Can we talk Porta Potties?

Questions, answers, tips & tricks for newbies and veterans alike
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robbidobbs
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Post by robbidobbs » Tue Mar 15, 2011 12:56 pm

motskyroonmatick wrote:
TomServo wrote:
VeganChoirGirl wrote: Ok, my take on the portos:

From what I understand from Robbidobbs we have about 1000, give or take a few, porto potties in BRC. They are pumped often, so until the very end of the week when the population is really exploding, they are pretty decent.

(baring of course, some sparkle pony who took too many substances and literally shits on every wall and surface in the porto...)

Where ever you camp you should be relatively close to a bank of portos. I think they are super smelly, so I would advise camping AWAY from them. A block up or down and upwind is the best.

I TOTALLY agree that a pee bottle and a pee funnel (if you are a lady) are SUPER necissary. The pStyle is the best one BY FAR. CFM, Stitch, and I will sing their praises far and wide!! They have been discontinued, but if you get your butt in gear you should be able to snag one from myworldhut.com.

A few rules for news about using the potties:

This is not a rave, this is not a carnival, BRC is your HOME for the week. SO, PLEASE sit your donkey DOWN on the seat every time you use it. I know its scary, but these portos CAN remain clean ALL WEEK if we treat them with respect. Carry leave no trace into every part of your week. If you refuse to sit, please bring some kind of sanitary wipe to clean off the seat and then HAUL IT AWAY WITH YOU!

Do not put anything but single ply tp and bodily fluids in the portos. If you ACCIDENTALLY drop a flashlight in or a camera or whatever, don't go fishing for them (that's a huge hazardous waste pile, you will likely get VERY sick), leave a note WELL SECURED to the back of the porto in question letting the pump trucks know that there is something that SHOULD NOT BE IN THE POTTY. If you see the trucks coming, simply wait and let them know. They can then correctly remove the waste and not harm their trucks.

Do not dispose of excess grey water in the portos. That is NOT supposed to be in there. Remember, if it doesn't come from your body it doesn't belong in the potty.

Do not SCRATCH things into the surfaces of the portos. I have been told that writing on the walls on the inside of the portos brings great amusement to the people that clean them, just do it with marker, DON"T scratch it in. Then they have to sand down the surface and that shortens the life of the porto.

Finally, adopt a porto with the people you are camping near. Make sure it's stocked, check it out, clean it up, and help keep the people of BRC shitting in style.

Hope that is helpful!
edited for spelling
all good advice! In case you missed it...2002? the porta pottie people near gave up on us..were pyramids of shit sticking above the toilet seats. We do have plenty of Porta Potties, but in a drunken stupor...or just realizing you woke up in a desert...can be too far for the job at hand.
Well done! Well said! Wohoo!

Baby wipes and tampons in the portapotties(JOTS) is the biggest problem for the guys servicing the portapotties. It messes up their processing equipment and makes their job harder They end up with a 30 yard dumpster full of very nasty baby wipes and tampons by the end of the event. Taking a zip lock baggy with you to the JOTS and packing it out when you leave is the thing to do. Double bag it if it makes you feel better.

Hoverers! Plant it! If you can't plant it then at least put the seat up and then back down. Use good technique too so you are not wandering all over the place. Grab the handle on the door(after being sure to lock it) or god forbid put a hand on one of the walls(they get sprayed down with disinfectant every 6 hours as they are serviced in the day time). As a normal user of the toilet seat I really dislike having to clean up after some hoverer and then have a seat thinking.... Their piss is on my ass--their piss is on my ass--their piss is on my ass. Yuck!

Oh and if you come upon a portapotty that is zip tied shut before after or during the event...Use one that is not zip tied shut. It is shut for a reason. Before and after the event it is to limit the number of potties that have to be serviced. During the event it is because there is something in the tank that the normal service truck can not deal with. It is locked so the problem does not get worse and can be dealt with quickly when the service guys return. Don't remove zip ties because you feel it is the right thing to do. The JOTS guys will do it at the appropriate time.

The guys at JOTS camp really appreciate what a good job we participants do with the portapotties. They say it gets better every year and that the baby wipes are now the biggest thing we need to focus on. They say the only people that treat the potties better are construction workers. I think that is fantastic. It is a true testament of the good job done in getting the word out to all the participants. Way to go Burners and way to go Robbidobbs!

Spread the word about excremental correctness at the burn. :)
Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!

Loving YOU Motsky!
And thank you Veganchoirgirl for your missive.

This is that important!
We have got to STOP THE HORROR!
We are so much better than this.
Show JotS just how much you love them.

We KNOW the drill, our job is now to spread the word of Excremental Correctness, like Motsky said. There continues to be major problem with baby-wipes and other assorted bullshit in the JotS. Please, do your part.

We give a shit, this IS our home.

