Emptying Your Camper Porta Potti: A Step-By-Step Guide

Emptying a camper porta potti is a simple but necessary process. The first step is to determine if the porta potty needs to be emptied, which can be done by checking the waste holding tank. Once it is established that the tank is full, the waste holding tank needs to be separated from the porta potty. This is usually done by disengaging a locking latch. The tank can then be carried to a conventional toilet facility and emptied. It is important to clean out the waste container before replacing it and to clean up any spills or splashes. While most campgrounds have toilet facilities, it is not always convenient to use them, especially at night. Therefore, a camper porta potti can be a useful addition to your camping equipment.

Finding an authorised spot to empty your waste

When it comes to finding an authorised spot to empty your waste, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is important to determine if the porta potty needs to be emptied. A typical flushing porta potty used for camping has its own fresh water tank and waste-holding container. Most can be flushed between 25 and 60 times before the waste tank fills up and requires emptying.

Once you have determined that the porta potty needs to be emptied, separate the waste-holding tank from the porta potty. This is usually the lower part, and it typically has a locking latch that makes it gas and odour-tight. The lock should not be difficult to disengage, allowing you to remove the waste-holding tank from the rest of the unit.

Now, you need to find a suitable place to empty the waste. There are a few options:

• Conventional toilet facilities: Carry the waste-holding tank to a toilet facility, such as those found at most campgrounds, and empty its contents into a regular flush toilet. Remember to raise the seat, empty the waste, and then flush the toilet. Depending on the volume of waste, you may need to flush more than once. Clean out the waste container before replacing it and use hand sanitiser to disinfect your hands.
• Dump stations: Some campgrounds have dedicated dump stations for emptying waste. These are usually separate from the regular toilet facilities. Make sure to follow the instructions provided at the dump station for proper waste disposal.
• Public toilets: In some cases, you may be able to empty your porta potty at public toilets, but it is important to check for any signs or instructions that may prohibit this. Always dispose of your waste responsibly and be considerate of other people's hygiene and sanitation concerns.
• At home: If you are unable to find a suitable location to empty your waste while camping, you can bring it back home and dispose of it down your toilet, as long as you are connected to a sewerage system. Be cautious when handling waste and always follow proper sanitation procedures.
• Outdoor overflow relief gully: If you have an outdoor overflow relief gully (a removable grated cap outside your house), you can empty your waste there. Just make sure it is not a rainwater downpipe.

Remember to always follow local guidelines and regulations for waste disposal and ask campground staff if you are unsure about the proper procedures. Each campground may have slightly different rules and facilities, so it is important to be respectful and considerate of their policies. Additionally, always make sure to clean and disinfect your hands after handling waste to maintain proper hygiene.

Getting your portable toilet ready to empty

First, separate the two tanks of your portable toilet—the freshwater tank and the waste tank. Most portable toilets have a latch that keeps the two tanks attached. Undo the latch to separate them.

Next, put on some gloves for protection. Then, carry the waste tank to the designated disposal area. It's recommended to buy a portable toilet with a rotating spout, as this will make emptying the waste tank much easier and reduce the risk of splashing.

Once you've reached the disposal area, open the lid of the waste tank if it has one. If your portable toilet has a rotating spout, rotate it upwards and remove the cap.

Now, you're ready to empty the waste tank. Hold the tank over the disposal area, ensuring that you are clear of any obstacles. Then, carefully tilt the tank forward to empty its contents into the disposal area.

After emptying the waste tank, it's time to rinse it out. Most disposal areas will have a tap or a hose nearby. Fill the waste tank with fresh water and swirl it around to rinse away any remaining waste. Empty the rinse water into the disposal area, and repeat this process as many times as needed until the tank is thoroughly cleaned.

Finally, if you plan to continue using the portable toilet, you can refill the freshwater tank and put the two tanks back together. Don't forget to sanitise your hands after handling the waste tank!

Taking the waste tank to the disposal area

Now that you've separated the waste tank from the porta potty, it's time to take it to the disposal area. This is usually located in a dedicated area within official campsites and campgrounds. If you're not sure where it is, it's a good idea to locate it and identify access routes before you set up your campsite. That way, you can avoid having to carry the waste tank too far, and you can try to avoid busy checkout times.

When carrying the waste tank, be sure to hold it away from your body. It's also a good idea to wear gloves, as this will provide an extra layer of protection against any splashes or spills. If possible, carry the waste tank with a friend, as this will make the process easier and safer.

Once you've reached the disposal area, you'll usually find an open grid or a built-up box-type configuration with a lid. If there is a lid, be sure to open it before attempting to empty the waste tank. Now, hold the waste tank over the disposal area, being careful not to obstruct the flow of waste with any part of your body. Then, carefully tilt the tank to empty its contents into the disposal area.

If the waste tank is equipped with a rotating spout, this process will be much easier, as it will allow you to empty the tank from a more comfortable position and reduce the risk of splashing.

Washing the portable toilet out

Once you have emptied the waste tank, it's time to wash the portable toilet out. Most disposal areas will have a tap or a hose nearby. Fill up the waste tank with fresh water and give it a good swirl around. If you are concerned about being splashed, put the lid back on before you do so. Empty the water out into the disposal area once again. The more fresh water you can rinse through the waste tank, the better.

If you are using a campground toilet, it is good practice to clean out the waste container before replacing it on your porta potty. If possible, use a hose. If not, you may have to use a faucet. Rinse out the container thoroughly. When you are done and have latched it back into place on the porta potty, use hand sanitizer to clean and disinfect your hands.

If there are any spills or splashes, clean them up out of courtesy to the next person who uses the stall.

Returning the waste tank to the portable toilet

Once you have emptied the waste tank, you will need to return it to the portable toilet. This is a simple process, but it is important to do it correctly to avoid any mess or spills.

Firstly, if you have not already done so, you will need to clean out the waste tank. Most disposal areas will have a tap or hose nearby. Use this to fill up the waste tank with fresh water and give it a good swirl around. You can put the lid back on before you do so if you are concerned about being splashed. Empty the water out into the disposal area and repeat this process several times. The more you rinse the waste tank with fresh water, the better.

Next, if you are planning on continuing to use the portable toilet, you will need to leave a small amount of water in the tank. This will be used to mix with the toilet chemical when you replace it. If you are storing the portable toilet, you can leave the tank empty.

Now you are ready to return the waste tank to the portable toilet. Simply put the two tanks back together, the same way you took them apart, but in reverse. Make sure you hear the safety catch click so you know the tank is locked into position.

Frequently asked questions