Proper Disposal of Human Waste

Quick answer

• Know your area: Dispersed camping or established campground? Rules change.
• Pack it out: This is the gold standard for many sensitive areas.
• Catholes: Dig deep, 6-8 inches, 200 feet from water, trails, and camp.
• Wag bags/toilet systems: Invest in a good one for ultimate LNT.
• Toilet paper: Pack it out. Always.
• Wash your hands: Soap and water or sanitizer, before you eat and after.

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

Before you even think about packing the car, get a handle on the ground rules.

• Land manager / legality (who manages the land)

Who owns the dirt you’re about to commune with? Is it National Forest, BLM land, a State Park, or something else? Each has its own rules, and they can be different even within the same agency. A quick look at the managing agency’s website or a call to their local ranger district is usually the first step. It’s worth knowing if you’re in a Wilderness Area, too. Those often have stricter rules.

• Access/road conditions (2WD vs AWD, clearance, mud/snow)

This might seem unrelated, but knowing how you’ll get to your campsite dictates how much gear you can haul. If you’re bouncing down a logging road in a Subaru, you might need a more compact waste solution than if you’re in a truck with plenty of clearance. Check recent conditions if possible. Mud season is no joke.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind

Fire restrictions are critical. If campfires are banned, you’re already thinking about cooking and warmth differently. Wind and weather impact everything, including how quickly your cathole might dry out or how much you want to be out in the elements. Always check the forecast.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace)

This is the big one for waste. Where will you get your water? How will you treat it? And crucially, how will you deal with human waste? For many popular spots, packing out is the only option. For others, catholes are permitted. Understand the expectations before you arrive. Leave No Trace principles are your best friend here.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms)

Know what critters are in the area. Bears, for instance, are attracted to scent. Proper waste disposal helps minimize encounters. Also, know how far you are from any cell service or help. Being prepared for self-sufficiency is key.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Okay, you’re at the site. Time to get practical.

1. Assess your location.

• What to do: Look around. Are you near a water source (stream, lake, spring)? Are you near a trail or a designated campsite? Are there signs of heavy use?
• What “good” looks like: You’ve found a spot that’s at least 200 feet (about 70 big steps) away from any water, trails, and your actual sleeping/cooking area. It’s not a place where others have clearly been going.
• Common mistake: Picking the first flat spot you see without checking distances. This can contaminate water or be a real eyesore for others. Always measure those 200 feet.

2. Determine your disposal method.

• What to do: Based on your pre-trip research, decide if you’re packing it out or digging a cathole. If packing out, get your waste bags ready.
• What “good” looks like: You have your chosen method clearly in mind and the necessary supplies (wag bags, trowel, etc.) readily accessible.
• Common mistake: Realizing you forgot your trowel or waste bags when you really need them. Pack it in, pack it out means packing all the gear for it.

When planning your disposal method, ensure you have the necessary supplies. A reliable camping trowel is essential for digging catholes effectively.

3. If packing out: Prepare your waste bag.

• What to do: Open your wag bag or designated container. Make sure it’s sealed and ready to use.
• What “good” looks like: The bag is open, secure, and you know exactly where you’ll store it (away from food and animals) until you can properly dispose of it at home or a designated facility.
• Common mistake: Not having a secure place to store used waste bags, leading to smells or potential leaks. Double-bagging can help.

4. If digging a cathole: Choose the spot carefully.

• What to do: Find that 200-foot buffer zone we talked about. Look for soil that’s not too rocky or sandy.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve found a spot that meets all the distance requirements and has decent, workable soil.
• Common mistake: Digging too shallow or in poor soil, making it difficult to bury properly or prone to erosion.

5. Dig the cathole (if applicable).

• What to do: Use your trowel to dig a hole that’s 6 to 8 inches deep and about 4 to 6 inches wide.
• What “good” looks like: You have a hole that’s deep enough for solid waste and wide enough to use comfortably.
• Common mistake: Digging a shallow scrape that doesn’t cover the waste adequately, attracting animals or washing away.

For digging catholes, a sturdy camping trowel will make the job much easier and ensure you reach the recommended depth.

6. Use the cathole or waste bag.

• What to do: Do your business. Aim for the hole or into the bag.
• What “good” looks like: You’ve used the facility discreetly and efficiently.
• Common mistake: Missing the hole or bag, requiring extra cleanup.

7. Dispose of toilet paper.

• What to do: Pack out all toilet paper. Do not bury it. Use a separate bag for this.
• What “good” looks like: All used TP is safely in a designated bag, ready to be packed out.
• Common mistake: Burying TP. It decomposes slowly and can be dug up by animals or washed into waterways.

8. Cover and disguise the cathole (if applicable).

• What to do: Fill the hole with the dirt you removed. Tamp it down. Scatter some natural materials (leaves, pine needles) over the spot to make it look undisturbed.
• What “good” looks like: The hole is completely filled, and the area looks like you were never there.
• Common mistake: Not completely filling the hole or leaving obvious signs of digging, which can lead others to use the same spot or attract animals.

9. Clean yourself up.

• What to do: Use hand sanitizer or biodegradable soap and water to wash your hands thoroughly.
• What “good” looks like: Your hands are clean, reducing the spread of germs and odors that could attract wildlife.
• Common mistake: Not washing hands, especially before preparing food. This is a major hygiene and LNT no-no.