Camping next to the pottie-bank is nice actually - just ask The Pottie Pigs. They set up a concierge table every year, because it's a great way to meet pretty girls. No really, that's their gimmick. There is a pottie-bank with YOUR name on it. Adopt a Pottie - it's a sure fire way to participate in one of the most crucial voluntary projects on the Playa.

If you do end up in line of site of a pottie-bank, I will cheerfully solicit your help in distributing tp at night. BEE A POTTIE-FRIEND, baybee.
I gift you a package of tp daily, then and around dusk, just schwing by the units and gift them out.

Pee-Funnel Camp will gladly proffer their wares. With a twist-top bottle, you can take care of midnight piddle sessions. THE BOMB I tell ya.

You can improve the lives of so many of your loved ones out there.
Thank you for participating.

Stay regular,
RobbiDobbs
Chief Poopervisor of the Pottie-Project
Director: Dept of Excremental Correctness

BTW: I LOVE the fake potties on open playa. See All About Participating on the Pottie-Project thread for more details.
I'll be in my blanket fort until further notice.

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CornStar
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Post by CornStar » Tue Mar 15, 2011 1:22 pm

if you can help it, dont bring ANYTHING into the portjohns. At some point during the week your drink, flashlight, camera, sandwich, drugs, whatever will eventually fall in. it will suck. last year I made a mad dash for them right after the rainstorm. I walked in with beer and camera in hand (I was takin pics of the double rainbow). I turned around to lock the door and heard a splash. I had set my camera on the TP roll holder ....
Who wants to do a Dunkaroo?!

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robbidobbs
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Post by robbidobbs » Tue Mar 15, 2011 1:28 pm

DAMN!
Sorry dude.
Have we learned something from this experience?
Just asking.

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Dr. Pyro
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Post by Dr. Pyro » Tue Mar 15, 2011 1:34 pm

I certainly have: Don't ask to borrow CornStar's camera.

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TomServo
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Post by TomServo » Tue Mar 15, 2011 1:46 pm

CornStar, can I borrow your camera?
anything worth doing is worth overdoing..

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Elderberry
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Post by Elderberry » Tue Mar 15, 2011 2:46 pm

robbidobbs wrote:
BTW: I LOVE the fake potties on open playa.
Those were fake?! :shock: :oops:
Elderberry

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motskyroonmatick
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Post by motskyroonmatick » Tue Mar 15, 2011 5:02 pm

Yay! :)
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Sic Pup
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Post by Sic Pup » Tue Mar 15, 2011 5:08 pm

robbidobbs wrote: BTW: I LOVE the fake potties on open playa.
+1

I laughed hysterically after opened a door.

I had taken the advice to hydrate very seriously

I spotted a real string (hoping anyway) in the distance.

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DiveDogFLL
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Post by DiveDogFLL » Thu Mar 17, 2011 6:11 pm

its just one more thing to pack out, but we use DoubleDoodie or Wag bags out on the boat. much easier than the old portable potties. (not JOTS)

the bags consist of a outer ~3gal heavy plastic double ziploc bag and a larger trashcan bag filled with some type of dry power that Once it gets wet turns into a gel I guess like a diaper.

anyway the are legal to dispose of in public trash. and you can store the used bags in a larger 5 gal bucket....

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robbidobbs
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Post by robbidobbs » Tue Mar 22, 2011 2:56 pm

Not in MY porta-potties.
I'll be in my blanket fort until further notice.

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Teo del Fuego
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Post by Teo del Fuego » Tue Mar 22, 2011 3:53 pm

"YOUR" portapotties?

I dont think the post above yours was advocating putting anything in the portapotties

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Post by Thecatman » Thu Mar 24, 2011 4:06 pm

[quote=jkisha"]I'm not criticizing you, but I think that is technically illegal. Isn't human waste considered hazardous biological material and subject to proper hazardous waste disposal laws?[/quote]
It is a biological hazardous waste. But I'm sure just about every male in the world over three years old has peed along a road behind a vehicle. Probably some females too!
At least she threw it the trash which is better then tossing it out the window. Pretty much every highway in the country, from urban interstates to rural two lanes have piss bottles littering the shoulders, along with diapers. Both are the worst case of litter and paints the "person" that deposited it as a very low life form. IMHO
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The Hustler
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Post by The Hustler » Fri Mar 25, 2011 4:34 pm

Not everyone understands indoor plumbing or how to work the porta-shits.

Here is a gem of advice from Best of Craigslist:

http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/sn ... 48861.html
"I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway."
Jesus fuckhole, what the fuck was that?
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CapSmashy
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Post by CapSmashy » Fri Mar 25, 2011 7:28 pm

Teo del Fuego wrote:"YOUR" portapotties?
Yes. Her portapotties.

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VeganChoirGirl
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Post by VeganChoirGirl » Mon Mar 28, 2011 11:31 am

CapSmashy wrote:
Teo del Fuego wrote:"YOUR" portapotties?
Yes. Her portapotties.
Brava CapSmashy!

