Incinerating toilets are waterless. Being self-contained, they don't need to be connected to a drainage or sewage system — they look much like a standard toilet, but burn human waste down to a sterile ash instead.
Two Types
Incinerator toilets come in two variants: one uses electric energy to burn away the waste, the other uses natural gas or propane. Both are clean, safe, and easy to maintain, with the same basic approach — burning out the waste — but different mechanics and operation.
The Electric Variant
Because it's water-free, there's no plumbing involved, which makes installation relatively easy. A bowl liner paper is placed before use to collect the waste and protect the stainless steel surface, which also avoids the need for unpleasant cleaning.
The Process Cycle
Waste collected in the liner drops into a holding area through a hinged bowl when the foot pedal is pressed. An electric incinerator can accept two to four uses before incineration is necessary. Pressing the start button begins the cycle: a heating coil brings the chamber up to roughly 1,400°F, and the full heating-and-cooling cycle typically runs about an hour. Heat and smoke vent out through an odor-catalyst exhaust blower, and the exhaust shuts off once the chamber cools back to ambient temperature.
The resulting ash — typically one or two tablespoons — can be discarded in a safe disposal area. Most electric units run on 120–240V at 15 amps, drawing roughly 1.5 kilowatts per cycle, and only pull power while in use.
Relatively odorless, works in freezing temperatures, and needs no sewage hookup — genuinely useful, if you happen to live somewhere the plumbing truck can't reach.
Key Applications and Advantages
- Useful in remote areas with no existing sewage system
- Portable, easy to install and use
- Works in freezing temperatures
- Relatively odorless compared to other alternative toilets
Who Makes Them
Incinolet has long been a leading manufacturer and supplier of electric incineration toilets, currently offering four models ranging from home use to mobile restrooms. Eco Toilets, based in New Zealand, makes both electric and gas variants. Norway-based EcoTech is another well-known name in the space. All three have been providing reliable service in this category for years.