The trucks attach a hose to the aircraft and suck out all the waste. After it is clear, a new hose gets attached to clean the tank with the disinfecting product. And it's a lot of waste they have to clear too. According to Readers Digest, on a long-haul Boeing 747 flight, the toilet is flushed around 1,000 times.

During a flight in 2026, the cleaning of toilets is primarily a maintenance task performed by the cabin crew, who conduct "quick wipes" of surfaces and restock essentials like soap and paper. On long-haul journeys, attendants may use disinfectant sprays on high-touch areas such as door handles and flush buttons. The actual waste management system is remarkably high-tech; it uses a vacuum-assisted mechanism that "sucks" waste and a blue deodorizing fluid into a holding tank, meaning very little liquid is required. Contrary to common myths, waste is never "dumped" in the air. Once the plane lands, a dedicated ground crew takes over, using a specialized "honey truck" to suction out the waste tanks. The deep-cleaning process between flights involves sanitizing the entire lavatory module with industrial-grade cleaners, mopping the floors, and sometimes using UV light technology or ozone treatments to eliminate persistent odors and bacteria. This multi-layered approach ensures the facilities remain functional and sanitary despite being used by hundreds of passengers in a confined space.