Imagine your first morning in the wilderness. You wake up to a breathtaking sunrise. Rubbing your eyes you survey the crystal-clear lake surrounded by elegant pine trees. Yesterday, you escaped the crowded city and found this hidden gem, your first dispersed campsite. But with newfound freedom comes great responsibility to leave nature as you found it! This includes the correct disposal of human waste. It is an essential job in order to protect the environment.
The best method is digging a cathole at least 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet from water sources, and burying waste completely. For convenience, wag bags (portable toilets) offer a pack-out alternative. Always follow local regulations and Leave No Trace principles.
In this guide we’ll delve into the best methods for disposing of human waste. The tried and trusted method above, the ‘cathole’ technique. And also explore the convenient and popular alternative – the wag bag.
We will help first-time dispersed campers make the right choice. Seasoned campers can benefit if they haven’t been employing these techniques. You’ll be equipped with the right knowledge and options to dispose of waste correctly and safely and minimize your effect on the wilderness.
If you are wondering what is the issue with how you dispose of human waste, here is an outline of the problem.
Cowgill 1971 stated, ‘Over 100 bacteria, protozoans, and viruses are potentially present in human feces and capable of causing illness.’
Davies and Hibler 1979 said, ‘Wild animals may dig up and consume feces, possibly becoming infected.’
The importance of Proper waste disposal
As you see your poop isn’t sweet and innocent. In fact, it is a potential biohazard. But don’t worry, help is at hand. In America you have the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles to guide you in your camping activities. It is a set of ethics promoted by the Leave No Trace Center and organizations such as the National Park Service. The guide highlights proper waste disposal as the cornerstone of environmental protection.
Improper disposal of human waste contaminates water sources, posing a risk to humans and wildlife. You can also disrupt soil health, affecting plant growth and change the ecosystem. Additionally, waste will attract insects and spread disease.
Dispersed camping camping areas will usually have specific regulations regarding disposal of waste, you will often face potential fines for non-compliance. Following the guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for ourselves and future campers.
Source: Leave No Trace Center: https://lnt.org/ (This citation supports information about Leave No Trace principles and their importance)
Understanding Dispersed Camping
I’ve written a whole article discussing ‘dispersed camping for beginners’ but here is a brief outline. Dispersed camping is sometimes called wild camping or boondocking. People feel it is a unique way to connect with nature and they are right! You’ll set up your camp outside of designated areas, usually in national forests or on Bureau of Land Management land. This freedom comes with stunning scenery and an incredible solitude.
However, there’s a flip side to this way of camping. A lack of amenities like restrooms and showers. So, proper waste disposal falls on you. Embrace your responsibility and be a model camper, you’ll minimize your impact on the wildlife and future campers.
Choosing the Right Waste Disposal Method
Selecting the best waste disposal method needs some planning. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:
- Location – Terrain and soil type is an important factor. Sandy soil can be ineffective and won’t hold a cathole. A rocky terrain will make digging challenging and time may be of the essence. Proximity to water is important to know, always maintain a safe distance of at least 200 feet. This is vital to prevent contamination.
- Group Size – Bigger groups will generate more waste, this inturn impacts your chosen method’s effectiveness. Look for designated waste disposal areas if available, or choose pack-out solutions like wag bags.
- Regulations – Always read up on local regulations before you set off for the wilderness. Some areas may have restrictions on methods advocated in this article due to specific environmental issues. Check with the relevant sources such as the National Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management.
The Classic Method: Catholes
The cathole is the trusted method of dispersed camping waste disposal. First look for a bit of privacy, some hikers might be in the area. You must dig a shallow hole (6-8 inches deep) and be at a safe distance from your campsite and any water sources. Completely bury the waste with soil. This will ensure proper decomposition and minimize odor.
A trowel provides ease of digging, especially when you come across harder terrain. For a good packable option, choose a lightweight, collapsible shovel designed for camping. It’s a compact tool that offers convenience, you’ll quickly dig your hole. If you don’t have anything a stick or sturdy rock will have to do.
So it’s reasonably straightforward. Just check the regulations for the dispersed area you are in and you can go in peace. If you are wondering about an alternative, let’s talk about wag bags.
Enter the Wag Bag
Wag bags are portable sanitation kits that are used in sensitive ecosystems. They are a great alternative if your dispersed campsite has strict regulations against cat holes. Again, a little research will reveal which method you should be using before you hit the road.
The wag bag (waste alleviating gel) offers a sanitized and convenient alternative to the cathole method. There are many variations and brands available, but they usually contain a toilet bag with a liner, made of absorbent material, and often, a deodorizing agent. Using a wag bag is easy enough – follow the instructions and use it as intended. Then finish by securing both the inner liner with the outer bag. Double-bagging is important to add an extra layer of odor control and avoid leaks.
Responsible Packing Out
Wag bags are great, but you can’t just toss them into the wilderness when you are finished. They are not designed to be left behind. Be on the lookout for designated waste stations. Alternatively, you can pack them out in a sealed container. It must be leak-proof otherwise a curious creature may investigate.
By embracing responsible waste disposal methods such as wag bags, you’ll be a top dog in the world of dispersed camping. Choosing the most suitable option based on your location is the first step. Check the regulations and you’ll minimize your effect on the wilderness. Responsible camping means only leaving footprints and happy memories when you leave.
Conclusion
Dispersed camping offers a unique experience among nature’s beauty. But, remember you become a steward of the wilderness for the duration of your trip. Responsible waste disposal, either through the trusted cathole method or through more modern methods such as the wag bag, is the cornerstone of a good trip. By finding the most suitable option based on regulations and location, you limit your environmental impact.
Plan ahead: Knowledge is power! Before leaving your house, check the recommended waste disposal method for your camping area. Websites such as the Bureau of Land Management, the National Forest Service, or a local park authority will give you the information you need.
Additionally, purchase the necessary tools. This might be a sturdy trowel, a collapsible shovel, or eco-friendly wag bags. You’ll ensure a smooth and responsible waste disposal experience. Become a ‘pack it in, pack it out’ hero!
Reading and resources
- Leave No Trace Center: This is the go-to resource for Leave No Trace principles and outdoor ethics. Their website provides comprehensive information on proper waste disposal in the backcountry: https://lnt.org/about/
- National Forest Service: The National Forest Service website offers information on specific dispersed camping regulations and Leave No Trace practices within National Forests: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/fishlake/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5121831
- Bureau of Land Management: Similar to the National Forest Service, the BLM website has information on dispersed camping regulations and Leave No Trace principles for BLM-managed lands: https://www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/camping
Articles and Gear Resources:
- The Dyrt – Dispersed Camping Guide: This article provides a guide to waste disposal use the wag bag: https://thedyrt.com/magazine/gear/wag-bag-camping-waste/
- Montem – Guide to Camping Toilets: This article from Montem offers a breakdown of different types of portable toilets and wag bags available for dispersed camping: https://montemlife.com/blogs/hiking-blog/camping-toilet-guide
Literature Cited
Davies, R. B., and C. P. Hibler. 1979. Animal reservoirs and cross-species transmission of giardia. Pages 104–125 in W. Jakubowski and J. C. Hoff (eds.), Waterborne transmission of giardiasis. EPA 600/9-79-001, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
Cowgill, P. 1971. Too many people on the Colorado River. The Environmental Journal 45:10–14.
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