Composting Basics
A composting toilet is a flush-free, waterless system that uses natural processes to break down waste. No buckets. No gimmicks. Just smart design, clean results, and total independence from plumbing or septic systems. It manages waste anywhere—in vans, cabins, RVs, boats, and off-grid homes—without wasting water. It’s freedom, in toilet form. Clean. Simple. Self-contained. And completely flush-less.
A composting toilet works by separating liquids from solids to reduce odor and improve efficiency. After each use, a dry, absorbent material (like coco coir) is added to cover the waste, helping control moisture and kick-start the breakdown process. Inside the system, an agitator and airflow work together to keep the environment dry, which supports natural decomposition. Over time, this process turns waste into a more stable, manageable material. No water required.
Yes! Composting toilets can be portable and are made for travel and off-grid living. You just have to find the one that fits your travel needs and living space. The OGO Origin and the OGO Nomad are both made for those who explore and adventure, and are perfect for RVs, tiny homes, boats, and as a camping toilet. Their compact design makes it easy for tight living spaces, and they require no water, chemicals, plumbing, or black tanks. So you have the freedom to go wherever you desire.
For life on the move, a composting toilet wins every time. Composting toilets can go anywhere, need no water, and keep odor under control. Chemical toilets, on the other hand, need constant refreshment of deodorizers and chemicals, are bulky and tricky to empty, and can be harmful to the environment. The OGO Origin is a perfect portable toilet for those who are looking for an alternative to a chemical toilet. The Origin fits into your space with a sleek, modern look and is designed with ease and the environment in mind. The OGO Nomad is our top portable toilet, smaller in size than the Origin, that can travel anywhere with no setup required.
Getting started with a compost toilet can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. We're here to make it simple, clean, and stress-free.
You don’t need to be an expert or go full homesteader to make a compost toilet work for you. It’s about choosing the right system, having a few key supplies on hand, and embracing simple routines.
- Power (If Applicable): If your compost toilet uses a fan or electric agitator (like ORIGIN), you’ll need a 12V DC power source (RV fuse, portable power station, or lithium battery) plus basic wiring/adapters to connect it safely. For mobile setups, a dedicated 12V battery is usually more flexible than relying on shore power or outlets.
- Compost Medium: This is the material you’ll add to the solids chamber to help with odor control and decomposition.
- A Mindset Shift: Simple Routines, Not Big Chores. One of the biggest surprises for new users is how easy compost toilets are to live with. Once you build a habit, emptying solids becomes a 5-minute task every few weeks. There’s no black water tank, no chemicals, and no messy dumps. Odors are virtually non-existent when used and maintained correctly.
- Optional, But Helpful Tools: Gloves for clean-out day (not essential, but good for peace of mind), spray bottle of vinegar/water for wiping down surfaces, extra compost medium stored in a dry container, spare bags (for systems using liners, like the NOMAD)
A good compost medium should be light, absorbent, and easy to mix. Think coco coir or sphagnum peat moss. In the OGO™ ORIGIN Compost Toilet, this matters even more. Our power agitation system keeps the mix turning smoothly as waste builds up. If your medium is too heavy or dense, it can strain the motor and slow things down.
Coco coir is a top choice. It’s easy to work with, holds the perfect amount of moisture, and smells like fresh potting soil. When paired with proper airflow, it keeps things clean, balanced, and odor-free.
Coco Coir is often considered the best option because it’s renewable, repurposes waste, and avoids harming delicate ecosystems – unlike peat moss. It also works really well in portable composting toilets, making it both eco-friendly and travel-friendly. For our OGO Origin, we highly recommend using Coco Coir as your choice of compost medium.
We make it easy—OGO™ offers 24 oz. pre-moistened coco coir bags for quick, mess-free use. Just open, pour, and go.
Prefer to source your own? Any dehydrated coco coir brick will work, and they’re easy to find at most garden centers or home improvement stores. Just rehydrate before use and break apart any clumps.
