Q: A vandweller asked about if they need a metal can or storing poop outside. Ultimately, they wanted to deal with the smell.
Here is my long answer
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A:
Metal works, but is overkill. There are fine plastic ones, you can get for less than $5. Anything wide mouth and rigid.
If airtight doesn't matter, just get a $1 dollar tree bin.
Details:
Coffee can works well and is airtight. But you might need 2. (1 gal, approximately)
You can buy some large 2gal~ barrels that are plastic and filled with snacks. Costco pretzels or pork rinds or cheese balls.
Walmart has cheese balls by Utz. Or you can buy them off amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001HBEE4E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_SCJFRF2Z3428RQZ4N8ES
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Considerations:
If you want to store outdoors, you want something that is animal resistant. So you want metal, rigid plastic, or completely odor proof. Being completely odor proof is difficult. How much you will attract animals will depend on your environment. Desert vs forest.
If you want to keep it in your van, animals matter less, but odor more. The odor ideas above are good. And everyone has different levels of sensitivity.
If space is an issue (small van, rather than an RV), then 5 gallon bucket can be too much space and 90% of the time it is half empty or more. Consider having a main container that can hold 3-5 days assuming you usually can dump and resupply every 3-5 days. And then have an "overflow" system. The simplest overflow system would be 1 gal ziploc bags and lots of double bagging. That is great because it is small and compressible when not in use. 5 bags of 1 gallon ziplocs = 1 5gallon bucket! For overflow, I will also use what I have that's already garbage: chip bags. Oatmeal containers (paper, but with good lid). Cardboard boxes.
If you are long-terming it between visits to town, then something that holds 20+ days regularly will be more important. The gamma lid is the one Bob talks about in videos. Then, you might also learn how to build a cathole and bury the poop.
Others have great ideas too:
Laura Keadle , the paint can. But need a screwdriver to open and close.
Ann Schawe chip bags are great. A bag clip that is full size can help seal it. Ikea has good bag clips.
Dennis Portillo military ammo cans are great.
You generally don't want paper because animals can chew through too easily. But I use a paper box sometimes and double bag the poop.
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Some people like videos. This is Bob's video on poop and pee. Covers 5 gal buckets, gamma lid, and a few other options.
https://youtu.be/-gj3ocdO4Qk
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