What is a characteristic of the burn-out latrine?

• A. 4 parts diesel to 1 part gasoline
• B. Must stir contents continuously
• C. Remaining ash must be buried
• D. Uses 55-gallon drum: whole or in half

Answer: (D)

Burn-out latrines are field-incinerating toilets designed to reduce waste volume by burning it in a metal container. The defining feature is the use of a standard 55-gallon drum as the combustion chamber, used either intact or cut in half to create the burning chamber. This setup makes the system portable and simple to construct in austere settings, while effectively reducing pathogen load. The other statements don’t describe the characteristic feature: mixing fuels is not a standard or safe requirement, continuous stirring isn’t part of the burn process, and disposal of ash isn’t the defining trait of the latrine’s design.