Dispose of Waste ProperlyLeave No Trace Trainer Certification

Tripp Clark October 2011

Goals

• Understand and Discuss– Pack it in, pack it out. – Catholes– Pack out toilet paper, medical wastes

and hygiene products.– Proper washing methods for self and

dishes

How long will it last?

• Paper– Two to four weeks

• Banana Peel– Three to five weeks

• Wool cap– One year

• Cigarette butt– Two to five years

• Plastic drink bottle or milk jug– 20 to 30 years

• Rubber boot sole– 50 to 80 years

• Tin can– 80 to 100 years

• Aluminum can– 200 to 400 years

• Plastic six-pack holder– 450 years

• Glass bottles– Thousands or millions

of years

Pack it in, pack it out

• Reduce packaging materials (Plan Ahead and Prepare)– Reduces trash & saves weight and bulk

• Never bury food scraps• Carry a trash bag for your trash and trash that

you find left by others• Pack out even natural food waste

Four Goals Concerning Human Waste Disposal

• Minimize the chances of water pollution• Minimize the chances that other people,

animals or insects could come into contact with the waste and then potentially spread disease

• Minimize any aesthetic issues associated with human waste

• Maximize the decomposition rate

Know Your Group

• Think carefully about the maturity of your group when considering how you will dispose of human waste. With young children and novices, you will need to be extremely diligent about instruction and compliance, and you may want to camp near toilet facilities, trashcans and potable water initially.

Catholes

• In most areas, catholes are an acceptable option for human waste disposal.

• Catholes should be 6-8 inches deep and located 200 feet (80 adult paces) from any campsite, water source, or drainages.

• Instruct your group thoroughly on the appropriate use of catholes and carry trowels for digging.– “Cathole Kit”

Trench Latrine

• Sometimes a trench latrine may be preferred over a cathole, such as when camping with young children or if staying in one camp for longer than a few nights.

• Since this higher concentration of feces will decompose very slowly, location is especially important.

• Deposit feces in one end of the trench and lengthen the other end as needed.

• Speed decomposition and diminish odors is to toss in a handful of duff after each use.

Bucket Method

• Simplified method to Pack it Out• Often used on extended boating

excursions• Bucket lined with several plastic bags• Bags are tied off after each use

Toilet Paper• Use toilet paper sparingly and use only

plain, white, non-perfumed• Toilet paper must be disposed of properly

– thoroughly buried in a cathole– placed in plastic bags and packed out

• best way to practice Leave No Trace

• Never burn toilet paper because of the danger of starting a wildfire.

• medical wastes and hygiene products must always be packed out

Urine

• Urine has little direct effect on vegetation or soil.• Urine may draw wildlife that are attracted to the

salts; wildlife may defoliate plants and dig up soil. • Because urine has an objectionable odor, be sure to

urinate at least 200 feet from a campsite or trail.• Urinating on rocks, pine needles, and gravel is less

likely to attract wildlife. • Diluting urine with water from a water bottle also

can help minimize negative effects.

Washing Methods

• Strain dishwater to remove food scraps, pack these out with the rest of your trash.

• Strained dishwater can be scattered well away from camp.

• Use methods that avoid dirty dishes • Wash dishes or bathe more than 200 feet from water

sources and minimize use of soap. • Inspect your campsite and lunch areas carefully for

trash or food scraps before moving on.

Activity

• Let’s dig a cathole