Trelino Evo

The Verdict

A genuine all-rounder for van life

The Trelino Evo is a compact composting toilet, available in three sizes: Evo S, Evo M, and Evo L.

The Trelino Evo is a compact composting toilet, available in three sizes: Evo S, Evo M, and Evo L. The body is made from sturdy, completely waterproof ABS plastic, and the containers from polypropylene, both fully recyclable.

All models weigh only a few kilograms: about 3.9 kg (8.6 lb) (S), 4.3 kg (9.5 lb) (M), and 4.9 kg (10.8 lb) (L). Seat heights vary by model: S approx. 29-30 cm (11.4-11.8 in), M approx. 36-36.5 cm (14.2-14.4 in), and L approx. 43 cm (16.9 in). Capacities are around 4.5 l (1.2 gal) urine / 6.5 l (1.7 gal) solids (S), 5 l (1.3 gal) urine / 8 l (2.1 gal) solids (M), and 10 l (2.6 gal) urine / 10 l (2.6 gal) solids (L).

The toilets offer a load capacity of up to 150 kg (330.7 lb) and feature a soft-close lid as well as an ergonomically shaped seat edge. Optionally, an exhaust system can be retrofitted to the Evo M and L, though this is not planned for the Evo S due to its smaller capacity.

Material and workmanship

The Trelino Evo impresses in testing with solid material and high-quality workmanship. The body is made from robust, recyclable ABS plastic that is completely waterproof, ideal for use in damp environments such as campers or boats.

The seamless design provides high leak resistance and minimizes the risk of mishaps on the road. The containers are also made from recyclable polypropylene, though the solids container could have been a bit higher quality. The sturdy construction supports up to 150 kg (330.7 lb), offering reliable load capacity even with regular use.

Some users will also appreciate the soft-close automatic lid, which allows for a quiet and gentle closing and rounds out the overall picture of the composting toilet.

Comfort

With three different heights, the Trelino Evo series offers suitable options for various purposes, though with noticeable differences in seating comfort. The Evo L model, with a seat height of about 43 cm (16.9 in), comes closest to standard household toilets and thus offers a comfortable seating feel, even during longer sessions.

The Evo M, at around 36.5 cm (14.4 in), is noticeably lower and is still fine for smaller people or occasional use, but can feel less comfortable over time.

The Evo S model is particularly compact at only about 29 cm (11.4 in) in height, ideal for tight spaces, but very low and therefore rather uncomfortable to sit on, especially for adults.

The urine diverter ensures reliable separation of liquid and solid waste and contributes to hygienic use. However, Trelino does without a separate toilet seat ring. Instead, you sit on a rather narrow edge of the seat, which somewhat reduces comfort compared to classic toilets.

Overall, the ergonomics are functional and well thought out, even if small compromises have to be made in seating comfort, especially with the more compact variants. Also worth mentioning positively is the urine level indicator, where you might want to use your phone's flashlight in certain lighting conditions, but which is nonetheless a practical feature.

Odor development

For the Evo M and L, Trelino recommends the optional retrofitting of a SOG exhaust system. This can currently be purchased additionally for 195 €. However, the hole needed for this in the body must be drilled yourself. For the Trelino Evo S, an exhaust system is, according to the manufacturer, not necessary due to its lower capacity and correspondingly shorter emptying intervals. Aside from the optional exhaust system, the Trelino Evo, like all other composting toilets, relies on the proven separation of waste and the addition of litter material to bind odors: options include a 20 l (5.3 gal) biochar mix of plant fiber, compost, and rock flour for 32.90 €, 7 l (1.8 gal) of softwood fibers for 14.90 €, or coconut briquettes, for example a 6-pack for 19.00 €.

We tested all three variants and recommend the softwood fibers, as they are a sustainable waste product from wood production and are the easiest to handle. They don't absorb moisture quite as well as comparable competitor products we've tested, but they do their job and suppress odors fairly reliably.

There's also an additive for the liquid container that's meant to mask urine odor as an odor blocker with a subtle citrus note. Alternatively, or in addition, a plug is offered for 8.90 € that can be inserted into the urine outlet of the urine diverter. It reliably prevents urine odors from escaping, but requires removal before use and reinsertion afterward. We found the temporary storage of the plug during use to be rather uncomfortable and unhygienic.

Value for money

Trelino's Evo series comprises three solid composting toilets in different heights, covering a wide range of applications. Particularly worth highlighting are the appealing design and the high-quality workmanship. Slight deductions in the rating result only from the previously mentioned weaknesses in seating comfort and odor control.

The Trelino Evo M and L models are quite reasonably priced compared to technically more elaborate alternatives, for example those with an integrated agitator. In the context of the overall market, the price seems appropriate, though not particularly cheap.

The Trelino Evo S, priced at 299 €, is noticeably above the level of comparable mobile composting toilets from other providers, which in this case leads to more significant deductions in the value-for-money rating.

Our conclusion

Anyone looking for a stationary plastic composting toilet will find in the Trelino Evo M or L a simple, functional, and at the same time visually appealing solution at an overall reasonable price.

For anyone considering more of a mobile variant, that is, the Trelino Evo S, the same basically applies in terms of functionality. However, we see a wider selection of cheaper offers on the market here. Two examples are the toilet from Boxio and the TROBOLO WandaGO, which convinced us with their better value for money.