Guide · Hygiene

Making an emergency toilet

If the water or sewers stop working, toilets quickly become a health risk. Human waste spreads diseases like diarrhoea and cholera, so handling it safely is one of the most important things you can do.

Don't flush if the sewers are damaged

After floods or earthquakes, flushing can push sewage back into homes. Listen to your local authorities. If the water is off but drains are fine, you can still flush by pouring a bucket of water straight into the bowl.

Bag-in-the-toilet method

Turn off the water to the toilet and empty the bowl.
Line the bowl with two strong bin bags, tucked under the seat.
After each use, sprinkle a cupful of absorbent material on top: cat litter, sawdust, soil, shredded paper or wood ash.
When the bag is about half full, tie it tightly and put it in a lidded bin or a second bag.
Fit a new bag.

Bucket toilet

If you have no usable toilet, use a sturdy bucket with a lid.

Line it with two bin bags and use the same absorbent cover after each use.
A toilet seat or a pool noodle slit down one side makes it more comfortable.
Keep the lid on between uses.
If you can, use two buckets: one for urine and one for solids. Urine on its own carries far fewer germs, and keeping solids dry cuts down on smell and flies.

Storing waste

Keep tied bags in a covered bin with a tight lid, outside and away from where you prepare food or collect water.
Follow local instructions for collection. Don't put bags in drains.

Digging a latrine outdoors

If you're outside for longer and have space:

Choose a spot at least 30 metres from any water source and downhill from it, and away from where you sleep and cook.
Dig a narrow trench or hole at least 15–20 cm deep for single use. For a shared latrine, go deeper.
Cover each use with soil.
Fill the hole in completely when you leave or when it's within 30 cm of the top.

Keep it clean

Put hand-washing water and soap, or hand sanitiser, right next to the toilet.
Wash hands every single time.
Clean the seat regularly with diluted bleach or disinfectant.
Wear gloves when changing bags.

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