10. Pack out all waste.

• What to do: Securely seal all waste bags (human waste, TP, hygiene products) and store them in a way that prevents leaks and odors. Pack them out to a proper disposal site.
• What “good” looks like: All solid and liquid waste, along with associated materials, is safely contained and headed for a trash can or designated facility.
• Common mistake: Leaving waste behind, even in a bag, because it’s “just for a bit.” This is still littering.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Burying toilet paper	Slow decomposition, attracts animals, potential water contamination.	Pack out <em>all</em> used toilet paper in a separate sealed bag.
Digging shallow catholes	Inadequate burial, odors attract animals, potential erosion and water runoff.	Dig catholes 6-8 inches deep.
Not respecting the 200-foot rule	Water contamination, trail blight, increased animal encounters.	Always measure 200 feet from water, trails, and camp. Use a GPS or estimate with steps.
Using established campsites for waste	Overburdening fragile sites, creating unsanitary conditions.	Use designated toilets if available, or follow backcountry LNT for dispersed sites.
Not packing out all waste bags	Littering, attracting wildlife, spreading disease, creating a mess.	Treat all waste bags like trash; pack them out to a proper disposal facility.
Leaving hygiene products behind	Litter, potential for animals to ingest, environmental pollution.	Pack out all wipes, feminine hygiene products, etc.
Not washing hands after use	Spreading germs, attracting animals to your camp with residual odors.	Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or sanitizer after every use.
Relying on “natural decomposition”	Slow breakdown, prolonged odor, animal attraction, potential contamination.	Follow LNT principles for waste disposal; natural decomposition is often too slow in many environments.
Not checking local regulations	Fines, environmental damage, negative impact on future access.	Always check the land manager’s website or call the ranger station for specific rules.
Improper storage of packed-out waste	Odors, leaks, attracting animals, making the pack-out unpleasant.	Use sturdy, leak-proof bags and store them away from food and sleeping areas.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If you are in a designated campground with toilets, then use the toilets because that is their purpose.
• If you are in a Wilderness Area, then check for specific pack-out requirements because these areas often have the strictest rules.
• If the ground is frozen or rocky, then a cathole is likely impractical, so plan to pack it out using waste bags.
• If you are within 200 feet of a water source, then you cannot dig a cathole; find a legal spot or pack it out.
• If you are using a portable toilet system, then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and disposal.
• If you see signs of heavy human use in an area, then consider packing out your waste even if catholes are technically allowed, because it’s a more responsible choice.
• If you are unsure about the regulations, then err on the side of caution and pack it out.
• If you are concerned about wildlife attraction, then packing out is the safest bet, especially in bear country.
• If you are camping on private land, then get explicit permission from the landowner regarding waste disposal.
• If you are on BLM land, then check their specific Recreation.gov page or local office for dispersed camping rules.
• If you are in a high-use National Park backcountry area, then assume you need to pack it out unless stated otherwise.

FAQ

How far away from water do I need to dig a cathole?

Generally, aim for at least 200 feet, which is about 70 adult steps. This distance helps prevent contamination of your drinking water and downstream sources.

What if I can’t dig a cathole because the ground is too hard?

If the ground is frozen, rocky, or otherwise impossible to dig into, you must pack out your waste using a designated waste bag system. This is common in many desert or alpine environments.

Can I just bury my toilet paper?

No, you should pack out all used toilet paper. It decomposes very slowly, can be dug up by animals, and can still pollute water sources.

What is the best way to pack out human waste?

Invest in a quality waste bag system (like WAG bags or specialized camping toilets). These are designed to contain odors and prevent leaks. Double-bagging can add an extra layer of security.

Are there any biodegradable toilet papers that are okay to bury?

While some products claim to be biodegradable, it’s best practice in most backcountry areas to pack out all toilet paper. “Biodegradable” doesn’t always mean it breaks down quickly enough in all conditions to be LNT-friendly.

What do I do with packed-out waste when I get back to civilization?

Dispose of it in a regular trash can or toilet at home or at a designated facility. Never leave waste bags at trailheads or in public trash cans unless explicitly permitted.

How do I store waste bags in my pack so they don’t smell?

Use sturdy, leak-proof bags. Many systems come with odor-neutralizing additives. Storing them in an external pocket or a dedicated, sealed dry bag can also help contain smells.

What about cat holes in very arid desert environments?

Even in arid areas, the 200-foot rule applies. While decomposition might be slower, the risk of water contamination from rare flash floods or groundwater movement still exists. Pack it out if in doubt or if regulations require it.

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

• Specific campsite regulations for individual parks or forests.
• Next steps: Check the official website for the land management agency (USFS, BLM, NPS, State Parks).
• Detailed reviews of portable toilet systems.
• Next steps: Research camping gear reviews for specific product recommendations.
• Advanced techniques for managing menstrual waste in the backcountry.
• Next steps: Look for specialized guides on Leave No Trace and women’s outdoor gear.
• Emergency procedures for dealing with human waste during extended survival situations.
• Next steps: Consult survival training resources and wilderness first aid guides.
• The legal ramifications of improper waste disposal in specific jurisdictions.
• Next steps: Review park or forest regulations and local county ordinances.