Outdoor Accessories

REVIEW: Ditching the Black Tanks and Dumping Station Blues

Dave and I opted not to use the toilet system in our camper as we wanted to avoid cleaning black-water tanks or finding dump stations. Also, with the COVID-19 virus, we prefer to use something other than public toilets. So, we worked on creating an alternative toilet system using a layering technique with highly absorbent and primarily natural products that are easy to put together, odor-free, and simple to dispose of. You can find most of these products at farm or pet supplies stores. For your convenience, we have listed these items to be purchased directly from Amazon at no extra charge to you. Navigate PREVIOUS or NEXT button to find the products listed below.
​
Our alternative camper/camping toilet system evolved from a simple urine-only convenience for evenings or distance driving. Adding a privacy tent and portable toilet for solid waste has transformed into a healthy, convenient, and odor-free system.

To ensure a seamless and odor-free experience, follow these simple steps in the RV toilet or the portable toilet inside a privacy tent:

The Garbage Bag Liner: Place a sturdy 13-gallon garbage bag inside the RV toilet bowl (you may need larger bags for portable toilets), ensuring it covers the entire base and extends over the seat rim. This excess provides ample length to tie three secure knots, effectively sealing the bag and preventing unpleasant odors when disposing in appropriate dumpster or gas station garbage when refueling.
Take a full-size absorbent puppy training sheet, gather one side of the sheet, and then tape it up. Repeat on the opposite side to form a large paper bowl. I keep a roll of paper electric tape in the bathroom, but any tape will do. Each sheet effectively absorbs up to 8 cups of liquid.

Line the toilet: Place the paper bowl inside the toilet bowl, layering it over the garbage bag liner. Tuck the front and back paper-bowl taped tips under the toilet seat lid to keep it in place.

Odor-Absorbing Pine Pellets: The Secret Weapon for Freshness. Add a one or two-inch layer of pine pellets to the bottom of your now double-lined toilet bowl, spreading evenly. Pine pellets work as a natural antiseptic and are incredibly absorbent, holding over 500% of their weight in moisture. These natural, biodegradable pellets and their natural pine scent effectively neutralize odors.

Secure Disposal: To discard the used bundle of waste, pull the excess garbage bag straight up over the toilet, leaving the bundle of waste still inside the toilet bowl. Tie in three knots.

Tying Three Knots for an Odor-Free Disposal: Tie three secure knots as tight against the bundle of waste as possible. Secure it with three knots, with the first knot as tight to the bundle to fit two other knots.

This knot system will seal the bag effectively and prevent any contents or odor from leaking. Once you've tied the knots, you can safely toss the bag into an appropriate dumpster or gas station garbage can when you refuel.

The training pad inside the lined bags automatically wraps over the contents, creating a diaper-style bundle for easy disposal.

Urine-Only Method: We suggest using the above urine-only method for RV overnights and long-distance driving.

Keep your alternative toilet for solid waste: Line the portable toilet like your RV toilet. (as described above.) After using the portable toilet, add a layer of slightly pre-moistened pine pellets. These naturally antiseptic, super antiseptic pellets will help mask any odors.

Keep a handy zip-lock bag of slightly moistened pine pellets near the portable toilet. When moistened, the pellets become crumbly in texture.

Keep a Dedicated Container for Used Toilet Paper. Toilet paper is not odor-controlled. When possible, don't throw toilet paper in the toilet. Keep a dedicated toilet paper container, then empty it in the toilet bowl just before you secure the bundle of waste to discard it in an appropriate dumpster or gas station garbage when refueling.