How Long Toilet Paper Takes to Decompose

Quick answer

• Toilet paper, especially single-ply, can break down in as little as a few days in ideal moist conditions.
• Multi-ply or specialty papers can take weeks or even months.
• Cold, dry, or compacted environments significantly slow decomposition.
• In water, it breaks down faster than on dry land.
• Proper disposal is key to avoiding environmental issues.
• Leave No Trace principles are your best friend out there.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you head out to camp, a little prep goes a long way. This isn’t just about packing the right gear; it’s about being a responsible camper.

• Land manager / legality: Who actually owns or manages the land you’re going to? Is it National Forest, BLM, a State Park, or private? Each has its own rules about waste disposal. Knowing this upfront saves you from a ticket or, worse, damaging the environment. Always check the official website for the specific area you plan to visit.

• Access/road conditions: Is the road to your campsite paved, gravel, or just a dirt track? Will your 2WD sedan make it, or do you need AWD with good clearance? Rain can turn dirt roads into mud pits faster than you can say “stuck.” Check recent reports or call the ranger station if you’re unsure.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is crucial. Are campfires allowed? Are there burn bans in effect? Check the local fire danger level. Also, look at the weather forecast. High winds can make fires dangerous and can also blow trash around. And speaking of trash, wind can easily carry away that rogue toilet paper if it’s not packed out.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): How are you getting water? Do you need to filter or treat it? Equally important: how are you handling waste, including human waste and toilet paper? The Leave No Trace guidelines are your bible here. Know the rules for packing out TP or burying it properly.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): What kind of wildlife shares this area? Know how to store food and handle encounters. How far is the nearest town or ranger station? Do you have cell service, or will you need a satellite communicator? Being prepared for emergencies is just part of the outdoor ethic.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Alright, you’ve done your homework. Now, let’s talk about what happens when you’re actually out in the field, especially regarding that TP.

1. Identify your waste disposal method:

• What to do: Based on your pre-trip checks, determine if you’ll be packing out your used toilet paper or burying it.
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear plan and the right supplies (like sealable bags for packing out, or a trowel for burying).
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Assuming you can just leave it. Avoid this by knowing the LNT principles for the specific area.

If you plan to bury your toilet paper, a durable camping trowel is an essential tool for digging a proper cathole.

2. If packing out: Prepare your waste bag:

• What to do: Get a sturdy, sealable plastic bag ready. Some folks use a dedicated trowel bag or even a small dry bag.
• What “good” looks like: The bag is accessible, clean, and ready to receive used TP without leaks.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Using a flimsy grocery bag. Avoid this by bringing a robust, waterproof bag.

3. If burying: Select a cathole location:

• What to do: Dig a cathole at least 6–8 inches deep, at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) from water sources, trails, and campsites.
• What “good” looks like: The hole is appropriately placed, well-hidden, and deep enough to cover effectively.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Digging too shallow or too close to water. Avoid this by measuring your steps and respecting the 200-foot rule.

4. Use toilet paper sparingly:

• What to do: Tear off only what you need.
• What “good” looks like: You’re conscious of your usage, minimizing waste.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Using a giant wad for a simple task. Avoid this by thinking before you tear.

5. Dispose of used toilet paper:

• What to do: If packing out, place the used TP in your prepared waste bag. If burying, place it in the cathole.
• What “good” looks like: All used TP is contained and ready for proper disposal.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Leaving it on the ground or in a poorly sealed bag. Avoid this by being diligent with your chosen method.

6. For burying: Cover the cathole:

• What to do: Use the original soil and sod to completely cover the cathole. Tamp it down gently.
• What “good” looks like: The site looks as natural as possible, with no visible evidence of the cathole.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Leaving the hole open or poorly covered. Avoid this by taking the extra minute to make it disappear.

7. For packing out: Seal and secure the waste bag:

• What to do: Tightly seal the bag and place it in your backpack where it won’t leak or contaminate other items.
• What “good” looks like: The bag is sealed securely, and you know exactly where it is.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Not sealing the bag properly, leading to odors or leaks. Avoid this by double-checking the seal.

8. Wash your hands:

• What to do: Use hand sanitizer or wash with soap and water.
• What “good” looks like: Your hands are clean, preventing the spread of germs.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Skipping this step, especially if you haven’t used gloves. Avoid this by making it a non-negotiable part of the process.

