Porta potty ideas

Talk about your camp or project's LNT plans (and MOOP problems) here. Discuss cleanup tips. Ask questions or share ideas on what works and what doesn't.
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AntiM
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Post by AntiM » Mon Jun 07, 2010 10:29 am

Filled with a tampon, zip bag for trash and some TP, maybe a wipe, that's a Moon Bag. You hang it around your neck so you can operate the mysteries of feminine hygiene in a porto.

"That tampon didn't come out of your body unless you ate it."

Oh, and if you're a hoverer and I step in just after you leave a porto and there's pee all over the seat, I will open the door and shame you at the top of my lungs. One gal camped nearby and confronted me for confronting her. That's not the Burning Man spirit she said. Wrong! I mean, I'm usually nice as pie and sweet as Georgia Tea, but don't tell me I'm not in the spirit when your gift to me was a wet porto seat.

Lysol, good idea, unscented would be best. Don't you have to wipe it off hard surfaces to be most effective?

My other porto peeve, people who smoke in them. You never know who might have to use it right after, and ciggie smoke is very bad for some folks. be courteous.

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shroom
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Post by shroom » Mon Jun 07, 2010 10:39 am

Using mouthwash sounds like a good idea. If you do use kitty litter, what kind?
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ygmir
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Post by ygmir » Mon Jun 07, 2010 11:35 am

AntiM wrote:
Lysol, good idea, unscented would be best. Don't you have to wipe it off hard surfaces to be most effective?

My other porto peeve, people who smoke in them. You never know who might have to use it right after, and ciggie smoke is very bad for some folks. be courteous.
yeah, but, it only take one or two sheets of one ply tissue to wipe it off......and, it seems to me, that's a fair trade for a clean, sanitized seat,.
if you leave just a little lysol, after wiping it down, it'll evap really fast, and, you know it's clean, cause you see the sheen.........

(maybe Robbidobbs would like that?)
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Post by swampdog » Mon Jun 07, 2010 12:17 pm

Using mouthwash sounds like a good idea.
Really? How does it help to gargle after you pee? Unless you're <ugh> drinking.... gawd, never mind.


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Post by swampdog » Mon Jun 07, 2010 12:18 pm

(NFHI is an acronym I just created - not for the humor impaired)

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Post by shroom » Mon Jun 07, 2010 12:33 pm

lol!
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Post by ConnieH » Mon Jun 07, 2010 12:49 pm

AntiM wrote: Oh, and if you're a hoverer and I step in just after you leave a porto and there's pee all over the seat, I will open the door and shame you at the top of my lungs. One gal camped nearby and confronted me for confronting her. That's not the Burning Man spirit she said. Wrong! I mean, I'm usually nice as pie and sweet as Georgia Tea, but don't tell me I'm not in the spirit when your gift to me was a wet porto seat.
I guess that gal doesn't understand the Leave No Trace philosophy :P I will shame anyone who leaves moop, and pee on the seat = moop!

I expect any type of antibacterial spray would work just as well as lysol, and you can buy small refillable spray bottles or repurpose those tiny travel hair spray bottles and use whatever cleaner you use at home to clean your toilet seat. Even a wipe down with an antibacterial baby wipe would be better than nothing. I love the spray idea, I'm going to add that to my backpack supply list :)

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Post by ygmir » Mon Jun 07, 2010 1:39 pm

ConnieH wrote:
AntiM wrote: Oh, and if you're a hoverer and I step in just after you leave a porto and there's pee all over the seat, I will open the door and shame you at the top of my lungs. One gal camped nearby and confronted me for confronting her. That's not the Burning Man spirit she said. Wrong! I mean, I'm usually nice as pie and sweet as Georgia Tea, but don't tell me I'm not in the spirit when your gift to me was a wet porto seat.
I guess that gal doesn't understand the Leave No Trace philosophy :P I will shame anyone who leaves moop, and pee on the seat = moop!

I expect any type of antibacterial spray would work just as well as lysol, and you can buy small refillable spray bottles or repurpose those tiny travel hair spray bottles and use whatever cleaner you use at home to clean your toilet seat. Even a wipe down with an antibacterial baby wipe would be better than nothing. I love the spray idea, I'm going to add that to my backpack supply list :)
yes, but, if you use the wipe, you can't (read shouldn't) throw it in the JOT......you gotta take it out with you and dispose of it properly........
I use manual spray bottles and mix the lysol solution from concentrate.
a couple of squares of JOTS safe t.p. and, it'd done.

Just a thought.
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Post by ConnieH » Mon Jun 07, 2010 2:13 pm

aaah no no no...I'd never toss a baby wipe in the porta-potty, those go in my moop baggie when I feel the need to use a wipe - Thanks for pointing that out though, would hate to stear others wrong ;-)

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Post by dragonpilot » Mon Jun 07, 2010 2:14 pm

mudpuppy000 wrote:Yeah, I found them pretty clean last year, all over BRC. They did a great job. A few times there wasn't any TP, so good to bring some along with you just in case.
I'm with you Muddy...seems like we turned a corner from previous years. I was amazed how clean they were toward the end in 2009...they weren't perfect, but prior years filled to the brim with garbage, blue water...

