The Complete Guide to Emptying Your Portable Toilet While Camping
The joys of camping and communing with nature can quickly be dampened when it’s time to deal with the dreaded portable toilet. We’ve all been there – anxiously waiting for that green or red light to give us the “all clear” to empty the waste tank. It’s not the most glamorous part of roughing it, but it’s a smelly necessity.
The good news is that emptying a portable camping toilet isn’t too tricky once you know the steps. In this post, I’ll walk you through the full process so you can keep your portable potty humming along and focus on roasting marshmallows instead of draining waste.
First, you’ll want to locate the designated disposal area at your campsite. Look for a dump station, chemical toilet disposal point, or waste area specified by the campground. Once you’ve found the right spot, remove the tank from the portable toilet. This usually just involves unlatching or unscrewing the tank.
Next, wearing gloves, carefully empty the waste from the tank directly into the disposal area. Use the pour spout if there is one, or turn the tank upside down. You can even use a hose to suction out stubborn remnants. The key is getting every last drop out.
After emptying, give the tank a quick rinse and scrub with a bit of soapy water to remove lingering odors. Then refill it with fresh water and toilet chemicals before securely reattaching it to your portable throne.
Follow these steps each time nature calls, and you’ll keep your portable toilet functional and smelling as fresh as the great outdoors. No one wants to cut a camping trip short because of a full tank. Now get back to roasting marshmallows and gazing at the stars!
Why Emptying Your Portable Toilet Matters
Before diving into the how, let’s go over the why. Properly draining your portable camping toilet is critical for two big reasons:
Preventing Messes and Odors
When the waste tank becomes full, odor will quickly become an issue, as will potential leaks and spills. Emptying your portable head regularly prevents unwanted smells and stains during your camping trip.
Protecting the Environment
Responsibly disposing waste from your portable toilet helps keep campsites and natural areas sanitary. Finding the proper disposal point stops contamination.
What You’ll Need to Empty a Portable Toilet
Having the right gear on hand will make emptying your portable camping potty much easier. Here are the must-have items:
- Portable toilet – Obviously you’ll need the portable toilet itself. Be familiar with how your specific model’s tank detaches and empties.
- Waste disposal station – The campsite should have a designated dump station, chemical toilet disposal area, or waste removal spot. Look for signs when you arrive.
- Gloves – Wear protective gloves when handling waste. Reusable rubber gloves are ideal.
- Soapy water – Bring a small bottle of liquid soap and some rinse water.
- Toilet chemicals – Have an adequate supply of whatever deodorizers or chemicals your toilet requires.
Step-by-Step Guide to Emptying a Portable Camping Toilet
Once you’ve gathered all the proper supplies, follow these steps for emptying a portable toilet while camping:
Step 1: Locate the Waste Disposal Area
Every campsite that allows portable toilets should designate a waste disposal area. This is where you’ll empty the contents of your portable toilet.
Look for signs pointing to a dump station, chemical toilet disposal site, or designated portable toilet waste zone. If you can’t find one, ask the campground staff.
Never dump waste from a portable camping toilet anywhere except an approved disposal area. Improper waste disposal can contaminate the environment and water sources.
Step 2: Remove the Waste Tank
Once you’ve located the correct disposal area, remove the waste tank from the portable toilet. How the tank detaches depends on the model.
Some common ways waste tanks detach:
- Unlatch holding brackets and slide tank out
- Unscrew caps to lift tank out
- Disconnect side fixtures to pull tank out
- Fold toilet walls down to access tank
Refer to the owner’s manual if unsure. Set the detached tank upright on even ground while you empty it.
Step 3: Empty the Waste into Disposal
Here comes the messy part. With the tank detached, you’ll need to empty the waste into the disposal.
Place the tank in the designated disposal area. Some tanks have a pour out spout you can open. Others you’ll need to carefully tip upside down to drain.
If waste sticks to the sides, use a portable toilet wand or the water hose to scrub it clean. The key is getting every last drop out!
Step 4: Rinse the Tank
Once emptied, give the tank a quick rinse using the water hose or a bottle of soapy water. Add a squirt of soap and swish the water around until all waste residue is removed.
Thoroughly rinsing removes bacteria and prevents odors. Make sure to get into all crevices. Drain out any remaining rinse water.
