Chemical toilet
It is not connected to a hole in the ground (like a pit latrine), nor to a septic tank, nor is it plumbed into a municipal system leading to a sewage treatment plant.
[2] A simpler, unenclosed, chemical toilet may be used in camping, travel trailers (caravans) and on small boats.
In the past, disinfection was generally carried out by mixing formaldehyde, bleach, or similar chemicals with the toilet water when flushed.
[7] Enclosed chemical toilets are often used as a temporary solution, for example on construction sites or large gatherings, because of their durability and convenience.
While chemical toilet units are typically freestanding structures, their stability is augmented by the weight of the waste tank, which usually contains an empty liquid disinfectant dispenser and deodorizer.
[11] Models can include a urinal, to keep urine away from the seat, air fresheners, a translucent roof for light, a hook to keep purse, tool belt, or jacket off the floor,[12] and antibacterial hand sanitizer dispensers or sinks with soap and paper towels.
The Oxford English Dictionary lists "Porta Potti" ("with arbitrary respelling") as "A proprietary name for: a portable toilet, as used by campers", and gives mostly American examples from 1968.
The OED gives this proprietary name a second meaning, "a small prefabricated unit containing a toilet, designed for easy transportation and temporary installation esp.
These toilets are not to be confused with the types that are plumbed in to the vehicle and need to be pumped out at holding tank dump stations.
A blue dye is added to conceal the contents of the tank from the user, as well as to provide a visual indicator of capacity.
[4] When enough urine and/or feces (yellow to brown) are deposited, the overall mixture takes on a green color which indicates that the tank is full, and should be emptied.
[22] Biocides are added in an effort to control odor by suppressing microbial growth (particularly of gram-positive bacteria).
[23] Formaldehyde is very irritating to the eyes, ears, skin, nose, and throat, and in addition to vapor inhalation, the chemical solution can splash back onto the buttocks of the user when their excrement drops in.
Formaldehyde is also highly toxic to aquatic life and can be difficult for wastewater treatment plants to dispose of safely.
These effectively reduce odor by accelerating digestion and breakdown of the waste, without relying on toxic additives or concealment with fragrances alone.
Luxury restroom trailer units with flushing toilets cost a few thousand dollars delivered a long distance in New York state.
Males often may choose to urinate elsewhere for personal convenience, to avoid germs, to shorten queues, to improve efficiency at night, or to prevent the toilets from filling up too quickly.
Some advertisers wrap portable toilets with vinyl material similar to that commonly used on cars and buses.
The first US patent for a polyethylene plastic portable toilet was issued in the 1950s to Harvey Heather, the founder of United Sanitation.
Working in partnership with Doug Holt & Robert Frazer, the owners of Repclif Chemical Services Ltd now Qualkem Ltd, the Destrol brand was born.
