The origins of the TROBOLO composting toilet

Once upon a time in Morocco

Fifteen years ago, TROBOLO founder Friedrich set off from Germany into the world in his self-converted Mercedes 809 "Emma." For him, the journey itself was the goal. This path took him through various countries and introduced him to different cultures. But no matter how diverse the people he met along the way were, they all shared one basic need.

Just gonna dig a quick hole...

The on-board toilet of his used Mercedes had seen better days and in the Moroccan outback, relying on chemical toilets wasn’t an option. A solution was needed. And so, the idea for what would become today's TROBOLO toilet was born – over a self-dug hole in the North African desert.

Let's separate everything

Back in Europe, Friedrich started sketching the first designs for his own composting toilet on a small campsite in southern France. It had to be self-sufficient and be completely odourless. All the models available at the time were expensive, equipped with mixing devices, and extremely difficult to clean. There had to be a better way.

Friedrich realized that the key to odourlessness lies in separating solid and liquid waste, since real stench only arises when the two mix. He also saw no point in lengthy and complicated pre-composting of waste inside the toilet. Whether users wanted to dispose of solids like used diapers in the trash or compost them, should be their own choice.

How the original works

TROBOLO composting toilets are free from chemicals and water and feature an integrated separator that automatically channels liquids (number 1) and solids (number 2) into two different containers during use. Our patented SafeShell System® provides optimal protection against urine odour and spillage. A generous handful of litter is added before and after each solid use – and that’s it!

Many of our models can be upgraded for continuous use with a natural or electric ventilation system, or already include one by default. Our interpretation of the composting toilet as a dry separating toilet quickly became the standard across Europe and is now spreading to the rest of the world.

TROBOLO Composting toilet behind the scenes

Sh*t on TROBOLO, not on the environment

Our goal is to offer you a sustainable and affordable toilet solution that keeps you free and independent. Whether it’s for your vehicle, garden, tiny house or the Moroccan desert – we’ve developed the perfect TROBOLO for you.

We do this out of conviction and respect for our planet and all living beings that call it home. We source our wood exclusively from within the EU and process it at our headquarters in Poland. Our plastic toilets are manufactured in our home country, Germany.

Because sustainability can be practical too

Every use of a TROBOLO saves you money, toilet chemicals, and around 1.6 gallons of water compared to a traditional toilet. And we’re damn proud of that!

Friedrich Lange
TROBOLO Founder

How we do business

Our TROBOLO team members reside all over the world. We are not tied to any particular location and work independently across a wide range of time zones. This saves valuable resources, avoids unnecessary trips to the office and helps us to foster a sense of responsibility and trust in our employees. Each and every one of us at TROBOLO is fully responsible for their own work, and we firmly believe that having fun, enjoying ourselves and treating each other with respect is what has made TROBOLO so successful in the first place.

Come join our team

We welcome every unsolicited application we receive and take the time to respond to each applicant individually and in a professional manner. If you are able to impress us in a personal interview with your expertise, motivation and good heart, you can start working for us as early as tomorrow.

Simply send your application to jobs@trobolo.com and we will get back to you within a week of receiving your e-mail. Let’s write the story of TROBOLO together.