Chemical toilets on boats

[beancounter]

When a boat is fitted with a chemical loo (Porta-Potti or similar) in lieu (or loo) of a sea-toilet, what is the practice/rule/etiquette about emptying them?
In our camping days, campsites had chemical disposal points. I doubt that marinas do, so is emptying them down a toilet OK? Presumably offshore one could just chuckit...

 

[jhr]

We've got one, which I empty down the nearest Marina loo - though I confess that I try to be discreet when doing it. You're right to assume that not many marinas have disposal or pump-out facilities.

If possible, I'd avoid chucking it over the side. I think the chemical most often used in loo additives is formaldehyde and the resultant slurry is toxic and - presumably - won't decay very fast........... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[Aardee]

Our old river boat had a "chemi-khazi" - The smell of Elsan still brings on a wave of nostalgia.

There were loads of Sluice Rooms on the Thames where you could empty the contents. Ineterstingly our home marina (Port Solent) has a door marked "Sluice Room" next to the Gents...I assume it serves the same purpose.

Graham.

 

[ridgy]

I have a porta-potti on my boat and it's a choice of down the toilet or over the side depending on circumstances (usually how close the toilet is...)

I'm sure the chemical doesn't do anything any good but we're talking about 100 ml in 15 litres of slurry going in to quite alot of seawater...I wouldn't lose any sleep over it.

 

[FullCircle]

What Ho - have you actually bought something now John?
I had a Porta Potti on Second Chance, and felt justified in emptying them in the marina loos, as most of the buggers hadnt even installed holding tank pump out facilities.
Quote from Shotleys keeper - We arent installing those facilities. We dont encourage people to stay on their boats!!!

Jim

 

[beancounter]

Hi Jim,

let's just say we're closing in on our quarry....

John