Using the right peat-free bulking material keeps dry toilets odour-free, efficient, and eco-friendly - better than basic sawdust or wood chippings.
Dry and composting toilets are becoming increasingly popular across the UK, especially in off-grid homes, glamping sites, and eco-conscious properties. One key component to making these systems work efficiently is the bulking material you use. While many people turn to sawdust or wood chippings, there are good reasons to opt for a bulking material specifically designed for dry toilets and composters – and just as importantly, why it should be peat-free.
In this blog, we’ll explore what bulking material does, why the right choice matters, and why avoiding peat is essential for sustainability.
What Is Bulking Material?
Bulking material is added to composting toilets and dry toilets after each use. Its main job is to:
In a nutshell, bulking material ensures the composting process works efficiently and hygienically. Without it, your toilet could become smelly, overly wet, or even anaerobic (no air flow) – leading to a build-up of unpleasant gases and slow decomposition.
Sawdust and Wood Chippings: A Common (but Imperfect) Choice
For years, sawdust and wood chippings have been the go-to bulking material for dry toilets. They're natural, widely available, and affordable – often a by-product from workshops, sawmills or landscaping projects.
But while they can work, they’re not always the best option.
The Drawbacks of Standard Sawdust and Chippings:
Why Purpose-Made Bulking Material Is Better
A bulking material specifically designed for dryand composting toilets – such as Biolan’s composting bulking material –is formulated to deliver optimal performance:
Specialist bulking agents often include a mix of natural fibres, untreated plant matter, and coarser organic particles. They createa structure within the compost that prevents compaction, keeps things aerobic, and helps prevent odours far more effectively than standard sawdust or chippings.
If you’re investing in a composting or dry toilet,it’s well worth using the right materials to keep it working at its best.
Why Peat-Free Is Essential
Many traditional composting products – including some bulking materials – contain peat. While it’s long been used ingardening and composting due to its absorbency and carbon content, peat is now known to be environmentally damaging.
The Environmental Cost of Peat:
In the UK, government policy is already shifting towards banning peat in consumer products – especially for homegardening – and many sustainable suppliers have already gone peat-free.
When choosing a bulking material for your toilet orcomposter, peat-free options are the most ethical and future-proof choice.
What to Look For in a Good Bulking Material
Here’s a quick checklist to help you pick the right product:
A Few Tips for Using Bulking Material Effectively
Final Thoughts
While it’s tempting to use any old sawdust or woodchippings, they’re not always up to the task when it comes to keeping your dry or composting toilet running cleanly and efficiently. Using a bulking material that’s designed specifically for composting toilets ensures better odour control, faster decomposition, and a much more pleasant user experience.
And by choosing a peat-free product, you’re also doing your bit for the environment – helping to protect carbon-storing peatlands and support more sustainable practices.
If you’re investing in an eco-friendly toilet system, make sure your bulking material matches your goals. Your compost (and the planet) will thank you.
Useful links
Bulking material 24L bag For composters and composting toilets (made with wood fibre, moss and biochar – peatfree)
Bulking material 35L bag For dry toilets (made with pine bark,moss and biochar for composts and dry toilets – peat free)
Simplett Dry Toilet compact and user friendly
Simplett PLUS Dry Toilet has the added advantage of a 'flush' type cistern that adds bulking material directly to the bowl
Biolan composting Toilet turns waste into compost all within the unit - waterless and odour free
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