Sanitation

Sanitation-A Touchy Subject and maybe Too Much Information for some people.

Feel free to NOT read this blog post.

I'm somewhat reluctant to post this information, but on the other hand, I feel it is vital to share what I have learned and how I do things.  There may be others out there who can't afford a portable toilet, don't like the idea of hauling a jug of ??? into a public bathroom to dump it, or can't afford a composting toilet, or have other issues with this topic.  My way has been working for me now for over four years... so I will share it publicly (no offense meant to any one's sensibilities... if you think this might offend you, stop reading now, because I won't apologize for this post).

There is even a book titled "How to Shit in the Woods, 3rd Edition: An Environmentally Sound Approach to a Lost Art" available from my Amazon Store right now for $9.98.  It's a great read, even though some of it is even gross for me.

I couldn't afford a portable toilet or composting toilet and didn't like the idea of having a container full of stuff to have to empty at some point, so I began to see what I could do with what I had on hand.  I've been told by some people, that it doesn't bother them at all to do so.  So, I had to find another affordable and sanitary way to manage my waste.   (Think about kitty litter boxes and baby diapers.)

 



A five gallon bucket (originally orange but spray painted green/black so it's not so noticeable if someone is looking in) and lined with multiple tall kitchen trash bags. All my trash goes into this trash bucket.  I also have a small trash container in the front of the van for items I may have to get rid of while driving.  Usually I dump that container into the tall kitchen trash bag before I tie the bag up to get rid of it.  Or you could buy six Double-Doodie bags from Amazon for $22.80.

Note kitty litter box and dish pan next to it (the dish pan has nothing to do with topic, if just fits nicely there without taking up extra room).  Also, I don't use it for washing dishes.  My bed is in background. This is especially handy, as if I have to get up in the night, I roll off the bed and land on the bucket (now there's a visual for you). Line bucket with multiple tall kitchen trash bags. I used to put a sprinkling of kitty litter in each bag as I lined the bucket, in case anything leaked, but never had that happen, so stopped doing that.  It might happen with cheaper tall kitchen trash bags, but I use the good Glad bags... this isn't something I want to be cheap about.


 

First I taped pipe insulation to rim of bucket, but it compressed over time. So then I cut shorter sections of a pink pool noodle and taped them on, you have to cut them in sections or notch them or they won't bend. That is holding up pretty well. All I can say is experiment. But it is pretty comfortable to sit-upon and no loose toilet seat in the van.  Some people invest in the Luggable Loo toilet seats covers, but I didn't like the idea of a loose toilet seat rattling around.

Note: kitty little nearby, dishpan under kitty litter (not for dishes) and empty water and drink bottles.



 



Close-up of lid rim, yes, I could have done a neater job and will probably one day re-do it.

In the bottom of the bucket there is a little kitty litter and some baking soda. No odors.  That's just in case there is a leak and in four years there hasn't been a leak.

 

Kitty litter, dish pan, and empty plastic bottles. See trash bag in background, it is full of plastic bottles.   Well, I've used up the stock-pile of empty bottles, so am picking up those I see, and trying to drink more water, and use other's bathrooms where ever I can. Usually, it evens out.

 

Red funnel is used to transfer fluids from large drink cups to empty drink bottles. Funnel usually stands inside the left cup, along with a partially filled bottle (lid left off). There is no odor until the lid closes the bottle. There is no spillage. During the night I might have to use two coke cups, and don't funnel it until morning. There is no odor.  Mainly a method for women, we need to capture liquids (I use the large 32 or 44 oz coke cups, then funnel it into my empty bottles. The funnel is kept in the empty cups. There is also extra baking soda, Fabriz, and sanitary wipes in this cubby. There is a little curtain to drop in front of this space, if I think there will be company.  Not all visitors need all these details.

 

I had this small space left between my bed and my desk (both securely fastened down) and just happened to have this plant stand that fit right there. On top is one of those 3-drawer plastic things that serves as a nite stand. Under is a box lined with plastic, inside it is a plastic tray/caddy thingy? lined with plastic and some baking soda sprinkled inside. The caddy keeps other supplies neatly in place. Nothing tips over or moves. Note the Sanitary wipes, some Fabriz (just in case something is a little stinky - seldom), and other such items. Also note, underneath is a kitty litter tray, also sprinkled with baking soda, just because I had one for a project. The space was there and it just fit, so double or triple protection against leakage. And again note, plastic bag tied to leg of plant stand, is full of empty plastic bottles. It tucks nicely under my bed.

 

In case there is a number 2 event, I put a smaller grocery bag (Walmart bags seem to work the best as they stretch over the bucket easier) over the edges of the bucket, sprinkle a little kitty litter in it, deposit #2, sprinkle more kitty litter on top of that and tie the grocery bag up.  I usually put this bag inside another grocery bag and tie it up.  As soon as I possible can, I get this out of the van.  If it's the middle of the night, I open the side door, and set it on my roof between roof and cargo rack.  Then in the morning, I might put it back in my trash (5-gal bucket) and drive to the nearest trash can and get rid of it all.

 

Someone asked why I use kitty litter.  I want to keep the odors down as much as possible, for my own comfort, and so as not to stink up my home, or draw attention to my vehicle.  My home is very clean even after four years on the road and I want it to stay that way (and I'm no clean freak or anything either).



Close-up. Important in a van that nothing can shift around and become flying missiles, especially this stuff.

 

Note larger funnel. I found that to be overkill and un-needed and prefer the plastic cups. Holding the funnel in place over a plastic bottle or jug, while peeing... not so handy or trust-worthy. Sitting on the bucket, holding the cup with one hand, much safer.

 

 

Bag full of empty bottles.

 

Generally, I don't accumulate more than a grocery bag full of trash, which you can easily drop off at any gas station without anyone paying any attention to you.  I NEVER collect a whole five gallon bag full of trash.

 

Some people frown on my method and think it is terrible. I have a sister who nearly hurls at the thought.  I use public restrooms whenever I can, but during the night, I don't get out of my van.  And is what I am doing any more terrible than kitty litter from cats being thrown in the trash, or dirty baby diapers?  My goal is to keep sanitary and not impact the environment.  If I am far out in the wilderness (as I've been a couple days this week), I will use wilderness "leave no trace" backpacking techniques/principles.  But if I am camped with other van dwellers... I will NOT use this technique, because after a few days things can get pretty unpleasant in camp if everyone is peeing behind the nearest bush. I know at least one person who left one of our group camps because of this reason. It is unpleasant enough to have a large number of dogs, going wherever they please.

 

There are many backpacking ideas and survival techniques which van dwellers can benefit by studying... have a look at http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?1442-Wilderness-Hygiene-and-Sanitation to learn more.

 

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.  Thank you.

  

Other sources:

 

Bob Wells' - Going to the Bathroom in your Stealth Vehicle

Romana S. (Australia) - Toilets