Camp potties? For midnight in camp pee pee only! Doing a dumparoo in your tent just invites all kinds of logistics issues...
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Post by trystanthegypsy » Mon Jun 07, 2010 8:41 pm

dragonpilot wrote:
mudpuppy000 wrote:Yeah, I found them pretty clean last year, all over BRC. They did a great job. A few times there wasn't any TP, so good to bring some along with you just in case.
I'm with you Muddy...seems like we turned a corner from previous years. I was amazed how clean they were toward the end in 2009...they weren't perfect, but prior years filled to the brim with garbage, blue water...

Camp potties? For midnight in camp pee pee only! Doing a dumparoo in your tent just invites all kinds of logistics issues...
I agree, I think only once or twice out by Opulent Temple did I run across some that were truly overflowing.

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Post by Fire_Moose » Tue Jun 08, 2010 7:16 am

trystanthegypsy wrote:
dragonpilot wrote:
mudpuppy000 wrote:Yeah, I found them pretty clean last year, all over BRC. They did a great job. A few times there wasn't any TP, so good to bring some along with you just in case.
I'm with you Muddy...seems like we turned a corner from previous years. I was amazed how clean they were toward the end in 2009...they weren't perfect, but prior years filled to the brim with garbage, blue water...

Camp potties? For midnight in camp pee pee only! Doing a dumparoo in your tent just invites all kinds of logistics issues...
I agree, I think only once or twice out by Opulent Temple did I run across some that were truly overflowing.
But even then, you just go to the side that isn't facing Opulent and they are still pretty decent
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Post by AntiM » Tue Jun 08, 2010 7:21 am

Some years, I'd wake up early on Sunday after the burn, grab latex gloves, a grabber and a trash bag and pick up the trash/bottles/random stuff in the bank near our camp. Mostly beer bottles/cans and glowsticks, but I've found a safety vest, shoe inserts, panties and used condoms, a jug of pee (I left that), and various pairs of pants. Using the grabber, I can get large items which would clog the pumps out of the blue without touching myself or anything. I'm pretty good at not dripping on anything. The grabber gets bleached once we get home!

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Post by ygmir » Tue Jun 08, 2010 7:33 am

you might also want to put stickers on it for identification.
it'd be a bummer to mix it up with your BBQ tongs........
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Post by Boijoy » Tue Jun 08, 2010 8:26 am

AntiM wrote:Some years, I'd wake up early on Sunday after the burn, grab latex gloves, a grabber and a trash bag and pick up the trash/bottles/random stuff in the bank near our camp. Mostly beer bottles/cans and glowsticks, but I've found a safety vest, shoe inserts, panties and used condoms, a jug of pee (I left that), and various pairs of pants. Using the grabber, I can get large items which would clog the pumps out of the blue without touching myself or anything. I'm pretty good at not dripping on anything. The grabber gets bleached once we get home!
ok wait!! you left the pee but picked up the condom?? EWWWWW!!!
:shock:
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Post by AntiM » Tue Jun 08, 2010 8:36 am

I wore gloves, no biggie.

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Post by mudpuppy000 » Tue Jun 08, 2010 8:42 am

Fire_Moose wrote:
But even then, you just go to the side that isn't facing Opulent and they are still pretty decent
Haha, I think I actually did that... Very true.

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Post by sambojones » Tue Jun 08, 2010 8:58 am

Anyone used a wag bag for #2? The reviews I've read online said they were great for #1 but some mediocre reviews for #2 i just want to get something that i can use for emergencies if I need to and not stink to high hell later on cuz i'm not sure how well they do after being in the heat for so long

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Post by Bling » Tue Jun 08, 2010 8:59 am

Haven't tried that yet, but we did buy extra "poo powder" to sprinkle on top of #2. I'm also thinking that it works GREAT to use the bag 4-5 times for pee, but ANY #2 = close up the bag and start a new one.

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Post by sambojones » Tue Jun 08, 2010 9:15 am

thx for the input Bling i think i'm gonna grab some of those I'm also kinda picky about where I poop I got one of those portable camp toilets with a fresh tank and waste tank and used it and burning flipside here in texas I only used it once when I had a super emergency, but having to clean it was just a pain in the ass. FWIW the portable toilet contained all the smell just kinda a pain to clean. I think I'm gonna grab some of those wag bags and see what happens and the extra powder is a good idea too i think this is gonna be my best bet. also the idea to bring a small can of lysol is great too i didn't even think about that i prolly will do that also. i'm gonna poop like a king this year! :twisted:

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Post by Bling » Tue Jun 08, 2010 9:20 am

Me too! It's not my brain that's picky about where I poop, (truly, I don't give a **** ;-))--it's my guts. But they rule the day, so a workaround is a valuable thing.

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Post by sambojones » Tue Jun 08, 2010 1:17 pm

just got a 50 pack of wag bags off ebay for really cheap gonna keep 20 for myself and resell the rest and get most of my money back :twisted:

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Post by Bling » Tue Jun 08, 2010 1:18 pm

Good deal! 20 will be MORE than plenty for BRC, since you can use each one 4-5 times.