Composting needs air—plain and simple. Airflow keeps the system dry, balanced, and odorless. The OGO™ ORIGIN has a built-in fan that runs quietly in the background, keeping fresh air moving through the solids bin 24/7.
Here’s why that matters:
- It regulates moisture, so compost doesn’t get soggy.
- It vents out moisture and gas, so you don’t smell a thing.
- No chemicals. No sprays. Just smart, natural airflow doing its job.
Yes—toilet paper works in both systems: drop it into the OGO™ ORIGIN solids bin (the push-button agitator mixes it with compost medium), and include it in the NOMAD bag as part of the waste + paper + cover layering routine. For best performance, use single-ply or RV/marine-grade paper and keep your medium dry (not dusty). If you want to stretch capacity—especially in ORIGIN—use a small lidded paper bin and empty it regularly.
Yes! Most toilet paper is biodegradable and breaks down over time. We recommend using chemical-free and 100% paper-based toilet paper to help with the process of decomposition.
Not really—but we do suggest men sit down to help guide the urine stream properly. It’s more consistent, especially in compact setups like vans or tiny bathrooms. Don’t worry—your OGO™ toilet is designed for real use. The built-in funnel and seals direct urine into the bottle with 98% accuracy. As for the 2%? Like any toilet, some cleaning is required. Regular wipe-downs will keep your unit clean, fresh, and functioning at its best. Want more on that? Check out our full article on Cleaning Your OGO™.
The OGO Difference
OGO™ ORIGIN is a compact, 12V compost toilet built for full-time off-grid living—van, RV, boat, or cabin—and fits tight installs (15" deep × 16" wide × 18.375" tall). It’s made for multiple users with smart, mess-free control: a dual-function button for the electric agitator, a patented trap-door release, and a quiet 24/7 fan to pull away moisture and odor. A smart urine sensor pairs with a 2.4-gallon bottle, and you’ll typically get 25–30 solid uses before emptying.
OGO™ ORIGIN is engineered for continuous, real-world use, delivering consistent cleanliness and comfort where other compost toilets fall short. Legacy options like Nature’s Head, C-Head, and Air Head rely on bulky hand cranks, awkward form factors, and harder cleaning, while newer “sleek” brands like Trelino, Separett Tiny, and Laveo Dry Flush often trade long-term performance for weekend convenience and higher ongoing waste/cost. By combining a push-button electric agitator, patented trap-door system, active 24/7 ventilation, smart urine sensing, and high capacity (25–30 solids uses, 2.4-gallon bottle), ORIGIN stands out as the dependable full-time solution.
Both the OGO™ Origin and Nomad by OGO™ are built for durability, ease of maintenance, and long-term performance in off-grid environments. Every component—inside and out—is carefully selected for strength, sanitation, and resistance to the elements.
The OGO™ Origin Compost Toilet is constructed primarily from high-performance thermoplastics and corrosion-resistant hardware. These choices help ensure reliability across marine, RV, tiny home, and cabin environments.
- Exterior Shell
- Material: Polypropylene (PP) with mineral fill
- Purpose: The mineral filler adds rigidity and impact resistance without making the unit excessively heavy.
- Process: Injection molded for strength and dimensional consistency.
- Interior Components
- Material: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Includes: Solids bin, internal gray components
- Purpose: HDPE is highly durable, non-porous, easy to clean, and resistant to waste-related acids and compounds.
- Urine Bottle
- Material: High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
- Capacity: 2.4 gallons
- Purpose: Durable and leak-resistant for regular transport and emptying.
- Fasteners & Metal Supports
- Material: Stainless Steel 304
- Includes: All screws, steel bars, and agitator shaft
- Purpose: Corrosion-resistant and marine-grade; designed to withstand humid or salt-rich environments.
The Nomad by OGO™ waterless urinal is built using similar materials, with an emphasis on simplicity, hygiene, and easy installation in mobile or remote setups.
