Train toilets

[Oleanda]

'Do not use the toilet while the train is in the station'. Does that still apply, or was it always an old wives tale?

[clairemca]

I always thought it was because they used to empty the toilets as the train was moving. Pretty disguisting. Is uppose the newer trains have tanks.

[PaulYukochan]

I can confirm that, in france in 1998, the train toilet emptied directly onto the tracks, i could see them and the ground below going past. Unfortunately, i couldn`t read the french sign that said `Dont use if the train is in a station`. Maybe if all trains did this nowadays, then there would be no need to tell children not to play on the tracks!

[Gef]

Trains built before the 1980s dumped straight onto the track. Now you might even be washing your hands in recycled water. Have a look at http://www.nature.com/nsu/021202/021202-1.html

[StevieBoy]

Yes, it does still happen, and yes it does still empty straight onto the track. Rail workers are told to raise their hand to acknowledge a passing train. .... and soon learn to turn away as it goes past in case someone is flushing.

[foggy]

yes, it does still apply, the waste is emptied into a trough between the rails so at a station i suppose it would be a health hazard

[ninalondon]

I was on a train in Russia just a few years ago and when I flushed I could see the moving track beneath. Lovely!