FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We look forward to answering all your questions.
General
Who is Ecosave?
Ecosave is a small family business founded in 1991 by Daniel and now working together with Marion (wife) & Léon (son).
With more than 30 years of experience in dry and composting toilets, we have grown from selling well-known brands to developing our own high-quality line, including innovative products such as a modern wall-hung dry toilet and a compact toilet designed specifically for (sailing) boats.
All our Ecosave products are manufactured and assembled in the Netherlands, in Biddinghuizen.
If you want to learn more about our mission and vision, visit our About us page.
Where can I view the toilets?
You can visit our showroom in Biddinghuizen by appointment.
Where can I view the toilet houses?
Our toilet houses are not on display at our own location, but you can view and try them at:
Landgoed Getafix in Balkbrug (NL).
You can even stay overnight in a glass dome, a unique experience and only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Münster, 2 hours from Dusseldorf or 2.5 hours from Bremen. Please call before visiting.
What makes Ecosave the right specialist?
Since 1991 we have specialised in dry and composting toilets.
With decades of experience, in-house product development, high-quality Dutch manufacturing, and up to 7-year warranties, we offer durable, reliable solutions for every situation, from tiny homes to boats.
Sustainability is not a trend for us. It’s a responsibility.
How dry and composting toilets work
Do I need chemicals or water?
How do the privacy flaps work?
The privacy flaps opens automatically when you sit down and closes when you get up.
The mechanism is fully mechanical and designed for long-lasting reliability. No electronics needed.
What is the difference between hinged and removable tops?
Our Comfort Mo and MAXi models have hinges that make bucket removal easy.
The hinges can also be released to remove the top completely, which helps with thorough cleaning.
What is the difference between dry toilets and composting toilets?
A dry separating toilet keeps urine and solids separate.
A composting toilet combines both in one container.
You can read all details on our Dry- vs composting toilets page.
Are dry toilets containers always small?
Not necessarily.
While compact models exist, larger compost systems, such as our NL2 or toilet houses with 200 L tanks offer long emptying intervals and excellent composting results.
What is important when using a separating toilet?
For the best results, sit down fully and adjust your position if needed, so that urine and solids are correctly separated.
This position can differ slightly between men and women. Women often need to sit more on the front.
What happens if it freezes?
How easy is it to use a dry or composting toilet?
Using a dry or composting toilet is very easy.
You always sit down when using the toilet. Thanks to the smart urine separating design which follows the natural anatomy of the body, correct separation happens almost automatically.
To achieve the best results, sit down fully and adjust your seating position slightly if needed.
For anatomical reasons, this position may differ between women and men, and also between individuals. Most users get used to it very quickly.
Is the toilet safe?
Can I upgrade my toilet later?
Yes, upgrades can always be added later.
If an upgrade is not listed in the accessories, feel free to contact us by email (by replying on your order confirmation) and we will help you find the right solution.
Please note that the Separera Mini cannot be converted later between tank and hose versions, as these are two different toilet systems.
For the MAXi, upgrades or changes are always possible, although they may require some practical adjustments.
Can children use the toilet?
Yes. We offer a special child toilet seat that fits our toilets.
At the moment, this seat can be ordered by email.
Please supervise small children carefully to prevent fingers from getting caught under the seat or between the upper and lower parts of the toilet.
What should not go into a dry or composting toilet?
The same rules apply as for a regular flushing toilet.
Do not dispose of:
❌ Tampons
❌ Diapers
❌ Sanitary pads
❌ Wet wipes or moist tissues
❌ Similar hygiene products
These items do not break down properly and can cause blockages or hygiene issues.
Toilet paper use
Can toilet paper go into the toilet?
Yes, and we strongly recommend it.
Toilet paper absorbs moisture from urine splashes or stool and helps the fan do its job. This reduces odor and supports the drying process.
Do I need biodegradable or recycled toilet paper?
Ventilation & odor control
How to install the fan correctly for a fully odorless experience
- Avoid too many bends in the pipe.
- A 90° bend reduces airflow by about 50%.
