Leave No Trace: Portable Composting Toilets for Camping
A portable composting toilet is ideal for camping excursions
In order to protect the environment of national parks and trails, hikers and campers should follow the “Leave No Trace” guidelines. These guidelines help ensure that no individual leaves behind waste that others will encounter while on the trail, and this applies to every kind of waste. I can remember how on one of my earliest hiking adventures I came upon a disgusting mess of toilet paper and human waste left on the side of the trail. If you are planning a family camping trip in the near future, you should consider investing in a portable composting toilet to help ensure you follow the “leave no waste” guidelines and leave the outdoor areas as clean as they were before you arrived.
The idea of bringing a portable composting toilet with you to the outdoors might have you envisioning lugging a port-o-potty along with your family on the trail. But be assured there are other much more reasonable and lightweight options. Most portable composting toilets on the market will weigh less than five pounds, and will fold down to an easily packable size. Most models rely on you decomposable composting bags that you will pack-out with you when you return home.
For example, the Nature Bio-Toilet is ideal for family camping excursions. It folds up to only 4 inches high, and weighs less than five pounds. This model is quite affordable and can be purchased online from Cabelas for around $50. The toilet can support individuals who weigh up to 250 pounds.
Another option is the PETT Environmental Composting Toilet (pictured above). This very portable toilet is used by Forest and Park Services and can hold up to 800 pounds, while only weighing 7 pounds. Pair this with a Cabana portable shelter for privacy if you like as well.
Finally, one of my favorite designs is the Jimmy’s Thunderbox portable composting toilet, made by an Australian manufacturer. It folds down to less than an inch in height, sets up in just minutes, and weighs well under 10 pounds. You’ll have to order and have it shipped from Australia if you are interested in using it on your next camping outing, however, so be sure to allow adequate time for delivery.
Please take the time to ensure you are well prepared for your next camping outing by looking into investing in a portable composting toilet. By doing so you will be able to ensure you truly “leave no trace” and help protect our natural environment.
For more information about portable composting toilet systems suitable for outdoor applications (including larger models that are ideal for large outdoor events), or about toilet composting in general, please return to the Toilet Composting Home Page, where you will find many articles covering the basics of the toilet composting process and answers to commonly asked questions about the safety and advantages of switching to a composting toilet system.
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