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Toilets

Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 12:12

GeorgieGirl

Article Overview - Care for the Environment
How much thought have you given to how you can minimise the impact you and your family make upon the environment when you head off on a trip? By following a few simple guidelines you can make a big difference in almost everything you do. View Full Article...

On our trip we hope to do quite a bit of free camping. We will have a toilet/shower pop up shelter and a toilet seat.

What are the best bags to use?
How and where do you dispose of them?
Or is there a better system?

The bags that come with the toilet seat do not seem to be biodegradable hence you can not bury them.

I appreciate any info on this topic.

Thanks again.

GeorgieGirl
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ThreadID: 48114 Replies: 19
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AnswerID: 254528   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 12:19

Kev M (NSW) replied:

Try these bags

www.ferno.com.au/

Cheers Kev
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Reply 1 of 19
FollowupID: 515605   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 12:21

Kev M (NSW) posted:

AAAAHHHHH

it didn't link properly

go to rock climbing section and it is the WAG bag

Cheers Kev
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FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 254535   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 13:21

Notso replied:

You could always buy a Porta Potty and use it.

They don't cost much and can be emptied at most caravan parks.

Reply 2 of 19
FollowupID: 515616   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 13:34

GeorgieGirl posted:


Notso,

Yes thank you, I thought about that but I didn't like the idea of that being in the camper van bumping around and having to transport it 100's of kms to empty it.

This is an issue that every single free camper has to deal with, so people must have disposing suggestions on that they do - maybe people just don't like to share them.

GeorgieGirl
FollowUp 1 of 5
FollowupID: 515623   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 14:09

JimDi posted:

GeorgieGirl,
Wife and I keep our porta potti in the original box in the back of the car. This is while we travel towing a camper trailer and have never had any problems. Regardless of the degree of use prior to,during and at completion of the days driving.
JimDi
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FollowUp 2 of 5
FollowupID: 515626   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 14:11

Notso posted:

Yep, you'd need a special compartment to hold it.

The bags on the seats are pretty tough but you do need to dispose of em somewhere and you wouldn't want biodegradable as they may degrade in the presence of fluids etc with the resultant consequences.

It is not always practicable to dig a hole deep enough to dispose of the waste either as some of the country would need a half stick of gelignite to dig a hole.

So you may have to double bag it and dispose of it in general waste somewhere.
FollowUp 3 of 5
FollowupID: 515694   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 20:30

blue one posted:

Shovel !!
FollowUp 4 of 5
FollowupID: 515701   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 20:58

Notso posted:

Yep, preferably with a jackhammer attachment!
FollowUp 5 of 5
AnswerID: 254537   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 13:34

Member - John (Vic) replied:

Dig a hole and burn your paper in the hole before refilling.
No stuffing around with chemicals or plastic bags.
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Reply 3 of 19
FollowupID: 515619   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 13:42

GeorgieGirl posted:


John,

Thanks for that. Have thought of that as well.

I think it is alot easier for men than it is for women.

GeorgieGirl
FollowUp 1 of 5
FollowupID: 515621   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 14:00

Member - John (Vic) posted:

Georgie its just as easy for the girls.
If its No 1's you are doing then its only a matter of a squat some place private and any paper used just stick that in a bag until you can dispose of it properly at the next available opportunity and No 2's well use the seat but dig a hole and finish as I said above.
Burning the paper is important if your hole is dug up by a dingo then the paper won't be spread far and wide to litter the environment.
I don't use any form of toilet tent as its more stuff to carry.
Just walk over a couple of sand dunes or into the bush a little way and if you can't see them they can't see you.
My daughter who is now 12 does this without any issue, she was shown what to do early on and understands why she burns her paper etc as she has seen first hand like most on this forum the results of uncaring people who just dump it on the ground.
I should add that the only time I help her is if the ground is particularly hard and she does not have the strength to dig a hole then I do it for her.

Don't be embarrassed everyone does it, just be discrete and consider leaving the minimum impact you can on the environment you are in and you will be fine.

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FollowUp 2 of 5
FollowupID: 515622   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 14:06

Member - John (Vic) posted:

Sorry I should have added if your near a stream or other water source don't do the job near the water as we all depend on a clean water supply.
I thinks its prudent and considerate to move a few hundred meters away from the water source.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

P.S. There is nothing like sitting in the middle of nowhere enjoying the view, better than reading the paper. :-)
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FollowupID: 515625   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 14:10

GeorgieGirl posted:



"P.S. There is nothing like sitting in the middle of nowhere enjoying the view, better than reading the paper. :-)"

gosh, your leg muscles must be very good!!!!!

