Portable toilets are convenient devices to have around on camping trips, RV camps, ships, or any location where access to a regular toilet becomes improbable. However, what do you do when the waste tank is full and you need to empty it? Can you just dump it in your home toilet or septic system? The answer is not quite black and white.
There are several types of portable toilets, each with its own recommended waste disposal method. Some use chemicals, some use water, while others utilise a bag for composting. Depending on the type of portable toilet you have, you may or may not be able to empty it at home safely and legally.
- Chemical Portable Toilets
Chemical portable toilets are the commonest type of portable toilets. They employ liquid or powder chemical substances to break down waste and reduce odour. These chemicals prevent the growth of bacteria and pathogens in the waste tank.
To empty a chemical portable toilet, you cannot just pour it down your home toilet or septic system, as the chemicals can damage the pipes and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the septic tank. Hence, you must find a designated dump station to handle the chemical waste.
Some campgrounds, RV parks, marinas, and rest areas have dump stations where you can empty your chemical portable toilet for a fee. Sewage treatment plants or wastewater facilities that accept chemical waste are another option. However, you should always wear gloves and protective clothing when handling the waste holding tank, as it could contain potentially toxic mixes.
- Water Portable Toilets
Water portable toilets are similar to chemical toilets but use water rather than chemicals to eliminate waste. The system consists of a freshwater and waste tank connected by a pump. After you flush, the pump transfers water from the freshwater tank to the waste tank, mixing it with the waste.
Emptying this type of convenience requires you to find a designated dump station that can handle liquid waste. This nature of waste shouldn’t be emptied in your home toilet or septic system, as the water can overflow the pipes and cause clogging and flooding. On another cautionary note, if water potties are not disposed of properly, the bacteria and pathogens can harm the water table, contaminating the potable water supply and underground aquifers.
- Composting Portable Toilets
Compost toilets are the simplest type of portable toilets. In this system, bio-degradable bags containing waste-solidifying gel or powder are attached to a seat or bucket that serves as the toilet.
To empty the bag, you only need to retrieve it from the receptacle, seal it tightly, and dispose of it in the dumpster or bury it in the outback. This is perhaps the only portable convenience system you won’t need to find a designated dump station or a sewage treatment plant for, as the bags are biodegradable and safe for landfills.
However, you should always check the local regulations before disposing of your portable toilet bag, as some places may restrict throwing away human waste in regular trash bins or dumpsters. You should also make sure that the bags are not punctured or torn, as they can leak and cause a mess or, worse yet, a health hazard.
Conclusion
Portable toilets are handy for outdoor activities or emergencies but require sound maintenance and disposal. Depending on the type of portable toilet you have, you may or may not be able to empty it at home. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using and emptying your portable toilet safely and legally.
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