Hell yes her portapotties. I will fight anyone who says different.
Finally moving to SF...can't WAIT!

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AntiM
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Post by AntiM » Mon Mar 28, 2011 12:57 pm

VeganChoirGirl wrote:
CapSmashy wrote:
Teo del Fuego wrote:"YOUR" portapotties?
Yes. Her portapotties.
Brava CapSmashy!

Hell yes her portapotties. I will fight anyone who says different.
Naked? In a vat of pudding?

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VeganChoirGirl
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Post by VeganChoirGirl » Mon Mar 28, 2011 12:58 pm

AntiM wrote:
VeganChoirGirl wrote:
CapSmashy wrote: Yes. Her portapotties.
Brava CapSmashy!

Hell yes her portapotties. I will fight anyone who says different.
Naked? In a vat of pudding?
If you insist AntiM
Finally moving to SF...can't WAIT!

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AntiM
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Post by AntiM » Mon Mar 28, 2011 1:37 pm

Do they even make vegan pudding?

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Savannah
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Post by Savannah » Mon Mar 28, 2011 1:41 pm

Her first Burn caused her to revert to her natural, pudding-friendly state. :)

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Sic Pup
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Post by Sic Pup » Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:37 pm

AntiM wrote:Do they even make vegan pudding?
I lost a bet on this, I thought all puddings were milk based but both Hunt's Lemon and the Lemon Meringue Pie flavors are vegan. Apparently they use the same generic cover label on all their snack packs that read "Made with Real Milk" which made me believe this bet was a lock.

I hate being wrong (moreso when it's my partner who is right).




Edit: apparently "apparently" is not spelled apparantly.

2nd Edit: nor aparently (typo) FUCK!
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VeganChoirGirl
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Post by VeganChoirGirl » Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:41 pm

Savannah wrote:Her first Burn caused her to revert to her natural, pudding-friendly state. :)
Sigh, you are most certainly right, my dear Sav.

However, I do INDEED make really, insanely delicious vegan pudding. OM NOM NOM NOM
Finally moving to SF...can't WAIT!

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jella
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Post by jella » Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:48 pm

So....there's going to be a wresting match in a vat of Vegan Pudding then ?

*Looks for best seat and Popcorn*
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motskyroonmatick
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Post by motskyroonmatick » Mon Mar 28, 2011 7:45 pm

jella wrote:So....there's going to be a wresting match in a vat of Vegan Pudding then ?

*Looks for best seat and Popcorn*
Hmmmm. Pond liner over foam mat... pool noodle(if that is what they are called) sewn in to the edge to make a bit of a pond. Pudding (check). Participants (Check Check). Making it non moopy and disposal of pudding.....Adjoining wipe down and rinse pad and 55g drum for the goop. Must have really wide mouthed funnel for clean up.

Popcorn would be good. :)
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jella
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Post by jella » Mon Mar 28, 2011 8:25 pm

Motz Don't forget the top hat and mega-phone
Gosh shouldn't someone tell them. :wink:
My monies on VCG




I apologize for contributing to the thread drift 8)
Burning Man isn't about the stuff you see when you get there ....it's about the people that brought that stuff there

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Post by CapSmashy » Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:04 am

So it is decided. Vegan pudding wrasslin match.

I volunteer Raiders (somewhere near 3:30 and A if placement is good to us this year) as the hosting camp. We will furnish the megaphone, silly hat and have the Sky God Lounge for the VIP seating.

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unjonharley
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Post by unjonharley » Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:13 am

.
I still like the guerilla hiding in the porta..

It's # one for screams.

It was done two years in a row..

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The Hustler
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Post by The Hustler » Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:16 am

Dr. Pyro wrote:I certainly have: Don't ask to borrow CornStar's camera.
It's not a rumor, he really is a shitty photographer.
"I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway."
Jesus fuckhole, what the fuck was that?
"Playa dust might be the cleanest, most corrosive filth you'll ever love," Savannah said.

Jiā yóu!

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The Hustler
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Post by The Hustler » Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:19 am

AntiM wrote:Do they even make vegan pudding?
Well, I've seen sugar-free "maple" syrup and soy-free soy sauce, why not vegan pudding? It's probably best not to ask what's in it.
"I knew it was wrong, but I did it anyway."
Jesus fuckhole, what the fuck was that?
"Playa dust might be the cleanest, most corrosive filth you'll ever love," Savannah said.

Jiā yóu!

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unjonharley
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Post by unjonharley » Tue Mar 29, 2011 9:28 am

AntiM wrote:Do they even make vegan pudding?
You scare me bad enough..I'll make vegan pudding for ya.. :lol:

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theCryptofishist
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Post by theCryptofishist » Tue Mar 29, 2011 10:28 am

Super Evil Brian wrote:
AntiM wrote:Do they even make vegan pudding?
Well, I've seen sugar-free "maple" syrup and soy-free soy sauce, why not vegan pudding? It's probably best not to ask what's in it.
Vegans. Duh.
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