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Emergency Sanitation Continued Disposal of Garbage and Rubbish Garbage may sour or decompose, rubbish (trash) will not, but offers disposal problems in an emergency. The following suggestions will make it easier for you to take care of the refuse problem. Garbage should be drained before being placed in storage containers. If liquids are strained away, garbage may be stored for a longer period of time without developing an unpleasant odor. After straining, wrap the garbage in several thicknesses of old newspapers before putting it into your container. This will absorb any remaining moisture. A tight-fitting lid is important to keep out flies and other insects. Final disposal of all stored garbage and refuse can be accomplished in the following manner, provided there is no danger from radioactive fallout: All stored garbage should be buried if collection service is not restored and if unpaved yard areas are available--keep a shovel handy for this purpose. Dig a hole deep enough to cover it with at least 18-24 inches of dirt, which will prevent insect breeding and discourage animals from digging it up. Other rubbish may be burned in open yard areas (if permission is granted by authoritiesunder existing conditions) or left at dumps established by local authorities. Can should be flattened to reduce their bulk. Do not deposit ashes or rubbish in streets or alley ways without permission. Such material may interfere with the movement and operation of fire-fighting and other emergency equipment. Sewage Disposal An emergency chemical toilet consisting of a water-tight container with a snug-fitting cover should be an integral part of your preparedness program. It could be a garbage container, a pail, or a 5-gallon garbage can (also with a tight-fitting lid). Another should be available to empty the contents into for later disposal. If possible, both containers should be lined with plastic bags or garbage can liners. NEVER deposit human waste or garbage on the open ground. If you have no other alternative for disposal, it is safe to bury waste in trenches 24-30 inches in depth. Every time someone uses the emergency toilet, he should pour or sprinkle into it a small amount of regular household disinfectant, such as creosol, Pinesol®, chlorine bleach, baking soda, alcohol, laundry detergent, or insecticide to keep down odors and germs. After each use, the lid should be replaced. Emergency Chemical Toilet The following items should be stored together inside a 5-gallon plastic bucket. The bucket will serve as the toilet during an emergency. To use this toilet simply remove the contents from the bucket, insert a large plastic garbage can liner into the bucket and fold the edges over the rim of the bucket. Mix one cup of liquid chlorine bleach to one-half gallon of water (one to ten ratio--do not use dry or powdered bleach as it is caustic and not safe for this type of use) and pour this solution into the bucket. This will kill germs and insure adequate coverage. Though the bucket may be somewhat uncomfortable to sit upon, it certainly beats the alternative. After each usage replace the lid securely upon the bucket to keep insects out and to keep the smell contained. When the bucket is one-third to one-half full, tie the garbage bag liner shut and dispose of it appropriately (i.e., burying it, placing it inside a large covered metal garbage can for later disposal, or placing it in an approved disposal location). Put another liner inside the bucket and continue as above. Other chemicals that can be used in place of liquid chlorine bleach are: HTH (calcium hypochlorite), which is available at swimming pool supply stores and is intended to be used in solution. Following the directions on the package it can be mixed and stored. Caution: Do not use calcium hypochlorite to disinfect drinking water as it kills all the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract and thus causes mild diarrhea. Portable toilet chemicals, both liquid and dry, are available at recreational vehicle (RV) supply stores. These chemicals are designed especially for toilets which are not connected to sewer lines. Use according to package directions. Powdered, chlorinated lime is available at building supply stores. It can be used dry. Be sure to get chlorinated lime, not quick lime which is highly alkaline and corrosive. Caution: Chlorinated products which are intended to be mixed with water for use can be dangerous if used dry. You may also use powdered laundry detergent, Lysol, Pinesol, ammonia, or other household cleaning and disinfecting products.Where radioactive fallout does not present a hazard, a temporary pit privy may be constructed in the yard for use by several families. This offers a good method of waste disposal over extended periods of time. The structure need not be elaborate, so long as it provides reasonable privacy and shelter. The pit should be made fly-proof by means of a tight-fitting riser, seat, and cover. A low mound of earth should be tamped around the base of the privy to divert surface drainage and help keep the pit dry. Accumulated waste should be covered with not less than 12 inches of earth when the privy is moved or abandoned. Persons in city apartments, office buildings, or homes without yards should keep a supply of waterproof containers on hand for emergency waste disposal. Homemade soil bags may also be used and are easily made by putting one large grocery bag inside another, with a layer of shredded newspaper or other absorbent material between. Apartment dwellers should have sufficient grocery bags on hand for possible emergencies. If you have a baby in your home, it is best to keep an ample supply of disposable diapers on hand for emergency use. If these are not available, emergency diaper needs can be met by lining rubber pants with cleansing tissue, toilet paper, scraps of cloth, or other absorbent materials. To help insure proper sanitation it is imperative that you store a sufficient supply of disposable diapers, disposable wipes, and plastic garbage can liners. Change infants and toddlers regularly and keep them clean. Dispose of the soiled diapers in the plastic garbage can liners and keep them tightly sealed when not in use to help prevent the spread of disease. Be sure to wash your own hands regularly when working with infants (especially after each diaper change). Typhoid fever, amoebic dysentery, diarrhea, infectious hepatitis, salmonella and giardiasis are diseases that spread rapidly in times of emergency and threaten all, yet are all diseases that can easily be controlled by simply following the rules of good sanitation. Emergency Chemical Toilet 5-gallon plastic bucket (with tight fitting lid) 2 large boxes of garbage can liners (30 gallon size) 1 gallon liquid chlorine bleach or other chemical Pinesol® 6-8 rolls toilet paper feminine sanitary supplies 2 boxes baking soda 2 boxes trash can liners (8-10 gallon size) paper towels Back to the Preparing For Emergencies page.