Glamping Toilet Options in the UK (with Costs)
Choosing the right toilet solution for your glamping yurt is one of the most important infrastructure decisions you’ll make. Below, we’ve compared the main toilet types available in the UK, their costs in pounds, and what to expect in terms of maintenance and guest experience. For more ideas on sustainable builds, see our guide on eco-friendly materials.
1. Bucket / Bag Toilet Systems
- How it works: Simple bucket or container lined with compostable bags or liners, with a seat placed on top.
- Cost: £10 – £40
- Ongoing costs: Replacement bags/liners and labour for emptying and cleaning.
- Best for: Budget sites, emergencies, or backup use.
Find simple camping options via GO Outdoors or other outdoor retailers.
2. Portable / Cassette Toilets (Chemical Flush)
- How it works: Fresh water tank + waste cassette. Portable and easy to empty at disposal points.
- Cost: £70 – £200+
- Ongoing costs: Chemicals, cleaning, occasional replacement of seals/valves.
- Examples: Thetford Porta Potti, Dometic models.
- Best for: Low to medium use glamping pods or smaller yurts.
See Thetford UK for popular cassette models.
3. Composting & Waterless Toilets
- How it works: Separates liquids and solids, composting waste naturally without water.
- Cost: £150 – £2,000+ (larger units up to £5,500 for heavy-duty site systems)
- Ongoing costs: Compostable liners, ventilation fans, emptying and compost management.
- Examples: TROBOLO (£179 – £499), Separett Villa (~£739), Simploo Original (~£529).
- Best for: Eco-friendly glamping sites and off-grid setups.
Explore UK suppliers such as TROBOLO and WooWoo Waterless Toilets.
4. Vault / Pit Toilets (Underground Storage)
- How it works: Waste is collected in a sealed underground vault or septic-style tank and pumped out periodically.
- Cost: £4,750 – £5,750 (depending on system and installation)
- Ongoing costs: Pump-out and tanker servicing, waste disposal fees.
- Best for: Medium to high-traffic glamping sites with permanent decking bases.
See Natsol UK for zero-discharge and vault systems.
5. Incinerating / High-End Toilets
- How it works: Burns waste into sterile ash using electricity, gas, or diesel.
- Cost: £3,000 – £5,000+
- Ongoing costs: Energy (LPG, diesel, or electric), flue servicing, parts replacement.
- Examples: Cinderella Freedom (~£3,999), Separett Cindi (~£3,195).
- Best for: Luxury glamping sites aiming for higher nightly rates and minimal servicing.
UK supplier example: Cinderella Incineration Toilets.
Comparative Summary (UK Costs)
| Toilet Type | Approx Capital Cost | Ongoing Costs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bucket / Bag Seat | £10 – £40 | Bags, cleaning | Budget / backup |
| Portable / Cassette | £70 – £200+ | Chemicals, cleaning, parts | Pods, small yurts |
| Composting / Waterless | £150 – £2,000+ | Linings, maintenance, composting | Eco / off-grid sites |
| Vault / Pit | £4,750 – £5,750+ | Pump-out, disposal fees | Medium-high traffic |
| Incinerating | £3,000 – £5,000+ | Energy & servicing | Luxury glamping |
UK-Specific Considerations
- VAT & Import: Many toilets are imported; factor in VAT, customs and shipping.
- Local Regulations: Always check permissions for composting or incinerating toilets with your local authority.
- Servicing: Waste tanker access and disposal fees vary regionally in the UK.
- Climate: Composting slows in cold weather – some systems need insulation or heating.
- Guest Perception: Higher-end toilets allow you to charge higher nightly rates and enhance guest experience.
Final Thoughts
Adding a sustainable glamping toilet is an investment in both guest comfort and environmental responsibility. Whether you choose a basic portable solution, a mid-range composting system, or a luxury incinerating toilet, the key is matching the system to your infrastructure, guest expectations, and long-term business goals.
Looking to set up your site? Visit our Yurt Blog page for more essentials (stove, shower cubicle, and solar panel) to complete your glamping setup.
