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There is a such a huge influx these days of people who seek the freedom of travel and life on the road and as I myself career around from place to place, it has become apparent that a discussion of some practical issues may be in order. Let’s start with the basics. Yep. Let’s talk about poop and what to do with our feculent deposits when living in a small vehicle.
If you are living or camping in a car or SUV, chances are you don’t have a toilet that allows you to store your waste and dispose of it at a dump station. Pee can be relatively easy to dispose of – but still requires awareness and discretion (please people, don't dump your pee in a parking lot). Poop, however, is an entirely different matter. Basically, it comes down to where you are going to be doing your business.
For those who travel to dispersed areas in national forests, etc. where there is no toilet, historically the best bet has been to dig a cathole. It’s a good idea to carry a shovel or hand trowel when you travel and it will come in handy if you need to discard out in nature. Some national forests and other campgrounds have rules regulating the use of catholes: some require it yet there is also an increase in places that no longer allow it (it’s become a pooping free for all out there folks). Be familiar with any regulations before setting out.
On digging a cathole from the National Park Service (paraphrased): To dig a cathole, find a spot that is at least 200 feet (about 80 human paces) from a water source or a trail – preferably a place others won’t stumble across easily. Use your shovel to dig a hole 6” – 8” deep and 4” – 6” in diameter. After you make your deposit, stir it with a stick to help it decompose faster and cover the hole with dirt and leaves or rocks in order to hide the spot. Remember to always carry out your toilet paper. My preference is to use my collapsible toilet and then empty it into the cathole. An additional aid to decomposition can be had by spreading dry ash on the waste. An alternative to a cathole when camping in the wilderness is to use a special waste disposal bag commonly called a WAG bag. These are puncture proof bags which according to the manufacturer's description “traps, deodorizes and breaks down waste”. The manufacturer also claims these are safe to dispose of in a trash receptacle. These bags include a gel which helps the waste to decompose. Many people stay in established campgrounds, Cracker Barrel or truck stop parking lots, or find places that allow(ish) public overnight parking. If this is the case, always use a bathroom if it is available to you. We may not want to climb out in the morning and go into a public restroom, but truly, when nature calls, try to do everything you can to avoid having to dispose of your waste later.
If for some reason you are stuck with having to go number two in your vehicle, make sure you have some bags (or a container or both - coffee cans lined with a bag are one idea) on hand that are biodegradable and odor reducing for storage. You can also use the WAG bag mentioned above. You will need some sort of toilet – I use this collapsible version which stores under my driver’s seat (as seen in photo). The tricky part will be finding a place to dispose of your donation. Do NOT throw your poop in the garbage – any garbage – if it can be helped. There may be local or state ordinances against doing so. If you can, get to a public restroom and dispose of it in a toilet, but do not dispose of your bag in the toilet, including porta-potties. Find a way to wrap the bag and dispose of it separately in a garbage can. You may also be able to find a garbage designated for dog poo. If you must dispose of your waste in a regular garbage, use some sort of decomposing agent and make sure it is wrapped in a puncture resistant bag.
Some folks choose to use ash, kitty litter, wood chips, sawdust and any number of other things to help control the odor and to make the bag safe for disposal. It is commonly assumed that poop can go in the garbage if properly bagged, much like diapers. However, diapers do a lot to control and seal in moisture and spillage. Imagine the items people throw into garbage cans at gas stations – things that may contain sharp edges which could poke a hole in your poop disposal plan. Ew! for the person who has to take out the trash. Ew! and extra ew as some pretty harmful bacteria could then be released, making the world a little less pleasant, not to mention less healthy, for us all. Be overly cautious when choosing to chuck your leavings in the garbage.
This lifestyle certainly has its ins and outs. Even a weekend camping trip takes some forethought and planning. But remember, it’s especially important that it’s what we do with the outs that can make an impact on our environment, public health, and conscience.
Hey – let’s start a movement!
****While I did not write this article to promote my Amazon Affiliate account, I do want to provide links to the products I use and recommend. Please note that I receive a small commission if items are purchased through these links. Disclaimer – I have not used the WAG bags.
This toilet collapses and fits right under the driver's seat when slid in from behind. I LOVE it! Have used it on the road and have plenty of space inside my vehicle to set it up and use. Doubles as footstool and recycle bin.
Yes, people, I pee in my car at least three times a day/night. Combined with a plastic container for storage, this is perfect for me. And - no accidents yet!
Perfect size for storing my urinal. I actually have two.
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