- Outer Shell: Impact-resistant plastic, built to handle temperature fluctuations and rough handling
- Drain Components: All internal parts that come into contact with urine are made from HDPE
- Mounting Hardware: Stainless Steel 304 for rust resistance and long-term durability
- Seal System: Designed for odor control using gravity-fed design—no water or power needed
Liquids go into their own container—keeping things dry and cutting down on odor. Solids drop into a separate chamber where they mix with a composting medium like coco coir or peat moss. That creates the perfect environment for microbes to start breaking it all down. Eventually, you empty the containers—solids gradually turn into compost. Liquids get emptied more often. Both are easy to handle—and way less gross than dealing with a full black tank or chemical toilet.
Benefits of Urine Diversion:
- Smells less than a flush toilet
- Separates waste for better composting
- Keeps solids drier, speeding up the breakdown process
- Uses no water
- Creates usable, safe compost
- Produces nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer (when diluted)
- Reduces strain on municipal systems
- Vents odors directly outside
Urine diversion isn’t just clean—it’s smart, sustainable, and better for long-term use.
Yes. For permanent or low-maintenance installs, the OGO™ Drain Kit is a plug-and-play upgrade that routes urine directly to a grey tank or existing system—no bottle upkeep. It includes a molded base, flange, stainless hardware, and cut-to-fit PVC, fits standard ¾" piping/most common hose fixtures, and is fully removable for cleaning, travel, or switching back to the bottle. Built strong and simple so you can set it up once and forget it.
At OGO™, safety, performance, and environmental responsibility aren’t afterthoughts—they’re part of how we design, build, and support every product.
Certifications We Hold
- CE Certified
- OGO™ products meet the European Union’s standards for safety, health, and environmental protection. CE certification ensures that our units are approved for use throughout Europe and globally recognized for quality and compliance.
- RoHS Compliant
- Our materials are free from hazardous substances restricted under the RoHS Directive, including:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
- Hexavalent chromium
- Brominated flame retardants (PBB, PBDE)
- This means every unit is safe to use and environmentally responsible, especially important in enclosed spaces like vans, cabins, and tiny homes.
- Electrical Safety Standards
- OGO™ compost toilets include active components such as a fan and motor, which means meeting electrical safety standards is essential—not optional. We comply with:
- UL 60335-1, 6th Edition (2016): U.S. safety standard for household and similar electrical appliances
- IEC 60335-2-84, Edition 3.0 (2019): International safety standard specific to toilet appliances
- CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60335-1:16: Bi-national standard applicable in the U.S. and Canada
- These standards cover fire protection, electrical safety, user protection, and long-term durability in household and recreational use.
- SGS Certified and RVIA Compliant
- OGO™ toilets are certified through SGS, a global leader in inspection, testing, and verification. Through this process, we are officially listed as compliant with RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) standards.
- This listing ensures our units qualify for use in mobile homes, RVs, camper builds, tiny homes on wheels, and other transportable living spaces.
These certifications are more than checkboxes—they prove our commitment to safety, performance, and responsible design.
- You can trust that OGO™ systems are made from safe, lab-tested materials
- You’re protected by globally recognized electrical safety certifications
- Your unit is legal and compliant for both permanent and mobile installations
- You're backed by verified, documented quality—not marketing fluff
OGO™ toilets are built to perform and certified to prove it. We make products that hold up in the real world—no shortcuts.
We make shipping straightforward—whether you're ordering a single unit or coordinating a bulk shipment.
Shipping Within the U.S. & Canada
- All direct-to-consumer orders are shipped via UPS Ground from our fulfillment center in Ohio.
- Orders typically ship within 1–3 business days, and you’ll receive a tracking number by email as soon as your shipment goes out.
- We do not ship to P.O. Boxes.
- Signature is not required unless requested before shipment.
- If your package arrives damaged, take photos and contact us right away—we’ll help with the claims process.
Shipping Outside the U.S.
We do not ship internationally to individual customers. All international orders must go through authorized distributors. If you're not a distributor but want to arrange your own international shipping, please contact sales@ogotoilet.com for support.