LOL

GeorgieGirl
FollowUp 4 of 5
FollowupID: 515672   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 19:11

Sand Man (SA) posted:

Well, I used to do as John suggests, but it is hardly comfortable.

We now use a Porta Potti.
Much more comfortable and no problems with FLIES.

The chemicals used is nothing more than Bio Magic which is a non hazardous solution which completely eliminates odor and assists in the breakdown of solids.

Two ways of emptying these.
At a disposal point as found in most Caravan parks.
Dig a hole, empty the contents in and fill the hole in. No need to burn the paper as the Bio Magic has already started the decomposition process.

One thing that should be remembered is that these portable toilets are designed for traveling without leaking. Pretty much the same units are found in everything marine. (i.e. Houseboats, cabin cruisers, larger charter boats, etc.)

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AnswerID: 254538   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 13:36

Member - Greydemon (WA) replied:


I don't know what your toilet seat is like but mine is just a seat and frame to hold it up, I dig a deep hole under it and don't use any bags, just burn the paper and fill in the hole bit by bit as I go along, digging a new hole if I stay long enough to need it. I don't have a posh tent, just a bit of tarp nailed onto three broomhandles like the old fashioned beach windbreaks.

Mind you, I have had the odd accident with a leg of the toilet slipping into the hole!

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Reply 4 of 19
FollowupID: 515618   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 13:40

GeorgieGirl posted:



LOL.

Thanks
FollowUp 1 of 3
FollowupID: 515640   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 15:55

Member - Oldplodder (QLD) posted:

As you and John, I just dig a hole.
As you have found, seat legs can give way.
So now just put my jacking plate at the front of the hole for some sure footing.

Reckon you get a better clean out with a squat anyway.

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FollowupID: 515774   Submitted: Friday, Jul 27, 2007 at 11:50

Des Lexic posted:

Got to agree with John and Oldplodder.
A sand dune, (soft sand for digging) sunrise just perfect. LOL
I keep the shovel hand about half a meter behind me to help me get up off the haunches.
Keep the hole as deep as possible

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AnswerID: 254541   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 14:05

Moose replied:

Another vote for deep hole away from creeks, dams etc.
We have 2 pop-up tents - one for shower, one for toilet.
Suppose you could always dispose of bag at the next rubbish tip/refuse station when you move on. Plenty of other crap ends in in those :-)
Reply 5 of 19
AnswerID: 254545   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 14:59

Keith_A (Qld) replied:

We have used the chem toilet (porta-potti) for years. The white tablets totally eliminate smell, and degrade all the waste. The seals have never leaked, and emptying is simple.
The height is similar to the home loo - so again convenient.

As more and more people take to the the great outdoors, toilet waste is becoming a problem. On a recent trip, we came across several free camping spots which were un-usable due to toilet paper and smells (& bacteria).

The chem toilet is a small cost, convenient and hygienic, and helps keep these camping spots useable - (no risk of bush fires either)..................Keith.
Reply 6 of 19
AnswerID: 254548   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 15:35

Alfantz replied:

We use a Jimmy's Thunderbox www.2daloo.com/ . Dig a hole put the popup tent over it and then place the thunderbox over the hole. It hardly takes up any space in the car or trailer since it folds away flat. Cost around $80 i think. We have used your setup in the past and also own a porta-loo, but find this suits us best. In fact we upgrade from a porta-loo to a thunderbox.
Reply 7 of 19
AnswerID: 254549   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 15:41

Monkey replied:

I would have to give my vote to the porta-potti. We purchased one several years ago and now I don't think I could get my family to camp without it. We place it in a large garbage bag when travelling but have never had a problem. We have travelled over some pretty rough tracks with it. IMHO I reckon the sloshing around when travelling actually helps break things down quicker than when it is just free standing. The idea of using a bag as a toilet just brings back bad memories of the not so good old days.
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AnswerID: 254551   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 16:02

Member - Norm C (QLD) replied:

GG, we carry both a Porta Pottie and a Jimmy's Thunderbox.

We use the Thunderbox whenever possible, but sometimes it has to be the Porta Pottie. Wife also likes the Porta Pottie for if she gets up in the night.

There are plenty of places to empty the Porta Pottie, but occasionally you might have to bury it. Nice deep hole and its done.

For chemicals (if you get a Porta Pottie) I reckon the best is Bio Magic
www.biomagic.com.au/PRODUCTS.CFM

We also carry a small privy tent. Very light and doesn't take up a lot of space, but we often just set up in the bush with no tent.

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Reply 9 of 19
AnswerID: 254552   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 16:02

Russel & Mary replied:

Georgie, I noticed you didn't reply about your camper battery connection problem and maybe not being charged. How did you get on?. Rus.
Reply 10 of 19
FollowupID: 515646   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 16:23

GeorgieGirl posted:

Rus

Thanks very much for asking. The camper was/is down at Jayco getting serviced and they phoned this morning. The battery is dead. So hence I need to buy a new one.

