SCAT Machine Carry-Out Program Implementation

•  20 mm Ammunition Boxes
• 5 Gallon Plastic Buckets of at least 13" in height
• The Green Machine:  made by Curt Chang
• The SCAT Packer:  made by Wilson Enterprises
• Johnnie Partner:  made by Partner Steel
• The SCAT Machine Toilet:  made by Frenchglen Blacksmiths
• Other toilets of similar dimension, and opening size and placement.

These toilets have been found to be acceptable and work well in the SCAT Machine. There may be other toilets that will work in the machine. However, we cannot guarantee results if other toilets are used in the SCAT Machine. Users should be encouraged to use one of the above proven toilets.

The full wash cycle takes approximately two minutes. During the wash cycle, different high pressure nozzles and jets are activated to make the most efficient use of the water in the system. These nozzles operate between 80 and 100 PSI. The system requires approximately 30 gallons of water per minute during certain periods of the wash cycle. Most water systems will not accommodate this volume. Consequently, we include a fresh water holding reservoir with shut off valve in the total system. Over the two minute cycle, the machine will use a total of 46.5 gallons of water. At first glance, this sounds like a lot of water but consider this: On a five day river trip, fifteen people generate somewhere in the neighborhood of 75 toilet uses. If these same people used a conventional toilet which required 2.5 gallons of water per use, that would mean a total of 375 gallons were used to dispose of the same 75 uses that the SCAT Machine is using 46.5 gallons to do. It is very efficient when compared in this manner. The SCAT Machine uses .62 gallons per toilet use as opposed to 2.5 gallons per conventional toilet use.

The machine also has a locking mechanism on the wash box that is automatically opened when an individual inserts the proper amount of money into the bill validator. This particular aspect of the machine is optional. However, we highly recommend a fee access system. Mainly, we are concerned with vandalism to the inside of the machine, such as someone dropping large sacks of garbage inside, that would render the machine inoperable. Vandalism to the inside of the machine would probably mean some down time. The managing agency is welcome to charge whatever it sees fit to access the machine.

The SCAT Machine provides the public with a quick painless means with which to clean out their portable toilets. They will not know how to carry-out their waste efficiently without plastic bags unless they are taught how to do so. We have experimented with different toilets and deodorizers for use with these toilets on back country trips. We have found that the old standbys, either 20mm ammunition boxes or 5 gallon buckets, were just as efficient as the high tech toilets.

Users should use some sort of deodorizer in their toilet system. We found that a liquid "pine-sol" type deodorizer worked the best at cutting odor. The user should put a small amount (¼ cup) in the bottom of the toilet and then add small amounts as needed over the course of the toilets use. Other resources for chemicals include Southwest Hallowell (602-966-3988) and Tri Synergy, Inc. (619-747-6076). Users should continue to separate solid waste and urine. Liquid should be kept to a minimum while the toilet is in use. As much liquid(water) as possible should be added on the last time the toilet is closed up before washing. This will help with the cleaning process and assist in preventing dried on waste inside the toilet..

Individuals using 20mm ammunition boxes should be advised to paint the inside of the cans with several coats of good enamel paint to make a smooth slick surface and to prevent corrosion. People should also check to be sure that their 20mm can is water tight.

Users should make a toilet box that is exclusively for toilet items. The box items should include at least two 2-foot straps if using a 20mm can, Johnnie Partner toilet, or the Green Machine; or 1 4-foot strap for use with 5 gallon buckets; rubber gloves; a toilet brush; sanitary wipes; and a deodorizer of choice.

The managing agency should also think about how to handle unexpected down time with the SCAT Machine, perhaps due to a user who has put unacceptable debris in the Machine. Unforeseen circumstances such as long term power outage will directly affect this entire carry-out program. One method of dealing with this problem is to post a sign offering a repository in which people may place their toilets leaving their name and address on them for clean-out by agency personnel at a later date. The agency can then clean and return the toilets at a later date.