We are always here to help as fast as we can. Our phone number is 567-271-2020, and our support email is sales@ogotoilet.com. We are still a small team, so our staff who are available to take calls are also busy working on other OGO™ company needs, so if you can't get a hold of us, please leave a voicemail, and we will call back as soon as we can.
If you're a professional builder outfitting multiple off-grid structures per year, OGO™ offers a wholesale builder account. For partners installing six or more units annually, you qualify for preferred pricing and direct support.
This is ideal for companies specializing in:
- Tiny home manufacturing
- ADU construction
- Glamping site development
- Sustainable housing startups
For inquiries, pick a time to chat with Sales about available opportunities.
Origin Basics
- Fully assembled compost toilet with internal agitation and urine diversion
- Removable urine bottle (approx. 2.4L capacity)
- 12V power cable and vent fan kit (with hose and wall fitting)
- Internal wiring harness and motor
- Spray bottle
- 24-ounce bag of Coco Coir
- User Guide
The OGO™ Origin is a fully self-contained, urine-diverting compost toilet system with a solids bin, 2.4-gallon HDPE urine bottle, and powered agitator. It's built for reliable off-grid performance in a minimal footprint.
Unit Dimensions:
Height: 18.375 inches
Width: 16 inches
Depth (front to back): 15 inches
Metric Dimensions:
Height: 48.3 cm
Width: 40.6 cm
Depth: 38.1 cm
Seat Height: ~17 inches (standard household comfort height)
Unit Weight (Empty): 28 lbs (12.7 kg)
Shipping Weight (Boxed): 32 lbs
Floor Mount (standard)
Comes with a base plate and 4x #14 3/4" screws
Use a Phillips screwdriver or drill to secure the plate to your subfloor
Great for mobile installs (vans, RVs, boats)
Yes, many people install OGO™ ORIGIN in a wet bath—but it isn’t fully waterproof, so it requires planning for moisture control and ventilation. The casing is splash-resistant, but constant water exposure (especially under the unit) can let moisture into mounting holes or the motor area, cause electrical issues from pooling water, and hurt compost performance from excess humidity. With a few small install tweaks, it can work well even in a shower zone.
The OGO™ ORIGIN is water-resistant—but not waterproof. Leaving it exposed to regular shower use can cause issues:
- Water can enter through the lid, mount holes, or motor access ports
- Wires and the power jack are vulnerable to corrosion or shorts if water pools underneath
- The composting process relies on airflow—not humidity. Splashing the toilet increases moisture and reduces performance.
- The reality: if water is hitting your toilet every time you shower, something’s going to go wrong eventually.
A compost toilet is a powerful off-grid solution, but it’s not designed for direct spray or standing water in a shower pan. That’s why a wet bath cover – and a slightly raised setup – goes a long way. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
ORIGIN’s internal solids bin is made for high-capacity, full-time living and handles about 25–30 uses before emptying. It’s designed for multiple users in off-grid setups, with typical cleanouts every 2–4 weeks depending on usage. A push-button electric agitator mixes contents evenly to help break down waste and toilet paper and extend the time between cleanouts.
Width: 14.5 inches
Front to back (depth): 5.375 inches
Height: 11.25 inches
These dimensions allow the bottle to slide neatly into the base of the ORIGIN toilet with a secure, custom fit. For boaters, additional bottles are always a good idea when planning self-contained waste for long voyages. Replacement bottles come with a bottle cap. You can also order additional caps if needed.
The OGO™ ORIGIN runs on a 12V DC power system, which is compatible with:
- Rechargeable lithium batteries
- 12V fuse blocks in vans or RVs
- Solar battery banks
- Standard 110V wall outlets (with an adapter)
This low-voltage design makes it extremely versatile and easy to integrate into nearly any off-grid, mobile, or minimalist lifestyle setup.