After lots of phone calls all day yesterday and everyones great feedback on the forum, I have come up with the conclusion to purchase an AMPTECH 120 AMP/H battery which I can get for $232.00 and a 12v 12A dual stage lead acid battery float charger from Jaycar for $100.00.

The battery that was in the camper was a cranking battery and I am now lead to believe that a deep cycle AGM battery is the best to go for. 3 different companies recommended the AMPTECH without any prompting so I figure that one seems to be the best.

I have asked Jayco to connect the leads up to the fuse box to insure they are in the correct place so that all I need to do is put in the new battery in when I purchase it in the next 2 weeks before we leave.

Again this forum is the best place. I really appreciate all the help and advice that I have been given on all the topics I have raised. My husband is flat out with end of financial year so with me being able to research all this information it is fantastic.

Thanks again GeorgieGirl.

P.S. if anybody has a different option for me to put in the car I would be happy to hear it. Always open to opinions.
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 254556   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 16:33

GeorgieGirl replied:


Again, thank you very much for all the advice.

It looks like I will buy a port a porti. My 9 & 7 year old will really appreciate it. I know I will, I hate walking to loo in the middle of the night in particular in a caravan park.

I will need to measure the space in the little lockable area which is accessed from the outside of the campervan to see what size will fit. I like the idea of putting in a garbage bag while travelling to ensure no spillage - thanks for that tip.

The more I read these threads the more money I spend but if it means that our 5 month trip will be more comfortable for all of us, then a more enjoyable trip will be had.

Thanks again.

GeorgieGirl
Reply 11 of 19
FollowupID: 516234   Submitted: Monday, Jul 30, 2007 at 15:50

G.T. posted:

When buying a porta potti make sure that it is the same height as your home loo.

Some are lower - 30cm as opposed to 40cm which is the approx height as your home loo. You can make up a collapsable stand of criss cross wood so as to raise the height but this means more weight and bulk to carry.

The lower height one means that you will have your knees around your ears when using it. Also check with the sales person re water tightness, get an assurance, do a test with water prior to using it, turn it up side down, sideways etc , should be no leaks. Take it back if it does.

When using it for No.2`s line the bowl with loo paper first, this makes it easier to flush, things are not so prone to sticking.

Hope this helps you to be No1 in 2`s. Regards G.T.
FollowUp 1 of 1
AnswerID: 254557   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 16:47

ExplorOz Team - Michelle replied:

I can put a female perspective on this discussion - from an experienced point of view if you like. I am more than happy with the bush toilet method, ie. "squat" for No. 1s or 2s, and I've taught my 2 daughers (now 3 and 6 yrs) how to do the same. I've travelled extensively, done very long terms trips (2 years) and short term trips. I've never used the toilet seat with bag option, but last year we purchased a porta pottie due to regulations for where we wished to camp.

The porta pottie is a very good option - if you use it right you will find it is both convenient and offers a choice of disposal options. They all come with a storage resourvour so after doing your business you close the lid and pump the waste into the storage bay and the solution cleans the bowl and closes the value so you don't see anything. Depending on the size of the storage bay and how many people using it, you can get up to week of storage. The waste is all broken down into a slurry by the solution (non-harmful biodegradable options available). You can choose to either bury the slurry waste in hole away from the camps, and creeks or take it with you or tip it down the next toilet you come to (if you've used the proper solution). If you use the chemicals that are not biodegradble you are limited to ONLY tip it down a chemical disposal point found at caravan parks.

I think they are a great idea that more of us should embrace when bush camping more than 1 night in a bush camp - you can still tip it down a deep hole you would dig in an appropriate spot, but it will degrade quicker due to the active solution and the loo paper can't be dug up by animals. If camping with a group, the "disposers" can prepare a communal hole and tip it all in one area and then cover it up properly - thus limiting the number of "holes".

They aren't really practical for driving legs due the storage issue, unless you have a secure storage bay say on a trailer. In general, on driving legs we find that we may be passing public facilities for No 2's, so No.1s we find are perfectly ok for doing behind shrubs. If emergency No. 2's are needed with no public facilties we take a break - park properly, make a tea break out of it, and go for a walk with the spake, a gas igniter (the long handle makes it easier than a match and less anoying when the wind wants to blow it out), and toilet paper. There are some trips - choose ground that is soft, even in hard ground the soil around the base of a tree or shrub will be softer, then dig the hole as deeply as you can, keeping the soil in a neat pile on the edge of the hole. Straddle the hole with your feet on either side, do your business but put the paper on top last and avoid wetting the toilet paper. Ignite the edge of the paper with a flame and watch to ensure the paper turns to black completely and then extinguish it fully by tipping some soil/sand over it. Then back fill your hole and stamp on the ground to make it level. You can make it look like you've never been there - there is nothing wrong with organic waste disposed of properly in remote areas when necessary.

