portable dry camping toilets

Submitted: Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 12:43

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Portable Toilets and Dump Points

Portable toilets are becoming increasingly popular for people who don't want to give up on facilities while travelling. This article details the various portable camping toilets available in the

avidcamper

I've been doing a fair bit of research into the pros and cons of 'wet' versus 'dry' camping toilets, particularly with regard to the actual disposal of waste. We have used a 'wet' toilet in a hired campervan in NZ - and found the dump points to be pretty awful - campers really didn't seem to care about the next 'visitor' - hoses were filthy .... it was all most unpleasant.
Also, the chemicals were of concern at the time from an environmental point of view.
I am also thinking of the extra water needed to flush the toilet when camped in more remote locations for several days where water is unavailable.
With all this in mind, I am leaning towards the 'dry' toilets - ie a simple bucket with a toilet seat (one that seals properly) and the use of inner degradable bags plus a gelling agent. So far, so good............
However ..... what on earth does one do with the 'final product' - ie the plastic bag full of potentially 'dangerous' waste?
When reading info on the various websites, there is not a lot said about where to dump the full bags - one site mentions it is safe to put into landfill provided you use a properly sealed, tough, outer plastic bag to contain the degradable bags within.
Are there any campers out there who have used these type of toilets and who have happily thrown the final 'package' into waste bins for ultimate dispsal into land fill?
Is this truly regarded as safe and hygenic (provided the outer bag is properly sealed, and a gelling agent is used)?
I would love some feedback on this issue - we have camped on many occasions where there are no facilities and have been appalled at the amount of toilet paper left around by those who have either not been bothered to dig a hole, or else have done it in an indadequate fashion - we do not want to contribute to this in any way - but do wish to be sef-contained in order to enjoy the unspoilt (hopefully) beauty of this amazing country we live in!
Cheers,
avidcamper

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Reply By: Member - John and Val - Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 15:22

Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 15:22

Hi Avid,

You ask a very good question and one that has been in the back of my mind for a while. We routinely use the shovel and a folding seat, with acceptable outcomes IMHO. But there are now a number of places where you are meant to be "fully self contained" before you can stay there. Sign of the times I guess, but it has got us thinking about whether we have to upgrade a bit.

Given that the gelling agents are presumably the same ones that are used by gardeners to hold water around plant roots I cant see that they would be a problem from an environmental point of view. But you would want to be confident that the plastic bag you were using was up to the task. I think that if there is no tip available, emptying the contents into a deep hole well away from any water should be acceptable - once you are away from protected areas that is.

I have actually seen a sign (near Albany WA) saying "no human excrement" or words to that effect, so I guess dumping is already happening.

The "white butterflies" (toilet paper dropped on the ground) is in plague proportions and there seem to be a fair proportion who just don't seem to care enough to dispose of their paper properly. What is so hard about carrying a ziplock plastic bag to contain the paper.

A few years ago we spent a few days co-ordinating a desert camp for a group of environmental researchers and volunteers. The deal was that it was OK to have a pit toilet but all the paper had to go into a plastic bag which was burnt when we left the site. We were pleasantly (if that is the right word in the circumstances!) surprised by the high level of compliance with this request. Which just shows that separating out the paper is not hard to do.

I shall watch this thread with interest to see what ideas come up.

Cheers,

Val.

J and V
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein

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Follow Up By: avidcamper - Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 20:03

Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 20:03

Hi John and Val,

I'm constantly wavering back and forth from 'dry' to 'wet' in terms of which 'system' to go ahead with. We intend to head off after Christmas for 5 weeks - to Western Australia from Sydney, and we wish to be self contained to enable us to camp 'free as birds'. So we need to make a decision in the next couple of weeks!

Right now, I'm leaning towards the porta-potti again, and using the 'green', environmentally friendly products. I guess our next 'dilemma' will be the location of dump points along the way ............ and I suppose the frequency we will need to 'dump' will also depend on how often we will need to actually use the porta-potti ............ Too many 'ifs' in the equation!!

