Emergency toilet: managing without running water
Updated · 4 min read
New here? Start with our overview of home readiness – what to have ready, and why.
When the water goes, the toilet is one of the first things you miss. The authorities recommend that every household can manage on its own for at least three days if supplies such as water fail[1] - and for those three days you still need to be able to go to the toilet. It doesn't take much, but it helps to have it sorted in advance.
In short: If you can't flush, collect the waste in a strong bag for residual waste in a bucket or the toilet bowl, close the bag and dispose of it as residual waste. Wash your hands with soap if you can - otherwise use hand sanitiser.[1]
How to use an emergency toilet
If you can't flush the toilet, the authorities' advice is to collect the waste in a strong bag meant for residual waste.[2] You can prepare by having waste bags ready that fit in a bucket or the toilet bowl.[1]
- Put a strong waste bag in a bucket or down into the toilet bowl.
- Optionally put a sanitary pad or some toilet paper in the bag first to soak up moisture.[1]
- Close the bag securely after use and dispose of it as residual waste.[1]
If you live in a building with a rubbish chute, the authorities advise not using the chute and carrying the bag down to the container instead.[1]
Mind the hygiene
Without running water, hygiene matters even more. Wash your hands with soap if you can - otherwise use disinfectant or hand sanitiser.[1] The authorities list toilet paper, hand sanitiser, wet wipes, pads and tampons as hygiene items to keep in your home readiness kit.[1]
- Strong bags for residual waste
- A bucket with a lid (or use the toilet bowl)
- Toilet paper and sanitary pads
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes
- Pads and tampons
Emergency toilet kit
Want it ready in one place? Our emergency toilet kit holds what you need for 10 uses - so you don't have to improvise the day the water is off.
For more on keeping clean when the water is down, read on here: Hygiene in your emergency kit
Frequently asked questions
How do you go to the toilet if there is no water?
The authorities advise collecting the waste in a strong bag meant for residual waste, placed in a bucket or the toilet bowl. Close the bag securely and dispose of it as residual waste.
Can I use the rubbish chute?
If you live in a building with a rubbish chute, the authorities advise not using the chute and carrying the bag down to the container instead.
What about hand hygiene without water?
Wash your hands with soap if you can - otherwise use hand sanitiser.
Sources
- [1]Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed (samsik.dk): Sådan forbereder du dig
- [2]Styrelsen for Samfundssikkerhed (samsik.dk): Spørgsmål og svar om hjemmeberedskab