There are several effective non-chemical alternatives available for portable and composting toilets that are safer for the environment: from chemical-free options like enzyme-based products, sodium percarbonate, and nappy soakers, to proper disposal methods.
We go into more detail on each portable toilet chemical alternative and how to maintain a chemical-free portable toilet system.
Traditional blue chemicals used in portable toilets contain formaldehyde, a known carcinogen and irritant.
When these chemicals are dumped into septic systems and leach fields, the formaldehyde kills helpful bacteria needed to break down waste.
This can lead to septic system failures.
Additionally, formaldehyde and other chemicals linger in the environment long after being dumped.
A study by the Ecology Center tested compost made from human waste treated with blue toilet chemicals.
The compost was found to contain:
This means that blue chemical toilet waste applied to gardens as compost can put harmful chemicals into the soil and food supply.
We can protect septic systems, the soil, and our health by avoiding traditional blue portable toilet chemicals.
Safe, eco-friendly alternatives exist. Keep reading to learn about greener options!
Rather than formaldehyde-containing blue liquids, there are a few eco-friendly options for portable toilets:
The key advantage of these options is safety:
By switching from traditional blue chemicals to one of these greener alternatives, you can have a clean portable toilet without the environmental impact.
Keep reading to learn how to use these chemical-free solutions.
Sodium percarbonate is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional blue chemicals.
When dissolved in water, it releases hydrogen peroxide which acts as a disinfectant and breaks down waste.
You can find sodium percarbonate in some laundry boosters and soakers, like:
To use sodium percarbonate for your portable toilet:
The advantages of sodium percarbonate include:
Sodium percarbonate offers an effective, eco-friendly alternative to traditional blue toilet chemicals.
And it can be picked up at your local supermarket!
Enzyme-based products provide a green way to break down waste and control odors in portable toilets.
They contain natural enzymes that digest organic matter, keeping tanks clean without harsh chemicals.
Some popular enzyme cleaner brands include:
The advantages of enzyme-based portable toilet products:
Enzymes are safe for you, your RV tank, and the environment.
And they effectively clean and deodorize portable toilets.
If you’re looking for a green alternative to blue chemicals, enzyme cleaners are a great option.
Give them a try for an eco-friendly portable toilet solution.
Nappy soaker, also known as nappy sanitizer, is a popular household product that many RVers and campers use in place of traditional blue chemicals.
The main active ingredient in many major brands of nappy soaker powder is sodium percarbonate.
When dissolved in water, the nappy soaker releases hydrogen peroxide to help break down waste and control odors.
To use in your portable toilet:
Advantages of using a nappy soaker:
Brands like White King Nappy Sanitizer and soakers with sodium percarbonate work well.
Check the ingredients to avoid harsh chemicals.
Nappy soaker offers an easy, affordable eco-friendly alternative for your portable toilet.
The SOG toilet system provides a way to manage portable toilet odors without any chemicals.
This system uses a small electric fan to vent air from the holding tank through a filter and outside the RV.
Key features and benefits of the SOG system:
By constantly cycling air out of the holding tank, the SOG system keeps the bathroom smelling fresh.
The filter neutralizes any odors. Since solid and liquid waste never mixes or accumulates, it controls odor naturally without chemical additives.
The SOG system offers a green, zero-chemical way to deal with portable toilet smells.
For RVers who want an entirely chemical-free toilet solution, the SOG venting system is an excellent choice.
It creates a more pleasant and environmentally friendly bathroom experience.
Switching to a chemical-free system requires some changes to keep your portable toilet clean and odor-free.
Here are some tips:
With the right products and practices, you can avoid chemicals and keep your portable toilet clean and pleasant-smelling.
It just takes some adjustments to operations and maintenance.
The benefits for your health and environment make it worthwhile!
You can find a range of green, chemical-free portable toilet solutions both in-store and online. Here are some options:
In Stores:
Online:
With some searching both locally and online, you can find everything needed to outfit your portable toilet with eco-friendly, chemical-free solutions.
Ditch the blue and go green!
Composting toilets work by naturally breaking down waste using beneficial microbes and oxygen.
This aerobic decomposition process turns waste into usable compost over time.
While no chemicals are required for proper composting function, some non-chemical products can help optimize composting toilets:
Using these natural supplements supports the biological composting action without chemicals.
They optimize conditions for beneficial microbes to thrive and do their waste-reducing job.
With a well-managed composting toilet, you can safely and sustainably process waste onsite.
When using a chemical-free portable toilet, it’s important to dispose of waste properly to avoid environmental contamination.
Here are some tips:
While chemical additives make waste treatment easier, their environmental impact is too high.
By taking steps to properly contain and dispose of waste from chemical-free toilets, we can reduce pollution and protect ecosystems.
It’s a small inconvenience that pays big dividends for the planet.
Baking soda can help absorb odors but lacks the waste-breaking abilities of enzyme cleaners or sodium percarbonate. It’s best used for cleaning tanks.
It’s best to only empty chemical-free waste at designated RV dump stations, not household septic tanks. The systems are designed differently.
Empty the tank more frequently, at least every few days. Chemicals allow longer wait times between emptying, but natural products require more frequent disposal.
Yes, enzyme cleaners formulated for holding tanks contain cold-water-adapted enzymes that remain effective down to freezing temperatures.
Well-maintained composting toilets shouldn’t smell. Some owners add fans or chimneys to further reduce any odor risks.