The OGO™ ORIGIN is extremely power-efficient. It has two components that draw electricity:
- Ventilation Fan (Runs continuously)
- Power draw: 0.02 Amps
- Daily consumption: ~0.48Ah/day
- Agitation Motor (Button-activated)
- Power draw during use: 1.5 – 5.5 Amps
- Cycle time: 45 seconds per use
- Daily consumption: ~0.3Ah/day (based on 4–5 uses)
Total daily usage: Less than 1Ah/day
That’s ultra-low and ideal for solar and battery setups.
Yes—and it’s a popular option. The OGO™ ORIGIN works perfectly with 12V lithium batteries like LiFePO4. This makes it ideal for van builds, boats, or remote cabins without grid power.
Recommended battery setup:
- Battery type: 12V lithium (LiFePO4 preferred)
- Capacity: 10Ah–15Ah for multiple days between charges
- Protection: Inline 10A fuse or built-in battery management system (BMS)
- Connection: Ensure polarity is correct (red = + / black = –)
Once connected, your OGO™ will operate independently and reliably with no external power source needed.
You can also power the OGO™ ORIGIN from a standard wall outlet using an AC-to-DC power adapter.
Required specs:
- 12V DC output
- Up to 10A current
- Center-positive polarity
- 5.5mm x 2.5mm plug
We recommend our Wall Outlet Power Adapter (110VAC, 10A), which is tested for compatibility and performance.
Every OGO™ ORIGIN includes a built-in urine level sensor that warns you before the bottle is full, preventing overflows. Each sensor is mounted on a custom internal bracket, measured and set at the exact height to detect when the bottle is almost full—giving you a heads-up before it’s too late—and it’s secured with stainless screws so it won’t shift even in mobile, bumpy conditions. Cleaning is simple: wipe or swab with a damp cloth (don’t spray directly).
The power button on the OGO™ ORIGIN does more than just start the motor—it’s your system’s signal center.
What it does:
- Lights up when the urine bottle is full
- Activates the 12V motor when pressed
How it works:
- The motor runs on a 12V DC system (operating range: 9–15V). When activated, it spins a gear system that turns the agitator arms inside the solids bin for a 45-second cycle. This mixes your compost medium and solid waste evenly.
- Temperature range: Operates in -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
- Cycle time: 45 seconds per press (Older units ran for 2 minutes)
Note: Always install above floor level in wet baths to prevent water exposure.
The agitator’s job is simple: mix the compost medium with solid waste to prevent clumping and promote proper airflow and breakdown.
How it works:
- Connected to the motor via gear cogs
- Activates when the power button is pressed
- Runs for 45 seconds per cycle, then stops automatically
Inside the system:
- Two cogs
- One stir rod
- One agitator
- A protective seal to keep the system dry and operating smoothly
The ventilation fan keeps moisture down and airflow up. It helps create the right environment for composting—without the smell.
Specs:
- Runs 24/7
- 12V, 0.02A draw
- Noise level: Just 14 dBA (virtually silent)
- Airflow: 4.3 CFM
- Rated life: 40,000 hours at 25°C
- Certifications: CE + RoHS
- Power draw: Only about 0.48Ah per day, making it extremely efficient for continuous use.
Proper ventilation is what keeps the composting environment healthy. The fan plays a central role in this, helping to:
- Remove excess moisture from the solids bin
- Prevent waste from clumping or going anaerobic
- Ensure airflow for aerobic microbes to thrive ( like yeast in bread dough)
- Speed up drying and decomposition
- Maintain a low-maintenance, odor-free system
The fan is designed to run continuously—quietly and efficiently in the background. It keeps the air moving so your compost stays light, dry, and active. In short, the fan helps everything inside the bin stay balanced and functioning at its best.
The standard fan is ideal for most setups, but in some environments, extra ventilation helps:
- High humidity (boats, tropical climates, wet baths)
- Enclosed installs (cabinet, hidden drawer, tight corner)
That’s why we offer a High-CFM Fan Upgrade:
- Boosts airflow for faster moisture removal
- Prevents heat and humidity buildup in tight spaces
- Improves compost drying in low-vent environments
It’s an easy upgrade that gives your system the support it needs in more demanding conditions.