Thankyou for your reply - it is good to know we are not alone in this quandary!

cheers,

avidcamper

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Reply By: Keith Berg - Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 16:40

Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 16:40

We're currently building our own camping trailer and are planning to use a composting toilet from the USA, which is especially designed for camping, RV and marine use.
The downside is that it needs a small DC power supply to keep a tiny fan permanently running.
These units compost all solids, drain off liquids for separate disposal and are claimed to last two people for 6 weeks without emptying. When you do have to empty them, all you have is (hopefully) compost. There is a local agent, who is quite helpful.
Here's the link:
Composting toilets for RVs

AnswerID: 471744

Follow Up By: Andrew & Jen - Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 19:59

Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 19:59

Keith
I understand from research I did for a marine application, that the current required for the fan is very small - similar to a computer fan or LED lamp
Cheers
Andrew

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Follow Up By: avidcamper - Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 20:46

Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 20:46

Keith,

this sounds fascinating! I don't think it is something we could make use of, however - it looks as though the toilet would need to more of a 'fixture' rather than portable. I will definitely look into it some more, though - thankyou for sending the link.

Cheers,

avidcamper

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Follow Up By: Keith Berg - Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 22:58

Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 22:58

The local agent for the composting toilets is called "A Better Way to Go" and he did mention to me that people use them in toilet tents with great success.

As Andrew said, the composting loo only needs 0.06 Amps for the fan and will run 24 hours a day off a solar vent.

This mob also has some clever conventional folding toilets that also separate solids from urine. The urine bottle can be easily emptied and the solids are collected in a compostable bag for burying. They are claimed to be odourless, but how they manage that is anyone's guess.

Heres the link for the local agent A Better Way to Go

I think emptying chemical toilets is a great way to ruin a holiday. Good luck with your search.

Cheers
Keith

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Follow Up By: avidcamper - Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 11:32

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 11:32

Thankyou Keith - definitely very interesting - however way out of our price-range for the time being.

I certainly believe that composting is the 'way to go' and hope that this type of system becomes more affordable as time goes on. In the meantime, it looks like we'll be searching for dump points on our 5 week trip with a porta-potti .........

Cheers,

avidcamper

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Follow Up By: Keith Berg - Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 11:52

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 11:52

This is the folding one I mentioned.It's not a compsosting toilet. $89 complete with Toilet roll and shovel! It does the liquid separation thing, same as the composting units. I have no financial or other interest in this company.

Folding loo

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Follow Up By: Robin Miller - Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 14:21

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 14:21

I think that Jimmys thunderbox has some advantages in the portable stakes Keith.

Even an Australian product

http://www.2daloo.com/#3

Robin Miller

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Follow Up By: Keith Berg - Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 14:39

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 14:39

Robin,
How yould you resist any product with a name like that? Another one I found is called "The Kiwi Bog". But I'd go for a Thunderbox any day!
Keith

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Follow Up By: Robin Miller - Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 15:00

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 15:00

Perceptions , Perceptions Keith your right.

But when I looked at this product from an engineers point of view, all I thought was , the seat really does fold down making a flat surface - chuck a tea towel over it and viola , I don't need to carry a table any more !

After tea you just move it sideways a few meters and it can perform other duties, well talk about the proverbial Lead Ballon as far as my other half was concerned.

Robin Miller

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Follow Up By: Keith Berg - Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 15:19

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 15:19

Robin,
I think I'd be one of many to give your camp a wide berth at afternoon tea time. You've gotta love Jimmy's website, although I imagine the Tunderbox would be frowned upon in caravan parks.
K

FollowupID: 746539

Follow Up By: River Swaggie - Wednesday, Dec 07, 2011 at 18:56

Wednesday, Dec 07, 2011 at 18:56

*I think that Jimmys thunderbox has some advantages in the portable stakes Keith.*

Your spot on again Robin,Ive got a Companion Ezyloo 248 and never used it,Dont like the idea of the cassete detaching in the ARB Canopy 3/4 up at steep hill...So we used the Thunderbox the last year...I take a post hole digger tied to my roofrack....

So it flat packs to a couple of inches,easy to cart around,buy biodegradable plastic bin liners and put to 4 corners on the inside of the toilet,each time you finish you put back in dirt so its good for the next participant lol...When your ready to go,pull away the toilet,tie off the plastic and put back into the hole,then dirt on top,then its done...

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Reply By: SCUBADOO - Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 17:22

Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 17:22

avidcamper - posted

We have used a 'wet' toilet in a hired campervan in NZ - and found the dump points to be pretty awful - campers really didn't seem to care about the next 'visitor' - hoses were filthy .... it was all most unpleasant.

_ _ _ _ _

Sorry about you experience.

