The complete review of the Laveo Dry Flush Portlable Toilet

5–8 minutes

The Laveo Dry Flush Portable Toilet is perfect for off-grid living, campervans, and tiny homes. Here’s why:

  • Portability: Lightweight, no water needed, and battery-powered (up to 300 flushes per charge).
  • Ease of Use: Seals waste in odorless, airtight bags. Each cartridge lasts 15-17 flushes.
  • Cost: $2300 upfront, with ongoing cartridge expenses.
  • Downside: Uses non-biodegradable plastic bags, which may not suit eco-conscious users.

Composting Toilets, on the other hand, are a greener, fixed option for converting waste into compost. They:

  • Require proper installation and maintenance (ventilation, moisture balance).
  • Cost $500-$2,000 upfront, but have low ongoing expenses.
  • Are less portable but eco-friendly and water-saving.

Quick Comparison

Feature Laveo Dry Flush Composting Toilets
Portability Highly portable or can be fixed in position Fixed installation
Odor Control Excellent (sealed bags) Depends on maintenance
Environmental Impact Plastic waste (non-biodegradable) Eco-friendly, creates compost
Cost $2300 + cartridge costs $500-$2,000 upfront
Battery/Electricity Battery-powered (300 flushes) No electricity needed

In short: Choose the Laveo for convenience and mobility or composting toilets for sustainability and long-term use. Both have trade-offs, so prioritize what fits your lifestyle.

1. Laveo Dry Flush Portable Toilet

Laveo Dry Flush

Waste Management

The Laveo Dry Flush uses a battery-powered system to wrap waste in odorless, airtight packets. Each cartridge provides 15-17 flushes, and you can stretch that to 25 by using absorbent pee powder, which solidifies liquids for cleaner and easier disposal [3] [5].

Portability

Designed for versatility, the Laveo Dry Flush fits perfectly in campervans, boats, tiny homes, and off-grid cabins. Its compact, water-free design and secure mounting make it easy to use in various settings. The battery lasts for up to 300 flushes per charge, and it requires no complicated setup or permanent installation [1] [3].

Environmental Impact

The Laveo Dry Flush operates without chemicals, but its reliance on non-biodegradable plastic waste can be a concern for some [2]. Unlike composting toilets, the sealed waste packets end up in landfills. While the convenience of its sealed waste system is a plus, these factors come with both financial and environmental trade-offs.

Cost

Priced at $2300, the Laveo Dry Flush is a high-end option with ongoing costs for replacement cartridges [4]. Its premium price is reflected in features like:

  • Water-resistant construction (ok for use in showers)
  • Superior odour control and easy waste disposal
  • Easy install and low setup cost
  • Simple and Reliable battery-powered operation
  • Low maintenance needs [1]

2. Composting Toilets

Waste Management

Composting toilets break down waste into compost by using materials like sawdust or coconut coir as bulking agents. To work efficiently, they need the right balance of moisture and temperature for aerobic decomposition [1]. Regular checks and controlled conditions are essential to keep the system running smoothly.

Portability

Unlike the Laveo Dry Flush, composting toilets aren’t designed for mobility. They need permanent installation with proper ventilation and drainage, which makes them less practical for tight spaces like campervans or boats [2][3]. They will also require more setup such as venting to be installed for the toilet.

Environmental Impact

These toilets help conserve water, avoid chemical use, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 70% compared to traditional systems [5]. Research from the University of California highlights their role in sustainable waste management through natural decomposition. The only challenge that can arise if you don’t have a location to compost waste, i.e. waste can take months to compost and generally will need to be remove and composted on your property with moderate use.

Cost

The upfront cost for composting toilets ranges from $700 to $2,000, with lower ongoing expenses for maintenance and bulking materials [1][3]. While the initial investment is higher than some options, the long-term costs are mostly limited to upkeep supplies [2][4].

Composting toilets are a long-term, eco-friendly choice, but their fixed installation, waste handling and lack of portability can be drawbacks compared to the Laveo Dry Flush.

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How The Laveo Dry Flush Toilet Works

Advantages and Disadvantages

Let’s break down the key features of both toilet options to help you choose the best fit for your needs.

Feature Laveo Dry Flush Composting Toilets
Portability Easy to move, perfect for RVs and boats. Can also be permanently mounted for self-containment. Fixed installation, not easily portable. Requires venting installed to exterior of your van.
Maintenance Simple, with quick cartridge replacements. Requires regular checks for moisture, temperature and cleaning.
Odor Control Excellent – sealed bags trap odors effectively. Varies based on upkeep and proper use. Requires fan running full time.
Environmental Impact Relies on bags that aren’t biodegradable. Eco-friendly, produces compost from waste.
Installation No need for venting or drainage Requires proper ventilation and drainage setup
Battery Life Supports 300 flushes per charge [3] Needs power for an extraction fan to reduce odour.
Cost $2300 upfront, plus ongoing cartridge expenses [4] $500-$2,000 upfront, with lower ongoing costs, composting materials.
Capacity 17 flushes per cartridge [1] can carry additional cartridges as needed. Can handle moderate volumes with proper care, although will require a place to remove and compost waste with moderate use.

The Laveo Dry Flush is a great option for those on the move. Its lightweight, portable design makes it ideal for RVs, boats, and other mobile setups. With no need for water, ventilation, or drainage, it’s especially convenient for off-grid adventures. Plus, the rechargeable battery provides up to 300 flushes per charge [3].

However, its reliance on disposable plastic bags contributes to waste, and heavy use can lead to increased cartridge costs. While it is hard to beat on odor control, the environmental impact and cost is a downside.

On the other hand, composting toilets are a greener choice. They transform waste into compost, making them a sustainable option with low operating costs. They don’t require chemicals, but they do demand more effort, including monitoring moisture levels and maintaining proper conditions for composting. The unit will also need to be regularly emptied on your property and cleaned to manage waste volumes and smells.

For off-grid living or tiny homes in New Zealand, both options have their appeal. The Laveo Dry Flush stands out for its ease of use and compliance with self-contained campervan standards, making it a favorite among mobile travelers. Composting toilets, though less portable, offer a long-term, eco-conscious solution.

Your choice will come down to whether you prioritize convenience or sustainability – both have their merits depending on your lifestyle.

Conclusion

The Laveo Dry Flush Portable Toilet is a durable option tailored for New Zealand’s freedom campers and those embracing a mobile lifestyle.

If simplicity and convenience are your main priorities, the Laveo Dry Flush is a strong contender. It operates on battery power, delivering up to 300 flushes per charge [3]. Its waterless setup and self-sealing bag system efficiently handle waste while keeping odors at bay [3] [5].

Priced at $2300, it offers a more affordable option compared to incinerator and some composting toilets, which can cost more [4]. However, while its initial and ongoing costs are higher than composting toilets, the ease of use may make it worth the investment, especially if handling waste is something that stops you getting out on the road!

For those focused on longer term environmental impact, the plastic bag waste system might be a drawback. Composting toilets might be a better fit for users aiming to minimize their ecological footprint [2] or for those with convenient places on their property to compost excess waste.

The Laveo Dry Flush Portable Toilet is particularly well-suited for:

  • Freedom campers, RV or boat owners, tiny home residents, commercial sites and off-grid users who value portability and ease of use.

While composting toilets are a greener option, the Laveo stands out for its simplicity and compact design. It’s a practical choice for mobile and off-grid setups, offering a straightforward, hassle-free experience [3] [5].

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