Spending time on a camping site sounds fun, but not when it comes to handling human waste. Some campsites don’t have a toilet. And if you have a camper van, you might not want to use an outside toilet in the middle of the night when it’s freezing cold.
Fortunately, modern portable toilets are more advanced. They come with a flushing system, and some have chemicals that mask the odor. That makes them friendly to a sensitive nose. But still, the idea of emptying a portable toilet sounds gross to most people. Yet, someone has to do it. If that person is you, how do you go about it? Let’s take you through the steps.
1. Find the Nearest Disposal Point
Most campsites provide waste disposal areas for visitors. So it’s vital to dispose of the waste in those designated areas. If you’re traveling, check RV-friendly routes that have disposal points.
On the same note, if you’re using a cassette from an RV, you can dispose of the waste in an ordinary toilet. Most people prefer to use the cassette for the short call only. If that’s your case, you’ll easily get rid of it
2. Wear Protective Gloves
If you use your portable toilet for the long call business, you may want to arm yourself properly. Besides wearing protective gloves, you’ll need a strong heart to do it, especially if it’s your first time. But it gets easier with time.
3. Remove the Waste Tank
Portable toilets have a separate storage unit for black waste. Some are removable, while others are not. In camper vans, portable toilets are either removable from the inside or the outside. Follow the manufacturer’s manual while removing the waste tank. But if your RV has an external connecting pipe, there’s no need to remove the black waste tank.
4. Dispose of the Waste
The best time to dispose of the waste is early mornings or late evenings when there are no prying eyes. Once you remove the waste unit, carry it to the disposal point. Some units have wheels that let you transport them like a suitcase. If yours doesn’t have them, ensure you empty it frequently. Otherwise, it might get too heavy.
Black waste tanks usually have a pipe and a cap that prevents the waste from pouring out. Remove the lid while the outlet pipe faces upwards, then tilt it downwards to the disposal point. If the storage unit is non-removable, use a hose pipe to connect the tank to the disposal point. Connect the hose and flush out the waste.
5. Clean and Reinstall the Waste Tank
After disposing of the waste, add water to the tank and shake well, then pour it. Add disinfectant to prevent germs, and you can also add chemicals to mask the smell. Then reinstall the black tank back to its place.
Next, remove your gloves and wash your hands or sanitize them. Then pat yourself on the back for a job well done.
If you use your portable toilet regularly, ensure you empty it at least once a week. But the actual frequency will depend on how many people use it. Though emptying a camping toilet may not be your cup of tea, you’ll get used to it. And the good thing is modern portable toilets are easier to operate.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
