Public camping- what is your toilet options

[Cuppa]

Option 1- a seat over a hole where possible, but obviously in well utilised camp spots holes full of crap everywhere are not on.

Option 2 - seat over a container containing compostable (not just biodegradeable which can take 2 years to break down) bags - can be disposed of in long drops or buried. Wheel bags are useful for carrying used bags to disposal points, avoiding any smell inside the vehicle. Best if used for ’solids only’.

Option 3 - a portapotti. We have used these extensively ...BUT... don’t use the chemicals which get sold for them. Not only do they destroy the working of any septic system the contents are tipped in, the chemicals smell as bad, if not worse than the ‘deposits’ for what the toilet was designed. The smell of the chemicals was pervasive through our vehicle when we used them, & emptying the potti was pretty rank too. Instead like many others, we now use generic napisan, look for the ones with the most Sodium Percarbonate. 34% or better will do the job, or alternatively go to your local home brew shop & buy 100% sodium percabonate (used for cleaning beer bottles). We’ve only ever used the nappy wash, a 1 KG container will last for ages & it’s cheaper than the chemicals as well as being septic safe.

Method: When setting up the portapotti cover the floor of the lower container with water & add 2 to 4 heaped teaspoons of the powder. Add another teaspoon after each ‘deposit’ & flush. Sloshing around in the vehicle when driving helps breakdown, but if it is left at camp for a while & you get any smell, just add a bit more. Works really well, & although emptying is never going to be a job you look forward to, it is much improved.

Do not buy nappy washes with added fragrances etc- just the cheaper ‘oxy action’ stuff will do. Only put plain water in the top tank. Once in a while lubricate the sliding seal with a little olive oil, spray on is easiest. An aerosol bought for the purpose will last for years.