- A 45° bend reduces airflow by about 25%.
- The outlet should be above the roofline or gutter, so wind can carry away the air.
The big advantage of a fan
A fan keeps the toilet space fresh by creating constant negative pressure.
Odors are extracted 100%, moisture is removed, and the room stays pleasantly fresh, even after a “high-risk mission.”
What if I already have a window or bathroom extractor fan?
Then you don’t need them anymore.
Our fan already removes odors and shower humidity.
If you open a window or turn on another extractor, it can overpower the toilet fan, breaking the negative pressure and pulling air (and odors) back into the room. That’s the last thing you want.
What causes bad smells?
The classic toilet smell occurs when urine and solids mix.
Dry toilets avoid this by separating both and evaporating liquids through airflow.
A little splash is no problem, the fan and toilet paper take care of it.
Is the fan resistant to urine fumes?
How do I clean the ventilator?
For optimal performance and a lifespan of up to 15 years, we recommend cleaning the ventilator once every one to two weeks.
There are two simple methods:
Method one
Carefully remove the front cover and take out the filter. Clean it with a cloth or rinse it under running water. Let it dry completely before placing it back and clicking the cover into position.
Method two
Disconnect the ventilator from the power supply. Use a vacuum cleaner to gently clean the filter. Reconnect the power and the ventilator is ready for use again.
Do I still need bedding/topping when using a fan?
Should the fan run 24/7?
Yes! This ensures a permanently odor-free experience.
The fan consumes only 0.14 A at 12 V, making it extremely energy-efficient.
Still experiencing odor outside?
If the wind carries the outlet air toward your neighbours and they start to notice it, you can place an activated carbon filter in the pipe.
Replace it only when odor returns, available via email order.
How much noise does the fan make?
The fan is comparable to a computer fan and is therefore very quiet.
If the toilet is located directly next to a bedroom, it might take one night to get used to it. In daily use, most people do not notice it at all.
How much power does the fan use?
Is there smell when emptying the solids container?
If the bag is closed before placing the lid on the bucket, the smell is briefly trapped inside the bag.
After opening, turning the bucket upside down immediately is the fastest and cleanest way.
On boats, many users place the closed bag directly into the kitchen trash bag while cleaning the kitchen. This keeps odors minimal and makes disposal easy.
Urine hose & urine drain
How to prevent clogging in the urine line
Urine scale forms when urine and water mix over long periods.
To prevent buildup:
Use our Bio Blocks, they lubricate the hose and slow down urine scale formation significantly.
This allows your urine hose to last for many years.
Where can I discharge urine?
Options:
1. Into your existing wastewater system
2. Into a grey water tank (camper van)
3. Into a 50×50×50 cm gravel pit in the ground
4. Collect and dilute 1:8 to fertilise plants. Did you know that urine contains valuable nutrients?
Solids container
How often do I need to empty it?
Where can I empty it?
You can dispose of it in:
1. The green waste container
2. Your own compost heap
3. The general waste container
How to empty it?
1. Tie the bag closed
2. Place it in the container
3. Press the lid on firmly to create a sealed, leak-proof container.
3B. If you want to compost yourself: place the closed bucket in the sun. Warmth accelerates composting. Then leave the bucket until the next round or preferably for up to 4 weeks.
4. Then empty it where desired and insert a new biodegradable dry toilet bag.
What if I have diarrhea?
No issue.
Simply use extra toilet paper to absorb the liquid.
The fan will take care of the rest, as always.
Is there smell when emptying the solids container?
If the bag is closed before placing the lid on the bucket, the smell is briefly trapped inside the bag.
After opening, turning the bucket upside down immediately is the fastest and cleanest way.
On boats, many users place the closed bag directly into the kitchen trash bag while cleaning the kitchen. This keeps odors minimal and makes disposal easy.
Use of hemp fibers and wood shavings
What are the benefits of using bedding in a dry or compost toilet?
Bedding absorbs moisture effectively, supports proper drying of the contents, and is made from natural materials that help maintain a fresh and balanced environment inside the toilet.
