thinking about going waterless - bucket system or self-contained?

Fewer moving parts doesn’t automatically make the bucket system cheaper long-term. The upfront cost is hard to beat, but cover material, liners, and proper disposal keep adding up, especially with regular use. Over several years, those recurring costs can narrow the gap with a self-contained unit.

I’d compare the expected annual supply and disposal costs before deciding. If the cabin gets used frequently, paying more upfront for a unit that reduces consumables may be worth it, provided replacement fans and parts are actually available.