Emergency
Toilets
Floods, earthquakes and broken mains can knock out water and sewerage for days or weeks. Nobody likes to plan for it, but a simple setup keeps your family healthy.
If the sewer is damaged, flushing can push sewage back into your home or your neighbours'. Listen to your council and water authority before you flush after a flood or earthquake.
Can You Still Flush?
It depends on what has failed: the water coming in, or the sewer going out.
Water Off, Sewer Fine
- Flush with a bucket: tip about 5 to 10 litres of grey water quickly into the bowl
- Use bath, washing-up or pool water, not drinking water
- Only flush when needed: if it is yellow, let it mellow
Sewer Damaged or Flooded
- Do not flush at all
- Signs: gurgling, slow draining, sewage smell or backflow from drains
- Use an emergency toilet until you are told it is safe
Not Sure
- Check with your council or water authority
- Watch for official updates on local radio
- If in doubt, do not flush
Two Ways to Make an Emergency Toilet
Either works. The two-bucket system smells less and fills more slowly.
Two-Bucket Toilet
- 1 Get two buckets with tight lids, about 20 litres each, and label them
- 2 Wee bucket: use as is. Keeping wee separate cuts smell and fills the poo bucket slower
- 3 Poo bucket: line with a strong bin bag, and put a layer of sawdust, kitty litter or dry soil in the bottom
- 4 After each use, cover with a scoop of the same material and put the lid back on
- 5 Put a seat on top, or a pool noodle split down the side, for comfort
Bag in the Bowl
- 1 Turn off the water to the toilet and flush once to empty the cistern
- 2 Bail or sponge out the water left in the bowl
- 3 Line the bowl with two strong bags, held in place by the seat
- 4 Add absorbent: kitty litter, sawdust or shredded paper
- 5 Tie off each bag when about half full and replace it
Handling the Waste
The aim is to keep it contained, covered and away from water and food.
Poo Bags
- Change the bag when it is half full, or at least every few days
- Tie each bag tightly, then put it inside a second bag
- Store in a lidded wheelie bin or bucket outside, in the shade, away from the house
- Follow your council for collection. Do not put it in stormwater drains or waterways
Wee
- Wee can usually be diluted and poured onto soil or garden beds well away from vegetables and water
- Or tipped into a toilet or drain if the sewer is working
- Follow any local advice
In the Bush
- Dig a hole about 15 cm deep
- At least 100 metres from water, campsites and tracks
- Fill it in and carry out your toilet paper if you can
Keep Hands Clean
Germs from toilet waste are a major cause of sickness after disasters. Clean hands stop them.
Wash
- Soap and water, scrub for at least 20 seconds
- A water jug with a tap, or a bottle with a hole in the lid, makes a hands-free tap
Sanitise
- Hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol when water is short
- Wash with soap first if hands are visibly dirty
Clean Up
- Wear gloves to change bags
- Wipe seats and handles with disinfectant
- Keep the toilet setup well away from food and cooking
Video Guide
Turning a home toilet into an emergency toilet.
Adapt your home toilet for emergency use (RoseRed Homestead)
This is a video from another creator on YouTube. Follow your local council's advice on disposal.
Your Emergency Toilet Kit
It all fits in one bucket. Pack it now and store it with your other supplies.
In the Bucket
- Two buckets with tight lids
- Heavy-duty bin bags and zip-lock bags
- Sawdust, kitty litter or a bag of dry soil
Hygiene
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
- Disposable gloves
- Hand sanitiser, soap and disinfectant
Comfort
- A toilet seat or split pool noodle
- Deodoriser or bicarb soda
- A torch or headlamp for night trips
Be Ready Before It Happens
Emergency kits, first aid supplies and water storage.
More How-To Guides
This guide is general information only. Always follow the instructions that came with your gear and the advice of emergency services and your local council. In a life-threatening emergency, call Triple Zero (000). Disposal rules for human waste differ between councils, so follow your local advice.
Photo: Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash