on the weight, quantity and volume of your order. They are shown transparently in the shopping basket before checkout, with no hidden shipping charges.

Our standard shipping service covers Switzerland. On request, we can also ship within Europe. Depending on the order value, destination country and parcel weight, customs charges may apply. Shipping or transport outside Switzerland may also take longer than our standard delivery times.

Yes. To change or cancel your order, contact us at verkauf@kompotoi.ch or on 044 273 30 30 (option 3). If the parcel has not yet been prepared for dispatch, changes can still be made.

Kompotoi's return policy allows online-shop products to be returned within 14 days of the purchase date, provided they are unused and in their original packaging. Return shipping costs are paid by the buyer, and the product price is refunded once the goods have been received.

This policy applies alongside any mandatory rights that may apply under Swiss law.

Enter the voucher code in the designated field in the shopping basket and select “Apply”. The discount is calculated immediately and is visible before you complete the purchase.

Self-collection is not available for accessories and consumables; these products are shipped exclusively by post or freight carrier. Large cabins (Classic, Accessible, Urinal and hand-washing station) can be collected from our headquarters in Winterthur Töss by prior appointment.

Our goal is the complete recovery of all collected material. Solids can be composted and then used as a high-quality soil improver. Urine is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus – valuable nutrients that can in principle be recovered and reused. In Switzerland, whether and how these materials may be used depends on the intended application and the applicable Swiss legal and regulatory requirements.

Kompotoi contributes to sustainability in several ways:

• Water: A conventional flush toilet uses around 6–9 litres of drinking water per flush, depending on the model. Kompotoi uses no water at all.
• Nutrients: Human excreta contain valuable nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus – resources that are important in agriculture. In conventional wastewater systems, much of this nutrient value is lost. The Kompotoi system can support nutrient recovery and help return these resources to biological cycles.
• Energy: Producing synthetic nitrogen fertiliser is highly energy-intensive. Closing nutrient cycles can help reduce demand for newly produced fertilisers.

Kompotoi also avoids chemical additives for odour suppression. Cleaning and maintenance use only biodegradable cleaners based on beneficial microorganisms.

The circular approach is particularly important: instead of treating excreta simply as waste, Kompotoi treats them as a resource. This saves water, preserves nutrients and supports natural material cycles.

The solids, cover material and toilet paper from a Kompotoi can be composted on your own compost heap if a few basic rules are followed:

• Recommended maturation period: at least 2 years
• Add enough structural material such as cover material, branches and leaves
• Keep the compost covered and slightly moist
• Comply with the applicable Swiss, cantonal and municipal rules on soil protection, water protection and waste handling

No – the two material streams are fundamentally different. Sewage sludge contains not only human excreta but also road dirt, tyre wear, industrial and household chemicals, and persistent pollutants such as heavy metals, microplastics or PFAS from the wider wastewater system. Under Swiss legislation, applying sewage sludge to agricultural land has been prohibited in Switzerland since 2006.

Faecal compost from a composting toilet contains substantially fewer of these substances than sewage sludge, provided only compostable materials enter the toilet. The two material streams therefore differ fundamentally.