Where Does Poop Go in a Portable Toilet?
Porta-potties are an excellent option for construction sites, outdoor events, and camping sites. These self-contained units help address sanitation needs in areas with limited facilities. However, one question remains: Where does porta-potty waste go? This guide addresses your concerns by explaining the porta-potty emptying process.
Where Does the Poop Go in a Porta-Potty?
A portable restroom toilet might have several self-contained units to accommodate the sanitation needs of your guests in large events. These portable toilets do not flush waste into a sewer. Instead, they have a consolidated holding tank underneath the toilets. When patrons use a porta-potty, their waste goes into the holding tank beneath the unit awaiting disposal.
Porta-Potty Emptying Process
Modern porta-potties use biodegradable chemicals to break down waste in the holding tank. These chemicals have disinfectant properties that prevent odors and keep the toilet fresh and clean. The holding tank can be several gallons, meaning it might take time before it requires emptying. However, most have a fill level monitor that indicates when the tanks need emptying.
Once the tank is full or nearly full, a vacuum truck or tanker will arrive at the site and connect to the porta-potty via a hose through a clean-out port. It will then suction out the waste from the toilet into the truck. Some holding tanks are portable and have a semi-transparent design for easy flow monitoring. They do not require a vacuum tanker for emptying since they are easy to transport. The sanitation team will then sanitize the porta-potty for subsequent use.
Where Does the Waste from Porta-Potties Go?
After emptying a porta-potty, the vacuum truck transports the porta-potty waste to a treatment facility for processing and disposal. Different treatment facilities have varying processing and disposal procedures. When the waste arrives at a treatment plant, the vacuum trunk will transfer it into a screened box to separate the liquids from solids. The sanitation team then treats the liquid and solid wastes before discharging them in a sewer or landfills.
Depending on the size of the event, a porta-potty might produce 250 to 300 gallons of waste. Much of the waste is usually liquid, with only about 5 percent comprising solid matter.
Looking for Professional Sanitation Services?
Understanding where waste in a porta-potty goes is vital for waste management. It can help you determine the number of porta-potties you need for your event. TOI TOI USA offers top-quality portable restrooms in Atlanta. Contact us to learn more about our services.
