The Tiny house Blog

10 Cover Materials For Your Composting Toilet

Updated on:
April 19, 2024
Cover Materials For Your Composting Toilet

Image Source: Canva

Wading through waste management? You're in luck, we've got the scoop on the top ten cover materials for your composting toilet. Go green with earth-friendly options like chopped straw and coconut coir. Perhaps the cupboard-cleaning coffee grounds catch your fancy, or maybe the pet-friendly small animal litter? Don't rule out the garden variety soil, or the fireside-find, wood ash. 

There's something for everyone, from the firewood connoisseur to the caffeine-infused composters. Ready for more? Stick with us, and we'll help you dig deeper into the world of compost cover materials!

Chopped Straw or Hemp Stalks

When it comes to covering up the 'business' in a composting toilet, we can't sing enough praises for the humble chopped straw or hemp stalks. These unsung heroes of the compost world perform a stellar job, turning your 'contributions' into nutrient-rich compost. They're like the backup singers to your composting toilet's lead vocalist, making sure everything harmonizes beautifully.

Now, don't be fooled by their modest appearance. These lightweight materials punch above their weight when it comes to absorbing odors and facilitating the composting process. Plus, they're sustainable and cheap, proving that you don't need to break the bank to keep your composting toilet smelling like a bed of roses.

Coconut Coir

Swapping our hats from straw to coconuts, let's delve into the world of coconut coir, a superstar in the composting toilet cover material lineup. Extracted from the husk of coconuts, coir is a fibrous material that's a real champion at moisture retention. It's like the hardworking sponge of the composting toilet world.

But it's not just a one-trick pony. Coconut coir also has a neutral pH level, making it a perfect peacemaker in the sometimes acidic world of human waste. It's like a diplomat, smoothing over potential disputes between different elements, promoting harmony and balance.

And don't let its soft, fluffy appearance fool you. This cover material is tough, resisting decomposition and outliving its fellow cover materials. Coconut coir, a resilient, diplomatic, and hardworking choice for your composting toilet.

Image Source: Canva

Coir Bricks

If you're a fan of the coconut coir's natural prowess, let's turn our attention to its compressed cousin, the coir brick, which packs a punch in the world of composting toilet cover materials. You might think, 'What? Coir in a brick form? You've got to be kidding!' But we're not pulling your leg here!

Coir bricks are lightweight, easy to store, and swell up like a marshmallow on a camping trip when you add water. They're like the superheroes of composting toilet cover materials - they may seem small and unassuming, but once activated, they're ready to take on any 'business' you've got. They're also eco-friendly, which means you can help save the world while you're... well, you know. So don't underestimate the power of the humble coir brick.

Compressed Wood Pellets

Next up on our composting cover materials hit parade are compressed wood pellets, the unsung heroes that turn your composting toilet into a waste-busting powerhouse.

Think of these little guys as the bouncers of your composting club, breaking down waste like it's their job—because it is! They're not just good at their job, they're exceptional. Made from leftover lumber industry products, these pellets are sustainable and super absorbent.

Once they come into contact with liquid, they expand and start their magic show, controlling odors and accelerating the composting process. Plus, they're easy to store, so you won't have to dedicate an entire closet to your toilet's needs.

Image Source: Canva

Dried Coffee Grounds

Now, let's talk about something we bet you never thought would end up in your composting toilet - dried coffee grounds! Yes, you read that right. Those leftovers from your morning caffeine fix can serve a purpose beyond waking you up.

We're sure you're thinking, 'Coffee grounds, really?' But they're a fantastic addition to your composting privy. They're rich in nitrogen, which is a crucial component for composting. Plus, they help to eliminate any unpleasant odors.

Organic Peat Moss

Switching gears to the next cover material, let's delve into the world of Organic Peat Moss, something that might sound more at home in a garden than in your composting toilet. 

Don't be fooled, though! 

This brown, crumbly substance is a composting superstar. It's nature's little sponge, holding up to 20 times its weight in water, making it an excellent odor and moisture controller.