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Post by sambojones » Tue Jun 08, 2010 1:24 pm

yup i tend to over pack i may just keep less if i get less neurotic... now i just need to find some cheap pooh powder I can't find any for $20 like u did but i still got lots of time for a deal to come up

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Post by Lord Of Ruin » Tue Jun 08, 2010 3:48 pm

Aha...finally a post I can speak to with authority.

Due to some unfortunate medical conditions, I need to have a potty very close by....<sigh>

But anyway, I've done the luggable Loo method with a plain ol' home improvement store bucket. The loo lid is very nice and comfy...and has a lid that snaps down over it when you are done to keep..umm...aromas in.

It's airtight!

My potty kit is as follows:

1 ea. home improvement store 5 gal. bucket.
1 ea. Luggable Loo toilet seat/cover
1 box/bunch of loo bags. I've switched to using compactor bags and cutting them down to size. Compactor bags are very, very thick and resilient.
1 "jug" of kitty litter. I use something like Fresh step. I think it's like a 3 gallon jug size.
1. ea. can of natural deodorizer....orange scent. Like that stuff used to remove graffitti, but a deodorizer version of it.

ALL of this backs into the bucket nicely. Snap the lid on and ya gots a toilet kit.

When I get camp setup, it generally has gone into a corner of my tent. Makes a great stool (pun intended) to put on your boots, etc. General clutter obscures what it really is to people if that matters to you.

I line the bucket with one each contractor bag. I put a spritz of the orange stuff UNDER the bag. Snap on Loo lid to hold bag in place. I then put about a cup or so of kitty litter in bottom of bag.

We're ready to go. Each use I sprinkle about a cup of litter on the top and a quick spritz of the orange stuff. After I'm all buttoned up, I give the bucket a rock to spread the litter around, etc.

I generally get a day's use out of each bag.

When removing the bag, which some of you that don't have cats might be horrified about, you aren't presented with something gross. Rather, the bag feels like a loaf of bread sized lump of dirt....semi solid and sandy.

I tie the bag closed and simply add it to our other pack out trash in bags. No need to go into some other special hazmat bag.

Notes: I am a male, so I generally ALSO use a pee bottle as well. (Guys, there are some widemouth fabric softener or bleach bottles that work awesomely for this. Widemouth FTW!) That I normally empty daily on the first trip to the porta. When the wife uses the loo, she uses it for liquids as well.

For a male/female couple using as above, you'll change the bag twice a day. I generally did it after breakfast and then right before bed (so you have a fresh spot for the mornin'!).

Wife was very, very, very reluctant to use it leading up to the first trip. Once she did (camping) she LOVED it. Loved the privacy, not having to walk in the dark/cold, she could keep it as cleaned as SHE liked, etc.

At the end of the event, I pack all the materials right back into it's bucket with Loo Lid and the "kit" is ready for next time.
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Post by Boijoy » Tue Jun 08, 2010 4:15 pm

sambojones wrote:thx for the input Bling i think i'm gonna grab some of those I'm also kinda picky about where I poop I got one of those portable camp toilets with a fresh tank and waste tank and used it and burning flipside here in texas I only used it once when I had a super emergency, but having to clean it was just a pain in the ass. FWIW the portable toilet contained all the smell just kinda a pain to clean. I think I'm gonna grab some of those wag bags and see what happens and the extra powder is a good idea too i think this is gonna be my best bet. also the idea to bring a small can of lysol is great too i didn't even think about that i prolly will do that also. i'm gonna poop like a king this year! :twisted:
I've used the wag bags. couple things. There not meant to be dumped out so take along a lidded 5 gal bucket or two to keep them after you are done. They DO seep odor after they are closed up. Also, keep an eye on how full they are, three pees & a poo is about it. If you can't close it your screwed. One more thing, the playa is hot, your bucket lid will get alot of " pee pee condensation " which is ewwww !!!

I have switched to something I can use at night and dump in the portos the next morning. Poo is a trip to the portos no matter what time it is.

glad I could share :)
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Post by Bling » Tue Jun 08, 2010 4:21 pm

I'd go to the porta potties for a poo if I thought it would work. Unfortunately, my guts and I disagree pretty vehemently about that...

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Post by Boijoy » Tue Jun 08, 2010 4:28 pm

Bling wrote:I'd go to the porta potties for a poo if I thought it would work. Unfortunately, my guts and I disagree pretty vehemently about that...
do you look in?? & then sieze up? :lol:
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Post by EmilyD » Tue Jun 08, 2010 4:31 pm

Thanks for the clear run down Lord of Ruin.

I'm wondering where one stores this type of garbage while on Playa. It wouldn't be good in the car. What do you all recommend for keeping one's haul-out-bags cool and out of the way?
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Post by Bling » Tue Jun 08, 2010 4:31 pm

Don't even have to look. And it's not even just porta potties. Sometimes even hotels and restaurants and such won't do the trick. My guts want HOME potty and very little else will do. I'll have to spend the summer convincing them that our camper+luggable loo = home. :D

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