Emergency sanitation

Bucket toilet

The simplest and most effective solution for home use when the sewage system is unavailable:

1. Materials: a sturdy 20-litre bucket, heavy-duty bin liners, toilet seat (optional but recommended), absorbent material
2. Line the bucket with two bin liners (double bag for safety)
3. Place the toilet seat on top, or use the bucket as is
4. After each use, cover waste with absorbent material (cat litter, sawdust, wood ash, shredded newspaper)
5. When the bag is half full, tie it tightly, place in a second bag, and store outside in a shaded area
6. Each person produces approximately 1.5 litres of waste per day. Plan bags accordingly

Dual-bucket system

Separate liquids and solids for easier management and reduced odour:

• Bucket 1 (solids): line with bin liner, cover each deposit with absorbent material. Sawdust or wood ash works best
• Bucket 2 (liquids): urine can be diluted 1:10 with water and used to water non-edible plants, or disposed of in a drain that is still functioning
• Advantages: less odour, lighter bags, slower fill rate
• Add a lid: a tight-fitting lid between uses drastically reduces smell and keeps flies away

Human waste

• Double-bag all waste. Tie each bag tightly
• Store outside in a shaded area, away from water sources and food storage
• Do not bury near vegetable gardens, wells, or streams (minimum 30 metres from any water source)
• Wait for collection: municipal services will organise special waste collection after the emergency
• Never burn bags of human waste. The risk of pathogen dispersal is high

Household waste

• Separate organic waste from recyclables and general rubbish
• Organic waste attracts flies, rats, and bacteria. Keep it sealed and store away from living areas
• Flatten packaging to reduce volume
• Do not burn waste indoors or near buildings. The fumes are toxic
• If collection is interrupted, designate a specific outdoor area for temporary storage

Medical waste

• Used dressings, gloves, and masks: place in a separate bag, clearly marked
• Sharps (needles, lancets): use a rigid container (e.g. a plastic bottle) before placing in the bag
• Medication: do not flush down the drain or toilet
• Keep separate from household waste at all times

Handwashing without running water

Clean hands are the single most effective defence against disease transmission in emergencies.

• Tippy tap: a simple foot-operated handwashing station made from a plastic bottle with a small hole, suspended from a frame. Tilt with your foot to dispense water
• Jug and basin: one person pours water from a jug while the other washes. Reuse the grey water for flushing
• Soap is essential: bar soap works just as well as liquid soap. Wash for at least 20 seconds
• Dry with a clean cloth or allow to air-dry. Avoid shared towels

Hand sanitiser

• At least 60% alcohol for effective disinfection
• Use when water is scarce: hand sanitiser is a supplement, not a replacement for handwashing
• Apply a palmful and rub all surfaces of both hands until dry (at least 20 seconds)
• Limitations: does not work well on visibly dirty or greasy hands. Wash with water first if possible
• Stockpile: keep at least 500 ml per person in your emergency supplies

Menstrual hygiene

• Disposable products: stockpile at least a 3-month supply of preferred products
• Reusable alternatives: menstrual cups (silicone, sterilise with boiling water) or reusable cloth pads (wash with soap and water, dry in direct sunlight)
• Improvised pads: clean cotton cloths, folded fabric, or towelling
• Disposal: wrap used products in newspaper or bags. Do not flush. Store with household waste
• Privacy matters: ensure a private space for changing, even in temporary shelter

Nappies and baby care

• Stockpile disposable nappies: an infant uses 8 to 10 per day
• Reusable cloth nappies: a sustainable backup option. Wash in hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly, dry in sunlight
• Baby wipes alternative: damp cloths with a little soap work well
• Nappy rash: change frequently, allow air-drying time, use barrier cream if available
• Disposal: seal used nappies in individual bags. Store with household waste, away from living areas

Bleach solution (sodium hypochlorite)

Household bleach is the most accessible and effective disinfectant for emergencies.

• Cleaning solution (1:10): 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Use for surfaces, toilet areas, and floors
• Hand-touch surfaces: door handles, light switches, taps, bucket handles
• Contact time: leave the solution on the surface for at least 10 minutes before wiping
• Ventilate: open windows when using bleach. Never mix bleach with ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaning products
• Shelf life: diluted bleach loses effectiveness after 24 hours. Prepare fresh daily

Water disinfection

• Boiling: bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute. This kills all pathogens
• Bleach (for drinking water): 2 drops of unscented 5% household bleach per litre. Stir, wait 30 minutes. Water should have a slight chlorine smell
• Water purification tablets: follow the manufacturer's instructions. Available at pharmacies and camping shops
• Solar disinfection (SODIS): fill a clear PET bottle, place in direct sunlight for at least 6 hours (or 2 days if cloudy)

For comprehensive water guidance, see our water treatment guide.