Managing human waste properly is a crucial aspect of responsible camping, ensuring the preservation of natural environments and public health. When camping outdoors, especially in wilderness areas without established facilities, the primary method for dealing with toilet needs is by digging a "cathole." This simple yet effective technique ensures waste decomposes naturally and leaves no trace.
Understanding the Cathole Method
The cathole method involves digging a small hole for human waste. It's an essential skill for any backcountry traveler and aligns with Leave No Trace principles for waste disposal.
Key Steps for Digging a Cathole:
- Choose the Right Location: Select a spot that is at least 150 meters (approximately 200 steps) away from all campsites, trails, and water sources (like rivers, lakes, and streams). This distance helps prevent contamination and ensures privacy. Look for an inconspicuous spot, preferably in rich organic soil, which aids decomposition.
- Digging the Hole: Use a small trowel or stick to dig a hole that is at least 30 centimeters (12 inches) deep. The depth is important for natural decomposition and to prevent animals from digging it up.
- Ensure Sufficient Width: The hole should be wide enough to comfortably accommodate its intended use and to account for bad aim, preventing waste from spilling outside.
- Deposit Waste: Once the hole is ready, use it for your bowel movement.
- Toilet Paper Disposal: After using toilet paper, you have two primary options:
- Burn your toilet paper: Carefully burn the toilet paper in the cathole using a lighter. Ensure it is completely incinerated and that there is no risk of a wildfire.
- Pack it back out with you: If burning isn't feasible or safe (e.g., due to fire restrictions or windy conditions), place all used toilet paper into a sealed, opaque bag (like a zip-top bag inside another bag) and pack it out of the wilderness with you. This is often the preferred and safest method.
- Fill it Back In: Once you are finished, fill the hole back in with the original soil and organic material (like leaves or pine needles). Camouflage the spot to look as undisturbed as possible.
Best Practices for Outdoor Toilet Hygiene
Beyond the cathole, consider these practical tips for maintaining hygiene and minimizing environmental impact:
- Hand Sanitizer: Always carry and use hand sanitizer after using the cathole.
- Biodegradable Soap: If washing hands with water, use a small amount of biodegradable soap and ensure you are at least 60 meters (200 feet) from water sources to prevent contamination.
- Privacy: Choose a location that offers natural screening, such as behind dense bushes or large rocks, for privacy.
- Tools: A small, lightweight trowel is an essential tool for digging catholes.
- Feminine Hygiene Products: These should never be buried or burned. Always pack out all feminine hygiene products in a sealed bag.
Alternatives to Catholes
While catholes are standard, some situations or environments may require different approaches:
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Toilets | Self-contained toilet systems that collect waste in a sealed container. Often used in RVs, car camping, or specific remote areas where burying waste is prohibited or impractical (e.g., desert environments). | Convenient, comfortable, no digging required, ensures complete containment. | Bulky, heavy, requires proper disposal of waste at designated dump stations, can be costly. |
| Wag Bags (Waste Bags) | Specially designed bags that contain a gelling agent to solidify human waste. The entire bag is sealed and packed out. Required in some highly sensitive or high-traffic wilderness areas (e.g., high-altitude mountaineering, slot canyons). | Lightweight, convenient for packing out, required in sensitive environments, simple to use. | Requires carrying out human waste, can be an uncomfortable thought for some, still requires packing out used toilet paper unless included in the bag. |
| Composting Toilets | More permanent structures found in some remote cabins or designated backcountry huts. They separate liquid and solid waste, allowing solids to decompose into compost over time. | Environmentally friendly, reduces water usage, provides a long-term solution. | Not portable, requires maintenance, usually only found in established facilities, not a solution for wild camping. |
Why Proper Waste Management Matters
Improper disposal of human waste can lead to several problems:
- Water Contamination: Pathogens from human waste can contaminate water sources, making them unsafe for drinking and harming aquatic ecosystems.
- Spread of Disease: Bacteria and viruses can spread to other campers, wildlife, and even pets.
- Aesthetics: Visible human waste and toilet paper are unsightly and degrade the natural beauty of the wilderness.
- Wildlife Impact: Animals can be attracted to and consume human waste or toilet paper, which can be harmful to them.
By following these guidelines and adhering to Leave No Trace principles, campers can enjoy the outdoors responsibly while protecting its pristine condition for future generations. For more detailed information, consult resources like the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.
