We encourage you to build your own loo. Please note that these designs are not all council approved and though we encourage you to experiment we cannot accept responsibility for their approval. All files are in PDF format and can be downloaded or viewed by clicking on the following links:-

Columbian Batch Drum Plans
Wheelie Bin Plans
Minimus Plans
Flout Plans

Which plan is right for you?

All plans are free to download and print. The toilet plans suit owner-builders who are happy to work with basic tools and want a simple, low-cost loo for a bush block, cabin, shed or campsite.

• Columbian Batch Drum – a batch system using drums that are swapped over when full and left to compost.
• Wheelie Bin Loo – a batch system built around standard wheelie bins, so full bins can be wheeled away to finish composting.
• Minimus – a permanent composting toilet built over a composting chamber. Many have been built around Australia, especially in northern NSW, and Lismore City Council was the first to approve them. Stu’s notes add ten years of experience, including urine-separation options.
• Flout – a technical drawing of a Flout dosing chamber, which releases wastewater in doses without a pump. Useful for gravity-fed septic and greywater systems.

Tips for a DIY composting toilet that works

• Add a scoop of dry carbon material, such as sawdust, wood shavings or dry leaves, after each use. It soaks up moisture and stops smells.
• Keep it well ventilated. A vent pipe that runs above the roof line carries odours away.
• Keep liquids under control. Too much urine makes the pile wet and smelly; a urine-diverting seat helps a lot.
• Give the compost time. Leave a full batch to rest for many months before you use or bury it.

Do DIY composting toilets need council approval?

Yes. In every state you need council approval before you install a composting toilet. In NSW the rules allow councils to approve toilets that are designed and built by the owner of the property, and councils may ask that they meet the Australian standard. Talk to your council before you build. Our council approval guide explains the rules state by state. If you need a report for council, see our consultancy page.

Would you rather buy a ready-made, certified system? See the Clivus Multrum and Nature Loo range in our shop.