Camping toilets compared: The chemical toilet

Chemical toilets are the most commonly used toilet systems in motorhomes, campervans and caravans. They are often considered unhygienic and are said to have a negative impact on the environment. But is that really true? This article compares the chemical toilet with its alternative – the Clesana C1 sealing toilet.

 

Chemical toilet: An 80-year-old operating principle

Chemical toilets are the most widespread mobile sanitation solution in the caravan sector. They are the classic among camping toilets. A portable cassette located beneath the toilet bowl collects solid waste, liquids and special toilet paper. An electric pump draws flush water from a fresh water or flush tank into the bowl to ensure cleanliness. Sanitation additives are added to help break down waste and bind unpleasant odors.

The operating principle of chemical toilets dates back to the 1940s. These mobile toilets were first used in airplanes during World War II to meet the hygiene needs of pilots. Later, chemical toilets were deployed wherever there was no permanent access to a sewage system. Today, caravanning is the field where chemical toilets are most commonly used. But just because it’s the most widespread toilet system doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best. Fortunately, there are now many alternatives that may suit individual usage habits much better.

 

 

Advantages and disadvantages of the chemical toilet

 

Advantages of the chemical toilet		Disadvantages of the chemical toilet
A widely used system.		Unhygienic emptying process.
Water flush is intended to provide cleanliness.		High dependency due to short emptying intervals.
Many disposal stations available.		High water consumption.
		Strong odor issues (with or without additives).
		Additives are not environmentally friendly.

 

Alternatives like the Clesana C1 vacuum-sealing toilet directly address these disadvantages by operating completely without water or chemicals. Thanks to its innovative sealing technology, the toilet remains clean and hygienic at all times, while the special high-barrier foil liners ensure complete odor containment. The need to detour to disposal stations is eliminated, significantly increasing self-sufficiency and travel flexibility.

 

Chemicals used and their effects

Disinfecting biocidal chemicals

A wide range of chemical compounds are used as additives. The most effective ones rely on disinfecting components that act as biocides—substances harmful to microorganisms. These include formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, or ammonium compounds. Alternatively, some solutions are chlorine- or acid-based. These additives kill the natural microorganisms from the gut biome and halt the decomposition process.

 

Advantages		Disadvantages
Without decomposition, putrefaction odors are prevented.		When these substances are disposed of through the sewage system, they also kill important microorganisms in the treatment plant that are essential for water purification.
The agents are perceived subjectively as particularly effective.		At a concentration of 25% or more, formaldehyde is classified as highly toxic.
		In Scandinavia, these additives are completely banned due to their harmful effects.

 

 

“Bio” chemical additives with disinfecting effects

There is now a wide range of sanitation additives for chemical toilets that do not rely on biocidal components. Instead, they use essential oils as fragrances to mask the development of putrefaction odors. At the same time, non-ionic surfactants are used, which do not kill microorganisms but inhibit their function and reproduction.

 

Advantages		Disadvantages
These substances are less harmful to the environment and are also biodegradable over the long term.		Odor formation is only suppressed, not completely prevented.
		If improperly disposed of in nature, the microbiome of soil and water is still at risk.
		Excessive concentrations in wastewater treatment plants can also hinder essential purification processes.

 

“Bio” chemical additives with decomposing effects

An alternative approach to sanitation additives used in chemical toilets involves the addition of high concentrations of microorganisms. These products aim to accelerate the decomposition process while keeping putrefaction odors to a minimum. Essential oils are used to help mask any remaining odors.

 

Advantages		Disadvantages
Neither biocidal nor inhibiting in effect, these substances therefore offer better environmental compatibility.		Accelerating the decomposition process releases unpleasant odors, which must be masked with strong fragrances.
		Improper disposal in nature endangers the natural microorganisms in soil and water.
		Excessive concentrations in wastewater treatment plants can disrupt essential microbiological processes, significantly weakening the purification of wastewater.

