How to Empty Portable Toilets: Types, Costs & Hygiene Tips

For long-distance travel, outdoor camping, or special working environments, portable toilets are undoubtedly our right-hand man. However, when it gradually fills up, how to empty it safely, hygienically, and efficiently has become a “big worry” for many people. Odors and potential hygiene risks often discourage people. You may not know that there is not only one type of portable toilet, and their emptying methods are also different! Today, I will take you to learn more about the emptying methods of different types of portable toilets.

Preparation/Required Materials

Before you start emptying a portable toilet, no matter what type, the following are common preparations and necessary items:

Disposable gloves: At least two pairs to protect your hands from bacteria and dirt.
Goggles: Protect your eyes from splashing.
Aprons or old clothes: Prevent clothes from getting dirty.
Wet wipes or disinfectant wipes: Used to clean splashed dirt and operating areas.
A dumping site dedicated to portable toilets: This is the most important! Usually it is the designated sewage outlet of the RV campground, the dumping station of the public toilet or a special sewage station. Never dump excrement into rivers, lakes, wild areas or undesignated places.

Detailed Step-By-Step Guide: Emptying by Toilet Type

Portable toilets come in many varieties, but their emptying methods largely fall into two main categories, covering most personal and family-use models.

Type 1: Portable toilets that require liquid dumping and flushing

This category includes the most common two-piece/cassette portable toilets and pressure flush portable toilets on the market. Their common feature is that liquid and solid waste are mixed inside and need to be cleaned by liquid dumping.

Man pours waste water into designated sewage point

Wear protective equipment: Before doing anything, always wear disposable gloves and goggles. If you are worried about getting your clothes dirty, it is best to wear an apron or old clothes. This step is to protect yourself from bacteria and potential contaminants to the greatest extent.
Separate the upper and lower parts of the toilet: Most of these toilets consist of an upper part with a seat and flush tank, and a lower part (wastewater tank) for collecting waste. Usually, the two parts are connected by a snap or locking mechanism. According to the instructions for your toilet model, carefully lift and separate the upper part to reveal the lower wastewater tank (“black water tank”, “cassette tank”). When separating, make sure the toilet lid is closed to prevent accidental spills.
Open the drain: After reaching the dumping site, find and open the drain of the wastewater tank. Some models have a pressure release button to prevent splashing. Aim the drain at the dumping area and pour slowly to avoid liquid splashing.
Rinse thoroughly:Fill the tank with clean water, cover the drain, shake it a few times, and pour it out again. Repeat several times until the water becomes clear. You can add a special portable toilet cleaner for better results.
Clean and reassemble: Add disinfectant and new decomposer to the wastewater tank and add appropriate amount of water. Reassemble the upper and lower parts of the toilet to ensure that they are firmly locked. Wipe the outside of the toilet with disinfectant wipes.

Type 2: Portable toilets that require solid waste separation and treatment

This category mainly includes bucket/simple portable toilets and separation/composting toilets. Their common feature is that solid waste and liquid waste may be treated separately, or solid waste is directly collected in bags.

1. Wear protective equipment: As with the first type of toilet, safety protection is always the first priority. Wear disposable gloves and goggles, and wear an apron if necessary.

1. Remove the waste container:

Bucket toilet: Directly remove the inner bag in the bucket (usually some are degradable) and tie the bag tightly.
Separation/composting toilet: Remove or empty the separate collection containers for liquid (urine) and solid (feces) respectively.

2. Transport and disposal of waste:

Bucket toilet: Dispose of the sealed inner bag as ordinary garbage. Please follow local regulations for the disposal of waste containing excrement.
Separation/composting toilet:
- Liquid waste: Pour urine into a standard toilet, designated dumping point, or if local regulations allow, dilute it for plant fertilization.
- Solid waste: Pour partially or fully composted solid waste into a composting site, or dispose of it as non-recyclable garbage according to local regulations.

3. Cleaning and maintenance:

Bucket toilet: After emptying, the bucket itself can be wiped or rinsed and disinfected regularly.
Separation/composting toilet: After emptying the solid container, new composting materials (such as sawdust, peat moss) need to be added. Clean the diverter and container regularly.

Portable toilets that do not require users to empty themselves (professional service)

This category mainly refers to suction/vacuum portable toilets, which are usually larger in size and used for rental outdoor activities or construction sites.

Waste is sucked into a large tank on a truck

Emptying steps:Normally, users do not need to empty the toilet by themselves. The service company will use a professional vacuum truck to suck the waste into a large tank on the truck through the sewage outlet connected to the toilet, and then transport it to the sewage treatment plant for treatment.

Emptying a Portable Toilet Classification Analysis

Portable Toilet Type	Emptying Convenience	Hygiene Level	Difficulty of Disposal	Environmental Impact	Approx. Emptying Cost (Per Use)
Two-Piece / Cassette Toilets	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	Medium ($0-$20): Primarily for chemicals ($0.5-$1/use); dump stations may charge ($5-$20).
Pressurized Flush Toilets	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	Medium ($0-$20): Similar to Two-Piece / Cassette Toilets.
Bucket / Simple Portable Toilets	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★☆☆☆☆	Low ($0.2-$1): Primarily for disposal bags.
Composting / Urine-Diverting Toilets	★★☆☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	Low ($0.2-$1): Primarily for covering materials (wood shavings).
Vacuum Portable Toilets	★★★★★	★★★★★	★☆☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	High ($50-$150): Due to professional service fees.

Are you still worried about the cleaning of portable toilets? Traditional toilets are always insufficient in terms of convenience, hygiene, handling difficulty, environmental protection and cost. Now, why not try the Modiwell portable toilet emptying experience! It can automatically seal the biodegradable garbage bag with one button, completely saying goodbye to the tedious dumping and annoying odor, greatly improving hygiene and convenience. The processing process is simple, with less impact on the environment, and each use only costs $0.6-$1.2, which is more cost-effective in the long run.

Important Notice

Modiwell dry flush refill packs comply with the European Union EN 13432 industrial compostability standard.
Please note that California has specific regulations for “compostable” products based on ASTM standards, and does not directly recognize EN 13432. In California, please do not directly treat these bags as compliant with local “compostable” standards.
Important: Please follow your local waste disposal and composting guidelines. For more information on compostability in California, please visit: CalRecycle

Precautions

Use high-quality decomposers (for liquid dumping toilets): High-quality decomposers can effectively decompose solid waste, reduce odors, and make the dumping process smoother. Choose a decomposer designed for portable toilets and avoid household cleaners.
Plan the dumping site in advance: Before traveling or camping, plan a place where you can empty your portable toilet. This can avoid the embarrassment and inconvenience of cramming at the last minute.
Ventilation: No matter what kind of portable toilet, try to keep the environment ventilated after use to help reduce odors.
Regular maintenance: In addition to emptying, regular deep cleaning and inspection of the portable toilet can extend its life.

Conclusion

Emptying your portable toilet doesn't have to be hard! Learn the right method for your toilet type, follow our safety steps, and it'll be a breeze. Finding the correct disposal site is key. Go ahead, grab your toilet, and start with our guide!

If you find your existing portable toilet too cumbersome to empty, or have a bad odor, you might want to check out Modiwell products. They offer a more convenient and hygienic solution, and may be the upgrade you need!