9. Pack out all waste:

• What to do: Ensure your waste bag is with you when you leave the campsite.
• What “good” looks like: Your campsite is cleaner than you found it.
• A common mistake and how to avoid it: Forgetting your waste bag. Avoid this by doing a final sweep of your site before departing.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Leaving used TP exposed on the ground	Attracts pests, looks unsightly, spreads germs, and is disrespectful to the environment and other users.	Pack it out in a sealed bag or bury it properly in a cathole.
Burying TP too shallowly	Doesn’t decompose properly, can be dug up by animals, and may still be visible.	Dig catholes at least 6–8 inches deep.
Burying TP too close to water sources	Contaminates water with bacteria, harming aquatic life and potentially human health if the water is used.	Always maintain at least 200 feet (70 adult steps) from rivers, lakes, and streams.
Using excessive amounts of TP	Creates more waste to pack out or bury, increasing your impact.	Be mindful of your usage; use only what’s necessary. Consider alternatives like a reusable cloth if appropriate and packable.
Using non-biodegradable or scented TP	These break down much slower and can leave synthetic materials in the environment.	Opt for single-ply, unscented toilet paper designed for camping/RV use, or consider alternatives like a bidet attachment.
Flushing TP in non-designated areas	Clogs septic systems or pit toilets, damages sensitive ecosystems, and can pollute water sources.	Never flush TP unless at a designated restroom facility with a proper sewage system.
Not sealing waste bags properly	Leads to odors, potential leaks, and can attract wildlife to your pack or campsite.	Use sturdy, resealable bags and ensure they are tightly closed before storing.
Relying on natural decomposition in dry areas	In arid or cold environments, TP can persist for a very long time, essentially becoming litter.	In such conditions, packing out is almost always the best and most responsible option.
Forgetting to pack out your waste bag	Leaves trash in the wilderness, harming wildlife and creating a negative visual impact.	Do a thorough sweep of your campsite before leaving and ensure all waste is accounted for.
Not knowing local regulations	Can lead to fines or damage to the environment if you dispose of waste improperly.	Always check with the land manager (USFS, BLM, NPS, State Parks) about their specific waste disposal policies.

To minimize your environmental impact, always opt for biodegradable toilet paper, which is designed to break down much faster than conventional options.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If the area has strict “pack it out” rules for all waste, then pack out your used toilet paper because leaving any waste behind is prohibited.
• If you are camping near a sensitive watershed or alpine environment, then pack out your used toilet paper because decomposition is slow and contamination risk is high.
• If you are in a desert or very dry climate, then pack out your used toilet paper because natural decomposition will be extremely slow.
• If you are in a high-traffic area with established campgrounds and restrooms, then use the provided facilities and follow their specific TP disposal instructions.
• If you are in a backcountry area with no facilities, then dig a cathole at least 200 feet from water and bury your TP because this is the standard Leave No Trace practice for human waste.
• If you are unsure about the local regulations, then err on the side of caution and pack out your used toilet paper because it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
• If your toilet paper is multi-ply or heavily scented, then pack it out because it will decompose slower than single-ply paper and may contain chemicals.
• If you have a personal bidet or reusable cleansing system, then consider packing out any minimal TP used, or none at all, because this significantly reduces waste.
• If you are in a designated dispersed camping area that has specific waste disposal instructions (e.g., “pack out all trash”), then follow those instructions precisely.
• If you are in an area where wildfire risk is high, then pack out your TP to avoid any potential ignition sources, however small.

FAQ

How fast does toilet paper decompose in water?

In moving water, single-ply toilet paper can break down in as little as a day or two. It dissolves pretty quickly once it’s wet and agitated.

Does multi-ply toilet paper decompose faster or slower?

Multi-ply toilet paper generally decomposes slower. The extra layers and sometimes binders can make it take longer to break apart compared to single-ply.

What about RV or biodegradable toilet paper?

“Biodegradable” or “RV-safe” toilet paper is designed to break down much faster in septic systems or holding tanks. It’s usually a good choice for camping, but still follow LNT principles.

For camping, consider using a high-quality biodegradable toilet paper like this one to ensure it breaks down efficiently and responsibly.

Can I just burn my toilet paper?

Generally, no. Burning toilet paper is not recommended. It can be unpredictable, especially in windy conditions, and doesn’t always burn completely, leaving behind residue. Plus, it’s often against fire restrictions.

What’s the best way to pack out used toilet paper?

Use a sturdy, sealable plastic bag. Many campers use a dedicated trowel bag or a small dry bag. Double-bagging can help with odor control.

How deep should a cathole be for burying toilet paper?

A cathole should be at least 6 to 8 inches deep. This depth helps ensure proper decomposition and prevents animals from digging it up.

What if I’m in a very cold or very dry environment?

In extreme cold or dry conditions, decomposition slows dramatically. In these situations, packing out your toilet paper is the most responsible choice.

Does the type of soil affect decomposition?

Yes, moist, healthy soil with plenty of microorganisms will speed up decomposition. Dry, sandy, or compacted soil will slow it down significantly.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific regulations for individual national parks or forest service districts.
• Detailed instructions on building advanced composting toilets.
• Reviews of specific camping toilet brands or portable waste systems.
• In-depth guidance on identifying poisonous plants or animals in your camping region.
• Advanced navigation techniques or wilderness survival skills.