Everything you Need to Know About Emptying a Portable Camping Toilet
If you’re a camping enthusiast like me, you’ll likely already know that the right camping gear can go a long way, and one of the most important is a portable camping toilet! This essential item allows you to stay sanitary and comfortably enjoy your camping trips, so it pays to know the right way to empty and care for it. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience as a father of three kids and experienced camper to help you understand everything you need to know about emptying a portable camping toilet.
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Step 1: Choose a Spot to Empty your Camping Toilet
Before you empty your camping toilet, it is essential to identify the best location to do it. Make sure you select a spot that is far away from any water sources or campsites to protect the environment and other campers from contaminated water. Look for a spot that is about 200 feet away from any water sources.
Also keep in mind that you should always start and end with the same spot to establish a routine for maintaining your camping sanitation area. That way, you won’t forget to take something out or leave something behind and you won’t contaminate the environment.
Step 2: Dispose of Solids Properly
The first step is to get rid of any solids in the toilet. If it comes with a removable waste tank, transfer as much as you can into a plastic bag or a biodegradable bag before disposing of it in a designated trash can. If it does not come with a removable tank, you may need to use a enzyme-based solution designed for the type of portable camping toilet you have to dissolve the solids.
Step 3: Dispose of Liquid Waste Safely
The second step is to dispose of the liquid waste. There are several ways to do this. For instance, you can simply pour the liquid waste into a hole you’ve dug beforehand. Make sure the hole is deep enough so you don’t leave any surface water on the ground. Or you may wish to use a wastewater containment tank at the designated waste area.
It is also important to check with local authority laws when emptying your camping toilet. Some states have specific regulations about disposing of human waste, so you may need to obtain a permit if you plan on disposing of liquid waste into a designated waste area or an approved septic system.
Step 4: Clean and Sanitize the Camping Toilet
The final step is to clean and sanitize the camping toilet itself. To do so, discard any remaining waste in the toilet, then fill the toilet with a cleaning solution of 1/4 cup household bleach and 1 gallon of drinking water. Swish the solution inside the toilet and then let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then empty the toilet and rinse it with clean water several times.
To dry the toilet, leave the lid open and let it air dry in the sun. Once it’s completely dry, take a look around the toilet area to make sure all of your waste has been properly disposed of and no items have been left behind.
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Conclusion
Knowing how to properly empty and clean a portable camping toilet is essential to responsively enjoying a camping trip. With the right campsite and a little bit of careful planning, your campers will be able to keep their area sanitary and clean throughout your adventures. As an experienced camper, I know just how important it can be to follow these instructions carefully to keep everyone safe and healthy.