WEEK 15
Human Waste Disposal
Where are you going to go when you have to, well, go? It isn’t always as simple as finding a tree at the back of your yard. Proper disposal of human waste is essential in preventing illness. While toilets may still work even if the water pressure doesn’t (you can fill the tank by hand), if the disaster goes on long enough, pump stations will get backed up and septic tanks will get full, causing overflows in homes. No, that won’t be nearly as much fun as it sounds.
One option is to line the toilet with a garbage bag, replacing the bag as it gets full. The same principle applies when using a five-gallon bucket. In fact, many camping supply stores now sell specially made toilet seats that will fit on those buckets. If the bucket is the option you’re choosing, you could even dispense with the garbage bag liner and just use kitty litter or sand in the bucket to soak up the liquids.
In either case, you can help make the smell manageable by sprinkling the waste with powdered detergent or baking soda.
Of course, there are many different kinds of chemical toilets available, and you’re welcome to purchase one or two of them. But the options listed above are considerably cheaper, which would free up funds to purchase other supplies.
Keep in mind that any container filled with human waste is going to be heavier than you might otherwise anticipate. Don’t let the containers get so full you can’t easily move them.
When it comes to disposing of the waste, there are basically two options—burning or burying—each with advantages and drawbacks.
If you bury the waste, it is out of sight (and smell). But that involves a considerable amount of work digging the holes and filling them in again. You’ll need to do this as far as possible from any water source to prevent contamination. Figure at least a couple of hundred feet, more if feasible.
Burning the waste will involve less personal energy expenditure, since you won’t be digging any holes. But you’ll end up using lighter fluid or another flammable liquid to get the fire going, which is fuel you could use for other purposes.
Now, with all that said, there’s also the possibility of building an old-fashioned outhouse or latrine pit. While this is not the worst idea in the world, heading out into minus-twenty-degree windchills to squat over a pit is no one’s idea of a good time. If you decide to go this route, you’ll want to situate the latrine at least two hundred feet from any water source. Dig a trench about six feet long, two feet wide, and a couple feet deep. Keep the removed soil piled up nearby. To use, squat over the trench and do your business, then shovel some of the loose soil over the waste. If the crisis runs long enough that you end up filling the entire trench to about a foot from the top, dig another one.
While there are many alternatives to toilet paper, most of them are considerably less than ideal. Be sure to stock up on this vital supply, because you can never really have too much on hand. If you do run out of this essential and valuable resource, one of the best available options will be to cut old cotton T-shirts into squares. Fill a small bucket (preferably one with a lid) with a strong solution of bleach and water and keep that nearby. As the fabric wipes are used, toss them into the bucket. As you run low, you’ll wash and then reuse the wipes.
Be sure to also have a way to wash after using the facilities. One of my friends in the military has described how “ass and hand disease” laid out most of his buddies at some point during their tour of duty in the Middle East. It’s a very real concern, as the lack of being able to wash hands is one of the main causes for disease in third-world countries. Hit your local dollar store and stock up on hand sanitizer.
WEEK 15 ASSIGNMENTS
TASKS
1. Determine how your family will be able to handle this admittedly somewhat uncomfortable situation. Look at your individual situation and decide how you’ll solve the problem.
2. Begin acquiring the necessary supplies, such as a five-gallon pail and kitty litter. Set these supplies aside somewhere to ensure that they don’t get used for another purpose.
SAVINGS
Add $15 to your Prepper Savings Account.
TOTAL PREPPER SAVINGS ACCOUNT: 
WATER STORAGE
One gallon (or two 2-liter bottles) per person or a case of bottled water for the household.
TOTAL WATER STORAGE:
GROCERY LIST
3 cans vegetables, your choice
2 cans fruit, your choice, but stick with those packed in water or juice, rather than syrup
2 cans meat (tuna, chicken, beef), your choice
2 cans soup, not condensed (they require water)
1 jar instant coffee (even if you don’t drink coffee, this is an excellent barter item)
1 box granola bars, protein bars, or equivalent
1 lb pasta, your choice
