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Sanitation

So ask yourself: What will you do when the toilets donʼt work? Do you have the knowledge and materials you need to build a safe, functional toilet for your family?

Recommended 

Recommendation: Store two 5-gallon buckets with lids for the "twin bucket method" for sanitation

Explanation

We recommend the twin bucket method for emergency sanitation because it is the safest way to deal with fecal matter in an emergency situation as well as the least smelly option.

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Please read Portland's handout on the twin bucket method here: LINK

Supplies

Handout (LINK)

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1. Two Buckets and Seats: One for solid and one for liquid waste

 

Option 1 - Purchase bucket-seat combinations.  ($32 Each)

Amazon Link: RELIANCE Luggable Loo Portable Camping Toilet 

Local Store: Cabellas (in camping section)

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Option 2 - Buy 5-gallon buckets locally (hardware store), and buy seats separately ($17 Each)

Amazon Link: ER Emergency Ready 9881-03 Portable Snap-on Toilet Seat with Lid for 5-gallon Bucket​

Local Store: Home Depot, Lowes, etc.

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2. Double-bags for solid waste.  Each bag will last for several weeks, and when filled, the inner bag tucks into the outer bag which has a double zip-lock closure. This isolates the solid waste and its pathogens from the environment until local authorities can collect and dispose of it properly. Bags are only needed for solid waste, since liquid waste can be poured into the ground. Keeping liquid waste separate reduces the volume and the odors in the solid waste bucket.
The box of 6 bags fits easily inside an empty bucket for storage until needed.

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Amazon Link: Reliance Products Double Doodie Toilet Bag  ($43 per 12-pack)

 

3. Coconut Fibre compressed bricks. Each brick reconstitutes with to produce 9 quarts of coconut fiber; use one handful per sitting to reduce odor and absorb moisture. The pack of 4 bricks fits easily into the empty bucket for storage.

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Amazon Link: Harris Coconut Coir Pith, 4 Bricks ($24)

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4. Additional Items To Consider (Stored in empty bucket until needed)

  • ​Disposable latex or nitrile gloves

  • Toilet paper

  • Wet wipes

  • Garbage bag to collect toilet paper

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