In camps, shelters, or disaster zones, human waste can spread disease fast if not managed safely. These methods help you stay clean and protect your health — even without a toilet.
Two-bucket method
Use two separate buckets to handle pee and poo safely.
Bucket 1 – “Pee” (Urine):
- Only for urinating
- Put used toilet paper in the poo bucket
- Do not mix with poop
- Urine can be poured out away from living areas or onto soil where it can soak in (not near water or wells)
Bucket 2 – “Poo” (Stool):
- Line with a plastic bag, if available
- After each use, cover with ash, leaves, or sawdust
- Tie and replace the bag when half full
- Keep the bucket covered between uses
- Store your poo bags in a location away from food and water, kids, pets, and flies
This method is cleaner and easier to manage if done correctly.
Dig a Pit Toilet (If Possible)
If you have space and tools, digging a simple pit toilet is a good option.
- Location: Dig a hole at least 100 feet (30 metres) away from water sources (e.g. wells) and shelters where people are living
- Depth: Dig down 2–4 feet deep, but if you see water, stop!
- Width: The hole should be about two feet wide.
- After each use, cover waste with soil or ash
- Use a cloth or blanket for privacy
Important Safety Advice (All Methods)
- Keep toilets away from water sources
- Never poop in rivers, ponds, or near drinking water
- Don't bury poo bags
- Don't leave waste near shelters, cooking, or play areas
- Do not put an airtight lid on the bucket. Allowing some air flow will help the poo dry out and reduce in volume.
- Do not fill the bucket more than halfway full
- Do keep poo bags, animal waste, and soiled diapers together and separate from other garbage.
- Keep children away from used waste bags or open toilet areas
- Any surface that may come into contact with poo (such as a toilet seat) should be made of a non-porous, non-absorbent material that can be easily disinfected.
- Always wash hands after using the toilet