Step 5: Add Fresh Water and Chemicals
Before reattaching the waste tank, refill it with fresh water and any required toilet chemicals.
The standard formula is 2 gallons of water with 1-2 ounces of chemicals. This prepares the tank for the next use.
Follow the chemical amounts recommended by the portable toilet manufacturer. Make sure you have enough supplies.
Step 6: Reattach the Waste Tank
The final step is securely reconnecting the waste tank to the portable toilet. Make sure all latches, caps, and fixtures are properly fastened in place.
Firmly press and slide the tank into brackets or holders. The portable toilet should now be prepared for use again.
When to Empty Your Portable Toilet
Knowing when the time has come to empty the waste tank is key.
Here are signs it’s time to drain and dispose:
- The “full” indicator light turns red
- Waste is visibly nearing the top
- Odors are very strong
- Toilet paper gets continually wet
For most portable toilet models, expect to empty the waste tank every 40-60 uses. Pay close attention on long camping trips.
Ideally, empty shortly before full to stay ahead of overflow issues. Don’t wait until the tank is packed to the brim.
Where to Empty Portable Toilets
The proper disposal place depends on the campground. Here are some common portable toilet emptying stations you may encounter:
- Dump stations – Specific areas for dumping waste from RVs and portable potties.
- Outhouses – Pit toilets allow disposal of portable toilet waste.
- Trash receptacles – Certain waste cans are designated for portable toilet bags.
- Privies – Caretaker closets with a tank to empty hand-carried devices.
If no station is provided, sealed toilet bags can be placed in trash bins. Never dispose of waste improperly!
FAQs About Emptying Portable Toilets
How do I know it’s safe to empty?
Wait 5-10 minutes after the last use to allow solids to properly dissolve before emptying. This prevents clogs.
What if waste won’t fully empty?
Use a wand or hose to dislodge stuck waste and rinse thoroughly. Remove any remaining water before refilling.
Can I empty into a RV/marine toilet?
Check manufacturer guidelines. Most advise against dumping portable toilet chemicals into RV waste tanks.
How do I reduce emptying frequency?
Use less toilet paper, avoid flushing solids, and add toilet chemicals correctly to maximize capacity.
Should I wear gloves and a mask?
Yes! Direct contact with waste requires protective non-porous gloves and an N95 respiratory mask.
FAQs About Emptying Portable Toilets
How do I know it’s safe to empty?
Wait 5-10 minutes after the last use to allow solids to properly dissolve before emptying. This prevents clogs.
What if waste won’t fully empty?
Use a wand or hose to dislodge stuck waste and rinse thoroughly. Remove any remaining water before refilling.
Can I empty into a RV/marine toilet?
Check manufacturer guidelines. Most advise against dumping portable toilet chemicals into RV waste tanks.
How do I reduce emptying frequency?
Use less toilet paper, avoid flushing solids, and add toilet chemicals correctly to maximize capacity.
Should I wear gloves and a mask?
Yes! Direct contact with waste requires protective non-porous gloves and an N95 respiratory mask.
What do I do if spill waste while emptying?
Immediately contain and clean up any spills with absorbent materials. Disinfect the area thoroughly with a bleach solution.
Can I empty into my home toilet?
No, chemicals used in portable toilets can damage residential plumbing. Always use a designated disposal station.
What if my campsite doesn’t have a dump station?
Ask the camp host for guidance. If no option, pack out the sealed toilet bags in trash bags.
How should I clean the tank after emptying?
Use a toilet wand and non-abrasive cleaner to scrub inside. Rinse thoroughly before adding fresh water.
Do I need to empty at a sewage treatment facility?
Most campsite dumps feed into sewage systems. But check local regulations to be sure.
Be a Portable Potty Pro
Emptying your portable toilet while camping isn’t the highlight of any outdoor excursion, but it’s a critical step to keep your trip pleasant. Follow these tips and take pride in being the portable potty pro of your next campout!
The key is finding the right waste disposal point and completely draining all waste from the tank. Rinse it thoroughly before adding fresh water and chemicals.
Your packing list should always include gloves, proper chemicals, and some soapy water to handle the dirty work. And of course, only empty a portable toilet at designated sanitary stations.
With the right system, you can take care of bathroom business in the woods without hassle. Now get back to enjoying campfires, hikes, and breathtaking stars! Just be sure to empty that tank first.
