Beyond the BabySteps: Emergency Chemical Toilet

Sanitation can be one of the biggest concerns in a long-term emergency situation. Lack of proper waste disposal can lead to the spread of sickness and disease. Having an emergency chemical toilet can help with this whether you are sheltering in place or if you need grab it and evacuate. Here is a little tutorial we got from a church hand-out several years ago.

Emergency Chemical Toilet Contents

5 gallon plastic bucket (with tight fitting lid)
2 large boxes of garbage can liners (8-10 gallon size)
1 gallon of liquid chlorine bleach
Pinesol
6-8 rolls of toilet paper
Feminine hygiene products
2 boxes of baking soda
Paper towels
Wet wipes
1 bar of hand soap

Emergency Chemical Toilet Instructions

To use the toilet, simply remove the contents from the bucket, insert a plastic garbage can liner into the bucket and fold the edges over the rim of the bucket. Mix one cup of liquid chlorine bleach to one half gallon of water (one to ten ratio) and pour this solution into the bucket. This will kill germs and ensure adequate coverage. Though the bucket may be uncomfortable to sit on it certainly beat the alternative. For greater comfort you can remove the seat from a toilet and secure it to the top of the bucket. You could also consider including a child’s potty training seat in the toilet kit.

Every time someone uses the emergency toilet, he should pour or sprinkle into it a small amount of Pinesol, chlorine bleach, or baking soda to keep down odors and germs. The lid should then be replaced securely to keep insects out and the smell contained.

When the bucket is one third to one half full, tie the garbage bag liner shut and dispose of it appropriately (i.e. burying it or placing it inside a large covered metal garbage can for later disposal). Then simply replace with a new liner and a new mix of bleach water.