Now, we understand that peat moss mightn't sound as glamorous as, let's say, a bouquet of roses, but it's quite the unsung hero. It's like that reliable friend who's always there for you, even when your composting toilet is on the brink of a smelly disaster. So let's give a big round of applause to organic peat moss, the problem-solving, composting champion!

Sawdust

Dusting off our next composting cover material, we find ourselves in the realm of sawdust, a wonderfully woodsy wonder that's not just for carpenters anymore. Now, sawdust isn't just for sweeping up, it's a mighty fine addition to your composting toilet. It's absorbent, like a tiny wood-based sponge, soaking up odors and excess moisture with aplomb.

What's more, it's a great source of carbon, which, let's face it, your compost needs. It's nature's way of thanking you for not letting those tree fragments go to waste. And the best part? It's practically free! If you've got a friendly local sawmill or a neighbor with a wood hobby, you're in luck. So next time you're dusting, don't trash it - stash it for your compost!

Small Animal Litter

Shifting gears from the sawmill to the pet store, let's consider something you mightn't have thought of: small animal litter as a fantastic cover material for your composting toilet.

Confused? Don't worry, we're not suggesting you raid Fluffy's cage. Instead, unused small animal litter, particularly the organic varieties made from alfalfa, oats, or paper, can be a real game-changer. These pellets are super absorbent and help control odors, creating a more pleasant composting experience. Plus, they're biodegradable and eco-friendly.

Got a guinea pig? No problem, guinea pig litter works equally well. So, next time you're passing the pet store, consider picking up some small animal litter. It's not just for Fluffy anymore!

Image Source: Canva

Soil

Digging a bit deeper, let's turn our attention to good old-fashioned soil - a no-nonsense, readily available cover material for your composting toilet that's been under our feet all along!

It's true, folks. The humble dirt beneath our toes makes an excellent cover material. It's rich in microorganisms that help break down waste, and let's not forget, it's free! No need to go on a desperate midnight dash to the gardening store. Just grab a shovel, and you're good to go.

Plus, it adds a certain 'back to nature' charm to the whole composting process. But remember to use soil that's free from chemicals or pollutants. We're going for eco-friendly, not eco-nasty!

Wood Ash

Now, let's turn our focus to the ashy aftermath of a cozy fire - wood ash, which happens to be a fantastic, and dare I say, criminally underrated cover material for your composting toilet. Who knew, right? What you've been sweeping up and tossing out after your toasty fires could be your toilet's next best friend.

Wood ash is rich in potash and lime, making it a great neutralizer for acidic compost. Plus, it's free! If you've got a fireplace, you've got a supply. Our advice? Stop treating it like Cinderella before the ball. Embrace the ash. Turn that fireplace waste into toilet gold.

Conclusion

Well folks, that wraps up our deep dive into the world of composting toilet cover materials. From the humble straw to the exotic coconut coir, we've explored them all.

Remember, the best cover material is the one that makes your composting experience a breeze and your nose happy. So, go ahead, pick your favorite, and let's keep turning waste into black gold.

Happy composting, and may your toilets forever be odor-free!

Did you enjoy this post and find value in it? Share it with your friends with the links below!

Need more info? Get

By submitting your email, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms

Subscribe to get the latest news

This is a new way to communicate faster than any communication platforms

Thank you!
Your submission has been received! Check your inbox for an email from info@tinyhouse.com with more info!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again or email us at support@tinyhouse.com. Thanks!
Want all the latest tiny house inspo and news?

Get free resources, updates, tips & tricks, and special offers by joining the Tiny House Plan Newsletter.

No items found.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers — straight from the author — for the most common questions about this article.

Don't see your question here? Contact us!
No items found.

Join The Tiny House Community

Occasionally: Community Events, DIY Tips and Tricks, Tiny House Guides
Never: Junk or Spam and we don't sell or misuse your email.
Welcome to the fam! We're excited to have you join the community.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Please try again or use the form below.