Waste Disposal During Times of Disaster

©The Homemaking Cottage

1. Human waste (feces and urine).  A metal container with tight fitting lid can be used as an emergency toilet.  This could be fitted with some kind of seat.  A large container, also with a tight fitting lid should be used to empty the contents into for later disposal.  Plastic bags can be used as can liners.  They facilitate  disposal of wastes and keep odors at a minimum.  If possible, bury the waste in ah old one to two feet deep and at least 200 feet from any water source.  This depth is necessary to prevent spreading germs and disease.

2. Liquid wastes (wash, bath, food kitchen).  In the field, wash, bath and kitchen wastes are disposed of in the soil usually by means of either soakage pits or trenches.

3. Garbage disposal, the solid waste resulting form the preparation, cooking and serving of food, should be disposed of by burial or incineration.  If should not be buried closer than 100 feet to any source of water used for cooking or drinking.

4. Rubbish is usually buried in pits or trenches with garbage if it not combustible; otherwise it is burned in a barrel incinerator.

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