Can I Use Anything Other Than Coco Coir in a Compost Toilet

The compost medium you use is more than filler. It’s critical to the system’s performance, and choosing the wrong one can lead to serious issues.

The Nature’s Head uses an agitator to mix the solids and compost medium anything too heavy or sticky can bind to the arms, and ruin the composting process.

Using the right medium ensures:

• Efficient waste mixing

• Maximum odour control

• Long-term system durability

For best performance we highly recommend a lightweight, fluffy, and absorbent compost mediums such that allow oxygen to circulate, such as:

Coir Peat
Our preferred choice. Coir Peat brick is made from coconut husks and breaks apart into a spongy, breathable material. The brick requires soaking in warm water to hydrate prior to putting into the base of the Nature’s Head.

This compost medium absorbs moisture without clumping and is easy for the internal agitator to mix thoroughly. It keeps airflow high and odour low, and it protects the motor from overworking.

Sphagnum Peat Moss (organic)
This is an acceptable alternative if coir peat isn’t available. The sphagnum peat moss should be organic, no additives. DO NOT use MIRACLE-GRO peat moss, as it is enriched with plant food.

Sphagnum peat moss has a similar texture to coir peat, though it’s more acidic and may be dustier. If dampened correctly, it performs well and can be a solid backup option.

Both options are readily available at most garden centres or hardware stores. 

What NOT to Use in Your Nature’s Head Composting Toilet

Despite being natural or absorbent, the following materials are not suitable:

• Kitty litter (clumping or clay-based)

• Sawdust

• Wood ash

• Pine pellets

• Straw, hay, mulch

• Soil, sand, or cardboard/paper shreds

These materials tend to become dense, wet, and clay-like when mixed with waste. This can:

• Clog the agitator arms that are meant to mix your compost

• Trap moisture, leading to odours and poor composting conditions

In short: these materials are too heavy, too sticky, or too inconsistent for a compost toilet with internal agitation. Still not sure what to use or how much to load? We’re here to help you compost cleanly and confidently. Reach out anytime.