Making a temporary toilet or long-drop
In a natural disaster, toilet systems are likely to be affected through broken pipes, flooding, or breakdown of the pumping machinery.
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You will need a makeshift toilet if your toilet cannot be used.
How to make a temporary toilet
- Line a bucket or rubbish bin with a strong, leak-proof plastic bag.
- Put half a cup of liquid bleach in the bag.
- Make a seat from 2 planks of wood or use a toilet seat on top of the container.
- Keep the bin completely covered when not in use, to prevent attracting flies.
- Tie the top of the bag firmly when full and place it inside another bag.
- Dig a hole well away from the vegetable garden and downhill from any water source and bury the bag.
- Make sure the bag is well covered with dirt.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet or handling human waste.
How to make a long-drop toilet
- Dig a hole up to 1 metre deep well away from any vegetable gardens and any water sources.
- Make a seat out of planks of wood.
- Cover the waste properly with dirt after each use.
- Throw in a little garden lime, insecticide or disinfectant to reduce smells and flies.
- Use the long-drop until it is full to within 300 mm of ground level.
- Cover completely with soil and dig a new long-drop.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet or handling human waste.