The timer inside the OGO™ ORIGIN might be out of sight, but it plays a key role in how your compost toilet works—and how it protects itself.
- Every time you press the power button, the timer engages the 12V motor and runs a 45-second agitation cycle—just enough time to fully mix the compost medium with solid waste. It ensures consistency and energy efficiency without requiring you to press and hold or remember to shut it off.
- Prevents overuse and power waste—without it, the motor would keep running until you manually stopped it—draining your battery and adding wear to the system.
- Our timer includes polarity and surge protection—so if the wires get connected backwards during install, it won’t destroy the circuit. That’s peace of mind built into the hardware.
We don’t use off-the-shelf parts. The timer is designed specifically for the OGO™ ORIGIN to integrate seamlessly with our electronics and motor.
It better not—and here’s why. At OGO™, we take containment seriously. That’s why we’ve reinforced the solids bin seal with a newly added barrier, tested under full-capacity conditions.
We’ve filled the bin completely with water and agitated it without a single drop escaping. And now, we're proud to say: OGO™ compost toilet systems are SGS certified and compliant with RVIA standards—so you can trust they’re built to perform under real-world, road-tested conditions.
All electrical components—like the fan, motor, sensor, and power button—are covered for three full years from the date of purchase. If something isn’t working as it should, we’ll troubleshoot with you and ship out a replacement part at no cost. No guesswork. No hassle. Thinking about a return? No problem. Just make sure the unit is unused and in original condition, and we’ll issue a full refund.
Nomad Basics
The NOMAD is built for simplicity, speed, and portability. When you order, you’ll receive:
- The NOMAD compost toilet unit
- Two compostable waste bags
- Bottle cap (for secure urine containment)
- One Bag of OGO™ Compost Medium
- Empty hygiene spray bottle (fill with water + vinegar for cleaning)
There’s no fan, no plumbing, and no power required—you can be up and running within minutes. Whether you're off to a campsite, base camp, or boondocking trailhead, the NOMAD is ready to go when you are.
The Nomad by OGO™ is a sleek, waterless toilet designed for odor-free performance with no moving parts or power required. It's ideal for minimalist, mobile, or multi-user environments.
Unit Dimensions:
Height: 12.38 inches
Width: 15.4 inches
Depth (front to back): 13 inches
Unit Weight: 9 lbs (2.3 kg)
Shipping Weight (Boxed): 12 lbs
NOMAD uses a compostable bag-and-cover system built for short trips and lighter use, making it a great fit for travel setups. Expect roughly 8–10 uses per bag when you layer properly, and it’s best suited for 1–2 users, typically emptied every few days or at the end of a trip. The routine is easy—medium → waste → toilet paper → medium—and once the bag reaches about ⅔ full, tie it off and discard; for best results, empty a bit early rather than overfilling.
The secret is in the separation. The NOMAD uses OGO’s patented urine diversion system to keep liquids and solids separate. This is the most effective way to reduce odor—far more than chemicals or flushing.
Here’s how it works:
- Liquids are directed into a front bottle
- Solids fall into the back of the bin into composting medium
- No mixing = no sewage smell
- With the proper layering method (compost medium → waste → more medium), odor stays minimal, and cleanup stays easy
The warranty for the OGO™ Nomad is for 3 years. It’s designed to be durable, portable, and easy to maintain—no electrical parts, no moving pieces, no problem. But if anything isn’t holding up the way it should, we’ll make it right. That includes replacement parts shipped to you at no cost if something’s not working properly.
Thinking of a return? As long as the unit is unused and in original condition, we’ll issue a full refund—no stress.
Still have questions? We’re here to help.
Our resources are just the start. If something’s still unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out. OGO’s team is here to make sure your adventures stay easy, clean, and worry-free.