In the UK, do trains really flush there toilets onto the train tracks? If so is it safe?

Question

At Kings Cross station there is a sign saying please do not flush the on train toilet while stopped at a station as it goes onto the track. Does it really go on to the track? If so is it safe?

Answer 1

The UK rail network is now split up and owned by several large, private companies such as Virgin Trains, etc. Each company has its own policy, and the waste-spraying scandal belongs to Virgin Trains; their toilets were spraying waste at very high speeds right onto the tracks, and this was particularly rough on the technicians and engineers who worked on the tracks. It's incredibly unhygienic, but not exactly 'dangerous'. In any case; the company put out a statement recently saying that they acknowledge that the problem exists, and will be doing all they can to fix it.

Answer 2

Yes, toilet waste is dumped on the tracks. Some companies, however, treat the effluent with disinfectant before it is dumped. In New Zealand, where I'm from, trains have holding tanks which are pumped out. This is done for hygiene reasons, and also because effluent gets into drinking water. Further to the other respondent, Airlines have holding tanks, too, although these can be emptied voluntarily over large bodies of water (i.e. oceans).

Answer 3

I've often wondered this while waiting at Liverpool Street Station, they have the signs there too.

I can't believe they would actually flush the waste directly onto the track! Must be unhygienic for the guys working on the tracks!!

Yuck!

Answer 4

Yes trains do really flush on to the track, is it safe, probably not, I would suggest not living too close to trains tracks just in case.

Answer 5

Yes, this is true. And do you know what happens when you flush the toilet on planes? That's right, it goes off into the air and end up back on the ground (in small particles of course).

Answer 6

Yep we cr*p on the track in the UK.
Most of the world does too.
We tend not to when the train is at the station as the stench would upset the passengers.
Where are you from and what do you do with your?

Answer 7

I lived in swizerland for 4 years and there the trains do the same thing. if you flush you can see the tracks under you. It's biodgradable so I guess its ok even though it seems weird

Answer 8

Yes, unfortunately brittish trains is a dirty bussiness, not only does it cost more than taking a flight around the world and back to get from London to Newcastle, but they also dump the **** on the track, and than we drink it, as it seaps through to the ground water.. lovely

Answer 9

They also have chemical spraying methods in place to make sure the vandals aren't at risk when the little chavs are ripping up the tracks and endangering life ... otherwise the little knobs would sue the ars'e of the rail companies... Great here init??

Answer 10

Ok then so for arguements sake if it were flushed while in motion, would it still go on the track??

Don't think that is so.