HUMAN WASTE
6–1. Background
It is imperative to use proper human waste disposal to prevent disease during contingency operations and training exercises. A camp or bivouac site without proper waste disposal methods can quickly become an ideal breeding ground for flies, rats, and other vermin and may result in disease among Soldiers. There are several methods available for human waste disposal; however, it is important to do so properly based on local, state, Federal, and host nation regulatory requirements.
6–2. Types of latrines
a. Chemical. Chemical latrines are the preferred means of human waste disposal during field training exercises. Logistics personnel can help facilitate the acquisition of chemical latrines and ensure maintenance and upkeep is dictated in the contract. It is essential these latrines are cleaned daily and the contents are pumped out for disposal in an Army-approved wastewater system (ideally, a sanitary sewer). The frequency of emptying is determined by the demand for use of the device. During contingency operations, engineer personnel may construct and operate a sewage lagoon for disposal of chemical latrine waste.
b. Containerized. The containerized latrine system, normally a component of Force Provider units, consists of six privacy stalls with low-water flush toilets, a trough urinal, two waste collection tanks (urinal and toilet waste are stored in separate tanks), two sinks with running hot and cold water, a 6-gallon water heater, mirrors, and dispensers for toilet paper, paper towels and soap. An Environmental Control Unit installed in the rear wall regulates internal temperature, and ventilation systems installed in the front wall and ceiling reduce odor. The containerized latrine system provides a private latrine facility with increased sanitation for 150 Soldiers. Containerized latrines are the preferred means of human waste disposal during contingency operations.
c. Improvised. The types of improvised latrines listed below can be used for field use.
Generally, the use of improvised latrines in the United States is prohibited. Information on the proper construct and use of these devices can be found in FM 4-25.12.
(1) Cat-hole latrine.
(2) Burn out latrine.
(3) Straddle trench latrine.
(4) Deep pit latrine.
(5) Mound latrine.
(6) Pail latrine.
(7) Urinal pipes.
(8) Urinal trough.
6–3. Considerations
There are several aspects to bear in mind when considering the use of field latrines. Latrines should be constructed to prevent the contamination of food and water to ensure the health of the Soldiers.
a. Location. Location of field latrines can play an important role in the prevention of disease.
The following aspects must be considered:
(1) Locate latrines at least 300 feet downwind and downhill from unit food service facilities and at least 100 feet from any unit ground-water source.
(2) Do not dig latrines to the ground-water level or in places where pit contents may drain into water sources.
(3) Build latrines at least 100 feet from billeting but within a reasonable distance for easy access for troops.
(4) Dig a drainage ditch around the edges of the latrine to keep out rainwater and other surface water.
b. Number of latrines to be used. For planning purposes, the number of latrines should be based on 1 toilet and urinal per 25 male Soldiers (4 percent), or 1 toilet per 17 female Soldiers (6 percent).
c. Sanitation. The latrines should be cleaned daily to help prevent the spread of disease. An adequate supply of toilet paper should be stocked and planned for use in the latrines. In addition, a handwashing device should be installed outside of each latrine and should be easy to clean and maintain. Soldiers should be educated on proper handwashing procedures by their unit FST to reduce the threat of disease.
d. Safety. Safety aspects should be considered when planning for the use of field latrines. Ensure latrines are accessible both night and day. Also, when conducting maintenance procedures or the burning of waste for burnout latrines, use the proper PPE. Preventive medicine personnel should be consulted on the particular safety aspects of the method used. For burnout latrines, highly volatile fuels such as JP-4 should not be used because of its explosive nature.
e. Regulatory requirements. Regulatory requirements for local, state, Federal, and host nations often differ and change periodically. Some CONUS military bases are located across more than one state and have to abide by the laws of several states. Commanders should consult with their respective supporting preventive medicine personnel or garrison environmental authorities to ensure compliance with these laws.
f. Closeout of latrines. When a latrine has been filled to within 1 foot of the surface, or when it is to be abandoned, it must be closed. The contents of the pit, the side walls, and the ground surface (to a distance of 2 feet from the side walls) should be sprayed with an approved insecticide. The pit is then filled to ground level with successive, 3-inch layers of earth. Each layer is packed down and its surface is sprayed with a DOD-approved insecticide before the next layer is added. The latrine pit is then mounded over with at least 1 foot of compacted earth. The purpose of this method of closing is to prevent emergence of flies that may hatch in the closed latrine. The location of the latrine should then be plainly marked with a “CLOSED LATRINE” sign and dated, provided the tactical situation permits (see figure 6–1).
6–4. Relief on the move
Relief of bodily functions while a unit is on the move will require prior planning to prevent transmission of disease and ensure human waste is not haphazardly disposed. Commercial products are available that can be used to meet the demand for units on the move. The products include plastic urinals that can be used by both genders for urination. There are also portable latrines that will allow individuals to relieve themselves in a bag containing a matrix that solidifies both urine and feces. These bags can then be disposed as solid waste. Table 6–1 provides NSNs for several portable latrine devices.
