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Nov 11, 2025

Motorhome Off-Grid: Tips for Emptying Waste Pouches

This topic is about finding practical and sanitary ways to empty an ostomy pouch while traveling off-grid in a motorhome. The person is looking for alternatives to their previous method used during tent camping and is concerned about hygiene and discretion.

Here are some helpful suggestions:

1. Use the motorhome toilet indirectly:
- Empty the pouch into a separate container first to avoid awkward kneeling, then pour it into the toilet.
- Add odor-eliminating drops to the pouch or container.
- Ensure the bathroom fan is on and keep the container upright.

2. Direct outdoor disposal (when far from people):
- Step away from populated areas, empty the pouch on the ground, and cover it with dirt or pour water over it to minimize smell and visibility.
- Bring toilet paper, wipes, a rinse bottle, and wear disposable gloves.

3. Bag-and-trash methods:
- Empty directly into a heavy-duty zip-lock or large dog-poo bag, wipe, tie securely, and dispose of it in a rubbish bin.
- Keep tissues or wipes handy, open the van door for ventilation, and dispose of the bag at the next available trash bin.
- Pre-load bags with cat litter, sawdust, pine pellets, or wood shavings to absorb liquid and reduce odor; store the tied bag in a lidded bucket.

4. DIY or specialty catch devices:
- Use a small rectangular container that fits between the legs, line it with a pouch, drill side holes for expansion, tie off, and discard. Store extra bags in the bottom.
- Consider a "RikSac" with a rubber bucket; use a dog-poo bag inside, empty the pouch, back-flush with warm water, tie the bag, and dispose of it at the next waste bin.

5. Switch to sealed (non-drainable) pouches for trips:
- These contain output without splash-back.
- Remove the pouch, clean the stoma with moist wipes, place wipes in the open pouch, and store everything in a disposal sack or dog-poo bag. Double-tie and store in an odor-blocking garbage bag or sealable bucket until disposal.
- These are more expensive, so consider using them only for off-grid travel if cost is a concern.

6. Storage & odor control gear:
- Use screw-top plastic tubs as temporary waste holders.
- Line paint or kitty-litter buckets with odor-masking trash bags for secure garbage storage in the van.
- Add cat litter to each disposal bag and use odor-eliminating drops in the pouch to help with scent.

7. Extra tips from frequent van/RV users:
- Keep a 12 V-to-240 V inverter to warm the wafer with a hair-dryer for better adhesion.
- Carry a 3 L night-drainage bag for urine and empty it into a 5 L water bottle or public toilet when available.
- After emptying inside the van, air it out for five minutes.
See full discusison
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