The Future of Portable Sanitation: From Harmful Chemicals to Sustainable Green Cleaning Technologies

Portable toilets (PTs) play a crucial role in addressing global sanitation needs at events, construction sites, disaster areas, and remote locations. However, conventional cleaning products for PTs often contain harmful chemicals, which pose environmental risks. These substances negatively impact wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) microorganisms and overload treatment systems. Worldwide regulatory changes are pushing for products that are safe for both end-users and the environment. This trend is driving the need for new formulations and technologies in PT products. While popular PT cleaning solutions effectively control odors and pathogens, they often cause ecotoxicity and regulatory issues. Consequently, there is a growing need to explore alternative solutions free from the drawbacks of harmful chemicals. This review examines available environmentally friendly solutions and critically evaluates their potential for use in cleaning portable toilets. Biopreparations containing microorganisms and/or enzymes show exceptional promise. These solutions accelerate organic breakdown, increase the biodegradability of PTs wastewater, suppress odors, and reduce sludge volume. Transitioning to sustainable, bio-based cleaners is essential for environmental protection and regulatory compliance. Therefore, despite some limitations of biopreparations, it is envisioned that the future portable toilets will move towards engineered biopreparation for sustainable, chemical-free sanitation solutions.