How to Properly Dispose of Waste in the Backcountry
Last month we talked about the Leave No Trace Principles, which help us be safe and respectful in the outdoors. We briefly mentioned disposing of waste properly and we were surprised by how many people told us they didn’t know how to poop outside. For our March blog, we bring you a quick guide on how to safely get rid of your unwanted items while in natural spaces.
How to Poop in the Woods:
Everyone poops and it’s important to remember that pooping in the woods is no big deal. For us, it’s actually a preference. Let’s talk about ideal to less ideal scenarios.
First of all, if there is an accessible toilet, use it. Often these toilets are put in place to centralize the disturbance to the environment. Always look for a toilet, outhouse, porta potty, or pit toilet to respect the boundaries of natural spaces. If there’s no established toilet in sight, it’s time to dig a hole. Find an area with healthy, rich soil at least 200 feet from a water source. Dig into the earth about 8 inches deep and as wide as you think you need. Do your business and wipe with your foliage of choice. Lily prefers a leaf, Aaron likes a stick. It’s okay to wipe with toilet paper, as long as it gets mixed in with the waste or packed out in a ziplock bag.
Once you finish, sprinkle loose dirt into the poop hole and mix with a sturdy stick to break the outside membrane. If you used a trowel to dig your hole, do not mix your poop stew with your trowel. There should be no poop going home with you. Then cover the rest of the hole with the dirt you dug out. Push a stick vertically into the ground on top of the hole to mark the area as a warning to others. Finally, brush leaves over the top of the spot. The goal here is to make the area look natural and untouched.
How to Dispose of Gray Water:
Gray water is wastewater without fecal contamination, like water from sinks, showers, washing machines, etc. In the backcountry, this could be pasta water, dish washing water, or toothpaste water. Just like for human waste, look for a designated gray water dumping area. If there is nothing around, learn the art of the broadcast. Whenever you broadcast, make sure you’re 200 feet away from a water source. To broadcast a liquid, toss it so it sprays. The goal is to throw the wastewater in a fan shape by whipping the pot sideways as you dump it, as shown in the video below. If all you have to broadcast is leftover pasta water, you can always drink what’s left for a warm and filling dessert treat!
How to Manage Extra Food:
Eat what you make and do your best to limit excess. If you do make too much food, put it in a bag and carry it out. It is never appropriate to leave food in the backcountry. Do not bury or burn your food as this can attract curious animals to your cooking area. When in doubt, carry it out.
How to Handle a Backcountry Period:
Over half of the people on this planet bleed every month but there’s no reason to let that keep anyone from exploring the outdoors. Lily suggests using a silicone menstrual cup. They are easy to use, clean, and change. Plus there is a minimal risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome. If you’re a person who prefers pads or tampons, bring a small sealable plastic bag with you and some tea bags. When you remove your bloody item, put it in the bag with a tea bag to help reduce smell and absorb moisture. If staying overnight, store this bag in your bear bag.
Hopefully this disposal guide was helpful and you have a new understanding of how to get rid of garbage in the outdoors. Nothing can stop you from getting out there! Go forth and explore with confidence and preparation!
:)
Lily and Aaron
