Dispose of Waste Properly
When recreating in the outdoors it is important to properly dispose of waste. There are a few different types of waste: trash, human waste, and greywater waste. Each of these has different disposal methods.
Here’s the hand sign to help you remember LNT Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly.
Disposal of trash
- Pack out what you pack in.
- Be sure to carry out any trash that you brought in. Along with any trash that you might find while recreating.
- Bring trash bag(s).
- Pick up pet waste and pack it out.
Disposal of Human waste
Create a “cat hole” as a method of human waste disposal. Create cat holes at least 200 feet (about 70 adult paces) from water, trails, and camp. Dig a “cathole” 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter for the waste.
Greywater
- Bring some kind of container/bin to catch your graywater and allow easy and proper disposal.
- The food particles in the water can attract animals to the camp, and the gray water can affect nearby water sources. So be sure to go at least 200 feet (about 70 adult paces) from water, trails, and camp. Then widely scatter the water.
- If possible, find a sink or flush toilet to dispose of the greywater. Some campgrounds have designated greywater disposal areas.