 

 

Clesana C1 – sealing toilet as an alternative

With its vacuum-sealing toilet, the Clesana C1, Clesana offers a mobile solution originally developed for medical use. The toilet seals waste in a high-barrier foil, allowing for safe and odor-neutral storage over an extended period. These sealed bags can be safely disposed of with regular household waste. Since the Clesana toilet operates entirely without water and the sealed bags can be stored for a long time, this solution provides maximum independence—making long journeys through nature completely unrestricted.

 

Chemical toilet vs. Clesana C1

 

		Clesana C1 sealing toilet		Chemical toilet
Cleaning effort		Minimal cleaning effort. The toilet area is automatically lined with fresh foil each time. Waste is stored in sealed bags. Just like at home, the lid and toilet seat should occasionally be cleaned with bathroom cleaner.		High cleaning effort. The tank must be emptied into the sewage system at designated disposal points. Thorough rinsing is required for cleaning, which involves odor exposure and splash risk. Lid and seat ring also need to be cleaned regularly.
Disposal interval		Waste can be stored for more than two weeks without odor.		Odors increase the longer waste is stored. Emptying and cleaning should take place after 4–5 days at the latest.
Odour development		No odor thanks to highly effective high-barrier foil, as confirmed by independent tests from the Fraunhofer Institute.		Depending on the type of chemicals used, varying levels of strong putrefaction odors may occur. Intense and unpleasant smells are often made worse by strong fragrances used to mask them.
Water consumption		No water consumption.		Up to 20 liters of water for tank cleaning. For models with integrated flushing: depending on the model and usage, 0.2–1.0 liters of flush water per use.
Environmental impact		Low environmental impact due to the absence of chemical additives, no water usage, and fuel savings from not needing waste or fresh water tanks.		High environmental impact when using biocidal sanitation additives. Lower environmental impact when using additives with microorganisms that accelerate decomposition.
Self-sufficiency		High level of self-sufficiency, as the bags can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks and disposed of with regular household waste.		A disposal station must be reached and emptied every 4–5 days at the latest.
Time required		Minimal time required, as no tank cleaning is necessary—your vacation ends as relaxed as it began.		High time requirement, as disposal stations must be visited and the tank must be cleaned manually.

 

 

Conclusion

Chemical toilets are based on a proven operating principle that has been in use for over 80 years and originally came from the aviation industry. Despite their practical advantages in mobile sanitation, they pose significant environmental concerns – especially when using biocidal chemicals. Alternative products like bio-sanitation additives can reduce harmful effects but offer only limited effectiveness in odor control.

Innovative alternatives such as Clesana’s sealing toilet represent a modern solution that greatly enhances environmental friendliness, comfort, and hygiene. With odor-free, waterless waste storage and simple disposal via household waste, it offers a sustainable and user-friendly option in the field of camping toilets.

 

About Clesana

Clesana is an innovative company from Switzerland that is redefining mobile sanitation solutions. With the Clesana C1, the company has developed a sealing toilet that uses thermal pressure sealing to deliver the highest levels of hygiene, comfort, and safety. Excretions, hygiene products and similar materials are securely sealed in a high-barrier foil and can be easily disposed of with regular household waste. This eliminates the need for supply and disposal stations, enabling true independence.

The Clesana system has its origins in the medical field, originally designed to protect Swiss waters from contamination by pharmaceutical residues, hormones, and other chemicals. As a result, the Clesana C1 holds itself to the highest standards of hygiene.

The renowned Fraunhofer Institute has confirmed that Clesana bags perform best by far in terms of odor barrier and leak protection. The high-performance barrier ensures that excretions and other contents are securely enclosed, preventing any contact with the contents for users and all those involved in the disposal process.

The Clesana C1 operates without water, conserving this valuable resource. It also completely avoids the use of harmful chemical additives. A bio-based high-barrier liner made from biomass and recycled materials will soon be available. Additionally, the C1 is manufactured entirely in Switzerland, keeping its carbon footprint to an absolute minimum.

 

Press Contact Clesana AG
POC: Tino V. Göbel / presse@clesana.com