What is the difference between wood shavings and hemp fibers?
Hemp fibers absorb moisture faster and in larger quantities than wood shavings.
Wood shavings absorb more slowly but still provide effective moisture control and are often chosen for their familiar, natural wood scent.
Cleaning & Maintenance
How do I clean an Ecosave dry or compost toilet?
Bleach or chlorine based cleaners can damage the plastic surfaces and shorten the lifespan of your toilet.
Many customers choose ecological or biological cleaning products or simply use vinegar. These options are effective and gentle on the materials.
Which toilets have an antibacterial coating?
This makes them very easy to clean with a cloth, water and a small amount of mild soap.
How do I clean the ventilator?
For optimal performance and a lifespan of up to 15 years, we recommend cleaning the ventilator once every one to two weeks.
There are two simple methods:
Method one
Carefully remove the front cover and take out the filter. Clean it with a cloth or rinse it under running water. Let it dry completely before placing it back and clicking the cover into position.
Method two
Disconnect the ventilator from the power supply. Use a vacuum cleaner to gently clean the filter. Reconnect the power and the ventilator is ready for use again.
Do biodegradable dry toilet bags help keep the toilet cleaner?
Yes. Our biodegradable bags help keep the contents together and keep the solids container cleaner.
This makes cleaning the bucket after emptying much easier and more pleasant.
The bag is not intended to lift and empty the contents with. It is meant to keep the bucket cleaner.
Recommended add-ons
Bio Block
Bio Blocks reduce urine scale formation and keep the urine hose lubricated.
They also provide a light and pleasant citrus scent.
Bio bags
Our bio bags are carefully selected for use in dry toilets.
They are strong, reliable and last slightly longer than standard biodegradable bags.
12 volt ventilator
If your toilet is not already equipped with a ventilator, we strongly recommend adding one.
It greatly increases comfort and odor control and is something we would always choose ourselves.
Where to use?
Boats and sailing
The MAXi and Comfort Mo are popular choices for boats.
The MAXi can often replace traditional marine toilets directly without major modifications.
Campervans and RVs
For campers and motorhomes, the MAXi, Mini and Comfort Mo are commonly chosen.
The Mini is ideal for narrow installations.
The MAXi fits well where a raised base from an old cassette toilet is present.
The Comfort Mo is perfect when more space is available and a more luxurious look is desired.
Tiny houses and off grid living
For tiny houses or an off grid lifestyle, all models except the MAXi are suitable.
Attics
Attics often cannot use roof penetrations or only allow limited piping.
The MINY and MINY Kompo are ideal in these situations.
They are lightweight, stable, adjustable and easy to move.
Recreational use
For recreational use, we recommend the Comfort Mo or one of our toilet houses.
If a 200 liter tank is not sufficient, feel free to contact us and we will create a solution tailored to your needs.
Shipping & Returns
How many days before my order is shipped?
Most products are shipped within 1-3 working days.
Toilet houses usually take longer, but we will always discuss this with you.
We update our website daily and each product page shows the expected days we need to prepare your order for shipment.
If it takes longer than expected, you will receive an email from us.
How long does delivery take?
We ship via PostNL, which hands over the parcel to Hermes.
Delivery for toilets and accessoires usually takes 2-3 working days, a toilet house usually takes 7-15 working days but this is outside our control.
If you have questions, simply reply to your order confirmation so we can assist you quickly.
What can I return?
Only unused products in their original packaging can be returned. For hygiene reasons, used products cannot be accepted.
More information can be found on our returns page.
How to return?
Information how to return can be found on our returns page.
Read carefully please.
When will I receive my refund?
Warranty
What is covered by the two year warranty?
The ventilator, urine hose, hinges, steel components, Separera Mini, Nature Loo NL2 and the Ecosave INI.
What is covered by the three year warranty?
What is covered by the seven year warranty?
How do I claim warranty?
Please read the information on our warranty page first. For the fastest handling, reply directly to your order confirmation with your warranty request.