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Case Study

Portable Toilets

Odor Control

Problem

Portable toilet and pumper companies face increasing resistance and escalating regulations from wastewater treatment facilities concerning the chemicals pumped into the systems from pumping trucks. Companies using formaldehyde, or formaldehyde-based odor control products are the main target.

Many products in use create two major problems for treatment facilities. The introduction of toxic products into the system cause “biological kills” of bacteria used to degrade solid waste and control BOD. The toxic products in the effluent create unacceptable water release problems for the facilities.

An additional concern to find an alternative product is the fact that most products in the market are hazardous to handle, and potentially harmful or fatal if ingested.

Companies face a two-fold problem. First, they must have a safe and effective product to control the odors in the portable units. Second, they need a product that is readily accepted by wastewater treatment facilities. Most companies tried natural products acceptable at treatment facilities, but ineffective in controlling the odors in the portable units.

Solution

An Organic Product was formulated for odor control. The field tests were conducted with support of a portable toilet service supplier in southeast Georgia and conducted in a month with daily temperatures ranging 90 to 96⁰F and relative humidity above 90%. The product was found to be extremely effective in controlling odors emitted by portable units. With a system charge of 1 oz. of product, a heavily used test unit was not pumped for 14 days. No offensive odors were present in the unit. The unit eventually had to be pumped and cleaned when it reached volume capacity.

This unique and innovative product, the first of its type, is not a masking agent that covers up unpleasant odors, particularly hydrogen sulfide. It reduces the effluent’s ability to produce odors.

After formulation modifications to meet client needs such as dye and fragrance, the product in various formulations started being used. Customer feedback was very positive with testimonials supporting the product’s effectiveness. The product is accepted by wastewater treatment facilities and provides a residual benefit to the effluent by helping to control hydrogen sulfide odors and corrosion along with reduction in TSS and BOD at the treatment plant.

Conclusion

The same technology that made the Organic Product effective to control hydrogen sulfide in industrial and municipal applications was used to solve problems faced by portable toilet companies. The product is environmentally friendly and will not harm human, animal, or marine life when used as directed. The product is effective in controlling odors emitted by portable toilets. Discharge of effluent from pumping trucks is accepted by waste collection facilities. The product solved the problems associated with the use of toxic chemicals in the treatment of portable toilets.