FaFaFaFact Sheetct Sheetct Sheetct Sheet –––– Portable ToiletsPortable ToiletsPortable ToiletsPortable Toilets

FACT SHEET: Portable Toilets

Portable ToiletsPortable ToiletsPortable ToiletsPortable Toilets

When we head away camping we ensure that we have everything we need to make our adventure comfortable and enjoyable. We select a tent that suits our needs, a comfortable bedding option, sleeping bag to suit the conditions, some lighting, a range of cooking options from the smoker through to the Cobb and maybe even a BBQ and a hot shower for the end of a big day. One luxury that is available that many of us don’t take is a portable toilet option.

Modern portable toilets are inexpensive, quick and easy to set up, clean to operate and simple to empty. They are ideal for camping in areas without any toilet facilities available and they save digging a hole with a shovel and dodging the snakes and flies. They are also just as handy when you find yourself at the opposite end of the camping area or caravan park to the available toilet facilities. You will also appreciate the portable at night time with the kids and for the ladies as it will save you a long walk to the toilets dodging tent ropes and other obstacles.

There are a range of portable toilet options available but let’s have a look at a portable toilet option that has been around for many years and is recognised by many as the most user friendly and best quality option available, the

Thetford. Thetford have a range of sizes available and also the option of a coloured level to let you know how full the holding tank is. They are great quality and BCF has a range of spare parts available around the country in case you do need to service your toilet down the track.

These are portable, plastic, dual tank toilets used by 4 wheel drive enthusiasts, boaters and campers in areas where normal toilet facilities are not available.

When selecting a portable toilet a key thing to consider is whether the toilet will be used in a boat, caravan, camper trailer or away from the vehicle. If you are using it inside a vehicle it is important to consider the dimensions of the unit and how long you will be away for.

▪ Portable toilets are basically made up of two plastic tanks, a top and a

bottom tank that are clipped together when ready for use. The top tankThe top tankThe top tankThe top tank contains water with the required amount of Aquakem Rinse (pink) chemical added through a filler plug in the top, to assist with odour control, rinsing and to minimise waste sticking to the bowl. The bottom tankThe bottom tankThe bottom tankThe bottom tank contains enough water to cover the bottom of the tank and to this is added breakdown chemical which controls odour and breaks down the waste. There are two breakdown chemicals available.

•••• Aquakem Green is the most environmentally friendly and is suitable for containing waste for up to 4 days. AquaKem Blue is a more concentrated breakdown chemical capable of containing the waste for up to 10 days. Ideal if you are unable to access a toilet, or other disposal point, for an extended period of time.

FaFaFaFact Sheetct Sheetct Sheetct Sheet –––– Portable ToiletsPortable ToiletsPortable ToiletsPortable Toilets

FACT SHEET: Portable Toilets

▪ The Emptying SpoutThe Emptying SpoutThe Emptying SpoutThe Emptying Spout is accessed by unclipping the top tank and is located on top of the bottom tank. This is

where the waste is poured out of the unit and where the treatment chemical is added.

How to UseHow to UseHow to UseHow to Use

▪ Before useBefore useBefore useBefore use, both the top and bottom tanks must be charged with their relevant chemicals and water solutions as per the manufacturers’ instructions. Open the toilet seat and pull out the handle at the front, which opens the seal between top and bottom tanks. The unit is now ready for use.

▪ FlushingFlushingFlushingFlushing is carried out by pumping the bellow pump handle. Push the handle at the front to re-seal.

To empty the unit:To empty the unit:To empty the unit:To empty the unit: 1.1.1.1. Separate the top and bottom tanks ensuring that the valve between the two tanks is closed. There is usually a carrying handle fitted to the bottom tank to assist with removal of the tank to the disposal area. 2.2.2.2. Turn the pouring spout out away from the unit. Unscrew the cap off the pouring spout, on the bottom of the tank, and pour the contents into the disposal facility. If tap water is available, refill the tank through the pouring spout, replace the lid on the pourer spout and shake the container to help further clean the unit. Tip the contents into the disposal facility. 3. 3. 3. 3. Recharging the bottom tank is done by adding the recommended amount of chemical to the tank through the pourer spout. Water is then added to cover the bottom of the tank and the lid is replaced on the pourer spout. Spare parts, including caps, o rings and bellows pumps are available in store for the Thetford brand of portable toilets. The best way to learn about portable toilets is to pull one apart. Once you have pulled one apart you will see how simple they are to use.

Toilet ChemicalsToilet ChemicalsToilet ChemicalsToilet Chemicals Waste holding tank additives reduce unpleasant odours and gas build-up whilst breaking down the waste matter. There are two types of portable chemical toilet treatments used in the bottom tank: ▪ The most environmentally friendly product, AquaKem Green uses a

chemical similar to that used in household disinfectants to control bacteria. It has a citrus perfume to control odour. Use of this product allows for disposal of waste into normal toilet systems, specific disposal areas, or burial of the waste in the ground. It can control waste for up to 4 days.

▪ Aquakem Blue is a concentrated version of the breakdown chemical and is capable of controlling waste for

up to 10 days. It has a pleasant pine perfume to control odour. ▪ Aqua Rinse is added to the top, flush tank. It prevents deposits from sticking to the inside of waste tanks

and creates a micro-thin protective film in the bowl which ensures a smoother flush and prevents waste from sticking. The rinse chemical also ensures that the water stays fresh and assists in odour control.

FaFaFaFact Sheetct Sheetct Sheetct Sheet –––– Portable ToiletsPortable ToiletsPortable ToiletsPortable Toilets

FACT SHEET: Portable Toilets

Hot TipHot TipHot TipHot Tip: The breakdown process will be more effective if you use unscented, unprinted, single ply toilet paper, such as Aqua Soft from Thetford. Some handy accessories for use with the portable toilet are an ensuite so that you can set the toilet up separate from your camp and create additional privacy and foam floor tiles for additional comfort and to keep your ensuite area clean.

EnsuitesEnsuitesEnsuitesEnsuites Ensuites are designed for use as a toilet / shower tent or change room and provide the user with privacy. They are available in single and double and come in a pop up unit or a unit supported by poles. The pop up units are becoming more popular because they are quick and easy to erect.

Foam Floor MatsFoam Floor MatsFoam Floor MatsFoam Floor Mats Foam floor mats have a multitude of applications including flooring for tents, annexes, ensuites and gazebos. They come in a range of colours, are designed to clip together and are soft underfoot. Other uses include padding under iceboxes in vehicles and boats and they make ideal padding for protecting loads when travelling.

Portable toilets allow you to take one of the luxuries of home away with you and modern designs are inexpensive, quick and easy to set up, clean to operate and simple to empty. Set up a portable toilet and ensuite next time you go camping and save yourself and your family the walk and the worry of finding their way to and from the toilet when camping at night.