What To Do If The Sewer System Is Down

What To Do If The Sewer System Is Down

If the sewage system is damaged after an earthquake, hurricane or any other reason, dealing with human waste safely is crucial to prevent disease and contamination. In this article you will learn the best methods for handling waste in a city or suburban environment, supplies to have on hand, safe disposal instructions, and how to make a low-tech composting toilet:

 

Short-Term Emergency Solutions

1. Use Your Toilet (With Modifications)

  • If the pipes are intact but the sewer system is down, line the toilet bowl with a heavy-duty trash bag and do not flush.
  • After use, sprinkle sawdust, kitty litter, or baking soda to reduce odor.
  • Tie off the bag securely and store it in a designated waste area until disposal services resume.

2. Bucket Toilet System

  • Use a 5-gallon bucket lined with a heavy-duty trash bag.
  • Add a seat (or pool noodle) for comfort.
  • Use sawdust, wood ash, or kitty litter after each use to control odor.
  • Seal and store bags in a safe area away from living spaces.


Medium-Term Solutions (If Services Aren’t Restored Quickly)

3. Twin Bucket System (Urine & Feces Separation)

  • Use one bucket for urine and another for feces.
  • Urine can be diluted and safely poured on soil away from food gardens.
  • Feces should be stored in double-bagged containers and kept separate until disposal.

4. Community Sanitation Solutions

  • Work with neighbors to designate a waste disposal site or communal latrine.
  • Dig a small trench (at least 6 inches deep) for waste disposal if space allows.


Long-Term Solutions

5. Composting Toilets

  • If possible, set up a composting toilet with a proper ventilation system.
  • Use carbon materials (like sawdust or shredded leaves) to aid in decomposition.

6. Temporary Latrines

  • If you have a yard, digging a deep latrine (at least 2 feet deep) can provide a temporary solution.
  • Cover waste with soil after each use.


Other Considerations

  • Hand Hygiene: Have hand sanitizer, soap, and water available.
  • Safe Storage: Keep waste away from food, water sources, and living areas.
  • Official Guidance: Listen to local authorities for disposal instructions once services start returning.


Supplies To Have On Hand For This Scenario

Here are the essential supplies you should have for handling human waste in an emergency. I do get a small commission if you purchase any of these items by clicking on the Amazon links I’ve provided, but my goal in listing the links is so you can see what we’re discussing and have a quick and easy way to acquire what you need. Here’s the list:

Basic Emergency Toilet Supplies

Sanitation and Hygiene Supplies

Longer-Term or Outdoor Supply Options

Safe Disposal and Storage Supplies

  • Bucket with a tight-sealing lid (for short-term waste storage if collection services are delayed)
  • Extra trash bags for double-bagging waste
  • Marking tape or labels (to keep waste bags separate from regular trash)


Should You Ever Burn Human Waste?

Burning human waste is generally not recommended in urban or suburban areas due to health and safety risks. However, in extreme survival situations, it can be done safely under specific conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

Why Burning Human Waste is Risky

  1. Toxic Fumes – Burning feces releases harmful pathogens and toxic gases, including carbon monoxide and dioxins.
  2. Airborne Disease Risk – Incomplete combustion can spread bacteria and viruses into the air.
  3. Fire Hazard – Open burning, especially in urban areas, poses a serious fire risk.
  4. Legal Issues – Many municipalities prohibit burning waste, and violating local laws could result in fines.

When & How Burning May Be an Option

If waste disposal options are extremely limited, burning may be necessary in remote areas or emergency survival situations. Safe methods include:

1. Burn Barrel (Drum Incineration)

  • Use a steel drum (such as a 55-gallon barrel) with a vented lid. Find these in classifieds or social media marketplaces.
  • Mix waste with sawdust or dry material to aid combustion.
  • Use diesel fuel, not gasoline, to avoid explosive combustion.
  • Burn at high temperatures to fully incinerate waste and kill pathogens.
  • Keep the fire away from homes, dry vegetation, and flammable materials.

2. Military-Style Burn Pit (Last Resort)

  • Dig a pit away from living areas.
  • Use wood or other fuel sources to create a sustained, hot fire.
  • Stir the waste periodically to ensure complete combustion.
  • Cover the ashes with soil after cooling.

Alternatives to Burning

  • Composting Toilets – Properly managed composting can safely break down waste over time.
  • Burying Waste – In non-urban areas, digging a latrine or cathole (6-12 inches deep) is often safer.
  • Bag and Store for Disposal – In most emergencies, the best option is to double-bag waste and store it in a designated area until collection resumes.


Making a Low-tech Composting Toilet as an Alternative to Burning

A low-tech composting toilet is a great alternative for safely managing human waste during an emergency. It reduces odors, prevents contamination, and turns waste into compost over time. Here’s how to set one up-

How to Build a Simple Composting Toilet

1. Gather Your Materials

  • 5-gallon bucket (or a larger container for a family-sized setup)
  • Toilet seat (or a pool noodle for comfort)
  • Absorbent cover material (sawdust, wood shavings, peat moss, dry leaves, or shredded newspaper)
  • Heavy-duty trash bags (if you want to line the bucket for easier disposal)
  • Lid or cover (to contain odors when not in use)
  • Secondary storage bin (a composting bin or separate container for aging waste)

2. Assemble the Toilet

  1. Set up the bucket – Place the bucket in a ventilated, private space.
  2. Attach the seat – A standard toilet seat can fit over the bucket, or you can use a piece of plywood with a hole cut out.
  3. Line the bucket (optional) – Use a biodegradable bag if you prefer easy cleanup.

3. How to Use It Properly

  1. Add a base layer – Pour 2-3 inches of sawdust or other carbon-rich material into the bottom of the bucket.
  2. After each use – Cover waste with a scoop of sawdust, peat moss, or shredded leaves to control odor and aid decomposition.
  3. Keep urine separate (if possible) – Excess liquid slows decomposition. If using the toilet only for solids, have a separate container for urine disposal (it can be diluted and used as a fertilizer for non-edible plants).

4. Waste Management & Composting

  1. Transfer waste to a compost bin – When the bucket is full, empty it into a larger outdoor compost bin.
  2. Compost for 6-12 months – Ensure the pile reaches 135°F-160°F to kill pathogens.
  3. Use compost safely – Only use humanure (human waste compost) for non-edible plants, trees, or decorative gardens.

Extra Tips for Success

✔️ Keep a bucket of cover material next to the toilet for easy use.

✔️ Use a secondary bucket if you have multiple users.

✔️ Maintain good ventilation to reduce odors.

✔️ Do not compost diapers, hygiene products, or chemicals in the same bin.

Dealing with human waste safely is crucial to prevent disease and contamination. Being prepared for it relieves the crisis within the crisis.


For information on water storage check out this link here.

For information on power backup systems check out this article here.

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