We now travel NZ almost full time and have yet to find a SINGLE dump point with your issues. Hoses???? - most don't have them (stolen?).
We "dump" every three days or so.

Please advise us of the locations - easily reported and fixed!

We have obviously been VERY lucky (or you unlucky :)).

Nev

AnswerID: 471746

Follow Up By: avidcamper - Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 19:54

Monday, Dec 05, 2011 at 19:54

Hi Nev,

Our trip to NZ was a few years ago now .... so things may have changed for the better perhaps? Glad your experience is better - we might have just been unlucky I guess?

It did turn us off 'dump points' (particularly my husband) ...... but I am still very open to the idea of the typical standard 'porta potti' - am just trying to figure out what will be the best, most environmentally friendly type camping toilet. It is good that there are now 'green' products available to use rather than chemicals. And I've already told my husband that I am happy enough to do the 'dumping' (together with disposable glove appropriately disposed of!) as long as he does the heavy lifting and carrying!!

Lucky you travelling NZ almost full time! Wow! It certainly is a beautiful country - we intend to revisit in the not-too-distant future.

Cheers,

avidcamper

FollowupID: 746485

Reply By: Motherhen - Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 00:19

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 00:19

Hi Avid Camper

If using a dry or composting toilet, you will still be carrying the weight around until you can safely dispose of it - which may take some time. The water used for flushing a portable toilet is negligible, and waste hand washing or washing up water can be used. You can reduce the amount of liquid carried in a cassette toilet by using a 'night bucket' if bush camping where disposal is easy - or by just 'going bush' for short visits. Some liquid in the cassette is necessary.Check out my blog on toilets and chemical alternatives in the my blog section or on my website underPopular topics

Motherhen

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Follow Up By: avidcamper - Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 11:33

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 11:33

Thankyou for the link to your website - fantastic info there! Very much appreciated :-)

Cheers,

avidcamper

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Reply By: Nomadic Navara - Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 01:02

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 01:02

In the last 10 years I have only seen one mishandled dump point. Most I have used seem to be very clean.

For best results in a porta-pottie type system, steer clear of the blue or green liquids. Go for the dry chemicals. Most members of the other forums are using Nappisan type chemicals. The Generics from Woolies and Coles have a higher percentage of the active ingredient and contain less other products that are not helpful.

PeterD
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Follow Up By: avidcamper - Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 15:45

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 15:45

Peter,
I have not fully read information on the use of nappy soaker chemicals, so didn't realise that it can be used dry - or am I misunderstanding you here? Can you elaborate on how the toilet is then used?
Thankyou for your help.
avidcamper

FollowupID: 746540

Follow Up By: Nomadic Navara - Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 16:32

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 16:32

As I said, these sodium percarbonate substances are for use in the porta-potie (flushable dunnies) and not the pan systems. Currently I am using Bio-tabs in mine, these tabs are sodium percarbonate pressed into flat disks (possibly with some binder.) I purchased these tabs before nappiesan type products were being promoted. I will use my stocks and convert to the powdered type the time comes. You simply place a cap full into the cassette before use and then in a few days time if an odour develops.

PeterD
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Follow Up By: avidcamper - Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 21:27

Tuesday, Dec 06, 2011 at 21:27

Thankyou Peter - I have now searched for, and read all the threads on the use of Woollies home brand nappy treatment .......... it looks like we'll be purchasing a porta-potti and putting it to good use without nasty chemicals.

Cheers,

avidcamper

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Reply By: katepaul - Thursday, Dec 22, 2011 at 22:12

Thursday, Dec 22, 2011 at 22:12

Hi Can someone tell me me where you purchase these gelling agents and bags from we have an alluminium fold up toilet looks like a directors chair has a little bucket under the seat it is actually an invalid aid we bought from aldi. and I want to use with the gelling agent have looked but can't find any
thanks kate

AnswerID: 473125

Follow Up By: avidcamper - Friday, Dec 23, 2011 at 23:24

Friday, Dec 23, 2011 at 23:24

katepaul,

I think it's the soil wetting crystals you can purchase in nurseries .... possibly the garden section of supermarkets as well .......... this is my understanding, at any rate.

You can obtain further information from this website http://www.gallivantingoz.com.au/galli_ensuite.html

I found the person I spoke with to be very helpful - she answered all my questions regarding how to use the bio-degradable bags and dispose of them, etc.

Cheers,

avidcamper

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