Bush Toilet

by Das Troll

9.6K207

Intro: Bush Toilet

I'm currently living off grid and needed a toilet not requiring running water or septic. Not wanting to dig a big old hole and having a lady who's into gardening, I thought that adding to the compost was an easy option.

STEP 1:

I used what was on hand.
- Toilet seat
- Old school milk crate
- A piece of 2x2
- 5 Gallon bucket from local bakery
- 16 1.5 inch wood screws

Tolls used
- Utility knife
- Recip saw
- Crescent wrench
- Felt pen
- Skil saw

STEP 2:

Figure out your spacing. As things worked out, I was able to slightly widen 2 holes with the knife to accommadate the seat bolts

STEP 3:

With the seat in place, use a marker to out line the seat hole. Remove the seat and mark a 2nd. outline approx. 1/2 " larger than the previous line. Cut out the second line.

STEP 4:

Next come the legs. I had a chunk of 2x2 that I cut into 15" lengths for the legs. I cut them just a hair longer than the height of the bucket. These were screwed into place in the corners of the crate.

STEP 5:

7 Comments

blkhawk 11 years ago

I don't know where you live but in most states in US it is illegal to use milk crates for anything else other than carrying milk.

Das Troll 11 years ago

We can buy the crates from the dairies who will erase their mark from it. They can also be purchased from dollar store, staples, walmart, etc.

CaptSnaz 8 years ago

Actually, you can buy similar Milk-type boxes at WalMart or Home Depot for a couple of bux & they're just as sturdy.

UmpquaDairy 9 years ago

While we appreciate the clever repurposing of milk crates, they are not free. Theft of milk crates is an issue taken very seriously by the dairy industry. Dairy companies lose 20 million milk crates a year to theft. ($4/crate=$80 million loss/year) Our industry has thin margins; it hurts the bottom line and costs jobs. If you need crates for projects, retailers Target, Fred Meyer and Home Depot sell them. For more info go here: www.gotmilkcrates.com Please, return stolen milk crates to their rightful owners. (No, we wouldn't want this particular one back :)

valkgurl 11 years ago

If you are seriously worried about a MILK company WANTING their crate BACK after some one used it as an OUTHOUSE---well I will want your home address so I DON'T MOVE NEARBY. I live in dairy country and I am pretty danged sure NO actual milk companies would desire this BACK.

Now if you don't HAPPEN to have a handy legally acquired milk crate be aware that CAMPMOR in Ramsey NJ (print and on line catalog and amazing store on Rt 17 closed Sundays) sells a PORTABLE TOILET SEAT that is made to go on a 5 gallon bucket for just these needs. They also sell liners and absorbent material for the inside for camping and short term emergency use.

I have heard that certain brands of cat litter can also be used in the bottoms of these liners. And sawdust. Etc. Another hurricane or 10 and we will ALL be scrounging around for these buckets. And maybe even the milk crates! I have used the bucket system and I am 5'2" and it was a bit too SHORT for ME so the crate with legs idea is VERY worthwhile.

And I am pretty sure you could come up with a design using say plywood and even a dab of paint to dress it up for more permanent use. Now if you wanted ta get fancy ya could build WALLS around this-----

Wow what a great idea!!!!!!

Mr.Sanchez 11 years ago

You make me laugh out and loud.So clever.Good luck.