When disposing of porta pottie waste in a hole, the toilet paper will not be distinguishable as it will have become part of the slurry so there is no need to burn anything. Just make sure the hole is deep enough and away from waterways and traffic areas in camp spots.

I guess it is personal, but I thought I put in my opinion and experiences on the mater as both a lady and a mum (ok, and a rough bush chick too when I have to be).
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Reply 12 of 19
FollowupID: 515650   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 16:54

GeorgieGirl posted:

Michelle,

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it.

I just need to talk my husband around - it should be too hard.

It is more the storage of all the extras I have been wanting to buy since reading this forum.

GeorgieGirl

FollowUp 1 of 4
FollowupID: 515652   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 17:05

Member - John (Vic) posted:

"ok, and a rough bush chick too when I have to be"

Michelle never would I have used such a description of you :-) LOL.
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FollowupID: 515662   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 17:59

ExplorOz Team - Michelle posted:

I knew that would raise would a comment!! Gotta be the first to say something about yourself in this place!
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FollowupID: 515663   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 18:22

Member - Au-2 posted:

Very good common-sense Michelle, obviously made from the female perspective and much experience. May I add this suggestion from two adults fems (one slightly disabled) of some experience. The use of a small plastic (available in packs of 4 at the dollar shops) container/bucket inside the porta potti bowl, for no 1's, which can be emptied behind a bush/tree much as the males do. This extends the time between disposals, as the liquids seem to fill the potty quicker than the solids. Container can travel under the lid between stops. I would also offer that when using the "potti" one pump it at least 3 times before use, to enable 'smoother' voidance from bowl.
I can't believe I have become a 'potty' mouth at this age.
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FollowUp 4 of 4
AnswerID: 254572   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 18:05

WA 1968 replied:

Georgie,

My wife prefers a "bushie" rather than using bags or going to the drop dunnies. She gags everytime she goes near a drop dunny. Over years of educating she is good at digging the hole now (minimum 30 cm's) and burning the toilet paper and then covering up.

We are looking however at a Porta dunny thing and change shelter for longer trips now that we have purchased the Camper Trailer
Reply 13 of 19
AnswerID: 254580   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 18:37

Shaker replied:

Jimmy's Thunderbox is hard to beat! They fold flat & very easy to use.
Reply 14 of 19
AnswerID: 254582   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 18:48

The Yeti replied:

Check out Jimmy's Thunderbox, very portable & comfortable, all you need is a small shovel paper & your matches. We take a portapotti and Jimmy and hardly ever use the potti Any good camping shop has them or check out on the net
Reply 15 of 19
AnswerID: 254599   Submitted: Thursday, Jul 26, 2007 at 20:54

Middle Jeff replied:

Hi, whatever we take in we take out, so it has to be a porta potty, we do not leave anything behind.
Have fun

Craig
Reply 16 of 19
AnswerID: 254631   Submitted: Friday, Jul 27, 2007 at 05:05

Member - Bucky (VIC) replied:

We use Jimmy's Thunderbox, when ever we can.

Dig a deep hole ( as deep as the shovel allows ), and to kill the smell we sprinkle lime over everything ,, 2 desert spoons per deposit .
It works a treat !

We also have porta potty, if we go into areas that require them. ( Like beaches ) that do not have their own toilets.
Cheers
Bucky
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Reply 17 of 19
AnswerID: 254671   Submitted: Friday, Jul 27, 2007 at 11:20

ExplorOz Team - Michelle replied:

Just watched an episode of Star Trek Voyager (Season 2) last night when Captain Kathryn Janeway and Chocotay were "camping" - they had sonic showers - wow. I wonder if we'll ever see such modern advancements? They didn't talk about sonic toilets but I guess the possibilities are endless!
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Reply 18 of 19
FollowupID: 515776   Submitted: Friday, Jul 27, 2007 at 11:51

Member - bushfix posted:

be better if we could just "beam it up potti"

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FollowupID: 515778   Submitted: Friday, Jul 27, 2007 at 12:07

ExplorOz Team - Michelle posted:

ha ha!
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AnswerID: 254795   Submitted: Saturday, Jul 28, 2007 at 00:05

Motherhen replied:

Being farmers and paranoid about fire, we wouldn't strike a match, but take a plastic freezer bag and seal the paper in it to be disposed of next time we empty our bin.
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Reply 19 of 19