toileting when hiking or camping

Introduction

toileting is one of the main issues overnight campers and hikers have to address appropriately
some prefer just to skip going to the toilet for one to two nights although this is likely to make you uncomfortable and not enjoy the trip as much

DO NOT PUT ANYTHING DOWN CAMPGROUND FLUSH TOILETS OR DROP TOILETS OTHER THAN TOILET PAPER!! EVEN “FLUSHABLE WIPES” MAY CAUSE BLOCKAGES!
- “Flushable wipes” should ONLY be used in normal sewerage systems or a maximum of 2 can be used in large commercial septic systems
- if you wish to use wipes for added cleanliness (a great idea when there are no showers), then put them in your rubbish bag to take home or place in a rubbish bin
- Do NOT put the following down septic tanks:
  - chemicals, cigarette butts, paper towels, sanitary tampons, condoms, disposable diapers, anything plastic or similar non-biodegradables

Do NOT BURY toilet waste near streams - you must be at least 50m from a stream

these are as would be found in urban houses and you should treat them as you normally would
they are only likely to be found in commercial caravan parks near towns

these may be found on large rural camp sites such as Tidal River camp ground Wilsons Prom
in general only toilet paper should be used but a maximum of 2 “flushable wipes” at a toilet episode may be OK ¹⁾

these are the most common flush toilets found on non-commercial camp grounds
DO NOT flush anything down these apart from toilet paper
flushable wipes are highly likely to clog these and put them out of action until unclogged by professionals

these are the most common toilets at more remote camp grounds
DO NOT put anything down these apart from toilet paper
ensure you always leave the lid down when finished
these can get over-full on busy long weekends - plan your camp site accordingly depending on likely wind directions!

drop toilets may be smelly and have flies (especially if the previous person left the lid open!), and the doors will have bugs from un-washed hands BUT at least they don't spray contaminated aerosol nasty bugs around the room like flush toilets do - even if the lid is closed! see Jan 2024: Impacts of lid closure during toilet flushing and of toilet bowl cleaning on viral contamination of surfaces in United States restrooms

you may need to consider having a portable “ensuite” or shower for privacy when using these
- eg. Oztrail Fast Frame Ensuite

these are relatively affordable starting at around $130 but are rather big, bulky, cumbersome and require relatively expensive chemicals and maintenance and some can leak
mainly for those in caravans or campervans
tend to have a 15L or more flush water tank and a 12L or more waste tank
for one person with average use, can be used for 3-5 days before the waste tank requires emptying into a sewerage toilet (not a septic toilet) or dump point
eg. Thetford Porta Pottis

do NOT dispose of the waste from these down septic tanks or down drop toilets!!!

these are essentially a strong plastic paint can in which you place a rubbish bag (preferably one which will decompose so you can bury it if you have to) and has a toilet seat to place on top to make it more comfortable and to contain the smells
these can double up as stools, water containers and as rubbish or storage bins so can be quite handy
these are a far better option than a drop toilet if you start vomiting on your trip - although emesis bags would be an even better option for this!
eg. Elemental Thunder Down Under portable toilet

these are the preferred method of managing waste (rather than burial) when doing overnight hikes where there are no toilets
use biodegradable bags to collect stool, squish the air out and put them into waterproof sealed containers to take back to the nearest toilets - even drop toilets

as a last resort, you can dig a hole in which to toilet then bury it
MUST be at least 50m from streams
overnight hikers generally will carry a small plastic hiking trowel
- be aware that in many areas the ground is rock hard and this may be difficult even with a shovel let alone with a small plastic hiking trowel!

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