CERT Richmond - Sanitation

How to Prepare an Emergency Toilet
Create a Sanitation System for Block

If a disaster knocks out water service, that means no flushing toilets—yikes! 💩 It’s critical to have a backup plan in place to prevent the spread of disease. One simple and effective solution is the household twin-bucket “no-mix” emergency toilet system.

Urine (or pee) is sterile and coming in contact with urine (while gross) isn't going to get you sick. On the other hand, exposure to feces (or poop) can cause you and others to get very sick. When creating an emergency toilet system, it is best to keep pee and poop separate. Pee is liquid and sterile so mixing it with poop, which is solid and can cause disease, will increase the volume of contaminated waste and all of it will be contaminated and super sticky as urine will start to smell strongly after a day.

Home Twin Bucket Method

This system separates pee and poo into two different buckets to reduce odor and the risk of contamination. It’s easy to set up, requires basic supplies, and is an essential part of your emergency preparedness kit. Print this Twin Bucket Emergency Toilet Guide. You can also create a makeshift Tippy Tap handwashing station for your home or neighborhood if you have some water available. (CDC Handout on Tippy Tap Design)

Print Poop and Pee labels for twin buckets before a disaster.

Neighborhood Method

Phlush.org has several very useful resources to prepare for sewer catastrophes. Including a Sewer Catastrophe Guide to help create a toilet system for a block, school, or work. In a large scale earthquake, we are likely to lose sewer service for months or even years. Being able to take care of basics, such as sanitation, will keep us safe. The Tippy Tap handwashing station is also useful. If you have a cache, having multiple 5-gallon buckets, toilet paper, soap, some means to create a privacy structure, stabilizing structure for buckets (for earthquakes), and a pre-made Tippy Tap (CDC handout) or hand-sanitizers are useful additions. Print Pee and Poop labels before a disaster.

Don't wait for the next emergency—plan your sanitation solution now. Visit our full guide to learn how to build and safely use a twin-bucket toilet system.

How to Make, Use, and Maintain a Tippy Tap Sanitation Station

Source: Cody Kiefer, inspired by Lifewater International, 2005.

The Tippy Tap (CDC handout) is a simple, low-cost handwashing device that can be used after a disaster where running water is not working. They can be used for schools, communities, or homes. Building one requires just a few basic materials and can be done with minimal tools.

Building a Tippy Tap: Step-by-Step

To get started, gather the following:

A clean, plastic water jug with a handle (1-gallon size or larger)
String or twine
A small piece of wood (for support or hanging)
A small flame source (candle or match)
A nail, screw, or similar sharp object (for puncturing plastic)
Optional: pliers, a net for holding the container, cap or can for soap

1. Choose a Location
Find a shaded, stable spot outdoors where the Tippy Tap can be hung and easily reached.

2. Seal the Handle
Using a flame, carefully heat the base of the plastic jug’s handle until it softens. Pinch it shut with pliers to seal the end so water won’t leak out. Allow it to cool completely.

3. Create the Spout
Puncture a small hole about 2–3 inches above the melted section of the handle. The hole should be no more than 2mm wide—just enough for a steady stream of water when tilted.

4. Hang the Container
Puncture two holes near the top of the jug or create a sling using a net. Thread string through the holes or net and make loops to suspend the jug from a wooden stick or beam.

5. Add a Soap Holder
Tie another string to the bottom of the jug and attach a cap or can to hold a bar of soap. You can also tie the soap directly if using a mesh bag.

6. Create the Tipping Loop
Tie a final string around the neck of the jug, and leave a loop hanging below. Pulling this loop will tilt the container and release water through the spout.

The simplicity of the Tippy Tap design means it can be adapted easily with whatever materials are on hand.

Using the Tippy Tap

To wash your hands:

Pull the loop hanging from the jug to tip the container and release water.
Use the soap attached nearby to wash thoroughly.
Rinse, then dry your hands with a clean cloth.

For a no-touch version, tie a longer string to the tipping loop and extend it to the ground. A foot pedal made from a piece of wood allows you to tip the container without using your hands at all.

Maintenance Tips

Refill regularly with clean water—use a hose if connected to a tap, or refill from a safe water source.
Replace soap as needed to ensure proper hygiene.
Clean the jug exterior daily to remove dirt and prevent contamination.
Disinfect the inside of the jug weekly with a mild bleach solution or boiling water, if possible.

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