Where to “GO” during the Pandemic
A practical guide when nature calls and Public Toilets are closed (Due to the Pandemic) produced by Fife Coast & Countryside Trust
Before you travel
When outdoors we all need to keep ourselves adequately hydrated and fed therefore it is likely that you or a family member may need the toilet. The provision of public toilets is not a statutory requirement in the United Kingdom, but when visiting many of our beaches, parks and other beauty spots we normally have these facilities available. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic it’s not possible to safely provide public toilets. Therefore, this guide has been put together to provide some practical alternative measures we can all take when nature calls.
Planning Ahead
Prior to leaving your home consider the opportunity for everyone to use the household toilet rather than getting caught short. Also follow government guidance and do not to travel more than 5 miles.
Let’s Talk About It
We might not like the idea, but we all need to talk about going to the toilet. Chatting to friends and family about sanitation will help raise awareness, best practice and prevent the potential spread of disease.
Section 47 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act
Any person who urinates or defecates in such circumstances as to cause, annoyance to any other person shall be guilty of an offence and liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £500.
When nature calls
Children
If you have young children who are out of nappies plan for the worst and take the following items:
A plastic pail with a lid
Toilet paper
Hand sanitizing gel
With the lid sealed all waste contents can be stored safely and deposited into your domestic toilet when you return home.
Adults (For those who can’t wait to get home)
If you need to urinate, do so at least 30 metres from open water or rivers and streams. If you need to defecate, do so as far away as possible from buildings, from open water or rivers and streams (50 metres or further). Please bury faeces in a shallow hole (15cm) always replacing the turf, take your toilet paper and all sanitary products home for safe disposal. You will need the following items:
A small trowel
Toilet paper Hand sanitizing gel
Never place a rock on top of a faecal matter as it only slows down the decomposition process and don’t toilet near farm animals or crops. Please be discrete at all times.
Disposal on site
In some locations, burying is not advised. Ecologically sensitive areas, such as sand dunes, beaches, and wildflower meadows are off limits, an alternative site must be found. Cultivated fields must be avoided as they are growing food stuffs often for human consumption.
How to Use Hand Sanitiser
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol and always supervise young children.
Apply sanitizer to a cupped hand
Rub hands together, until hands feel dry (this takes around 20 seconds)
Do not rinse or wipe off the hand sanitizer before it’s dry; it may not work as well against germs.
To view the full Scottish Outdoor Access Code go to www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot
