A portable toilet (10) having a battery operated flushing assembly that is powered by batteries (76) carried in the toilet. The batteries provide for a "pulsed" flushing action of the flush water and this is achieved by the use of an axial flow pump (36,60) which is operable to lift small amounts of water small distances to the bowl (16) in a repeatable fashion. This facilitates flushing of the toilet, makes it easier for the user to flush the toilet, and provides for efficient and complete flushing.