Proper human waste disposal is a fundamental aspect of Leave No Trace (LNT) principles when venturing into natural environments. Ignoring responsible methods leads to health risks, environmental contamination, and negative impacts on wildlife. The goal is to ensure waste decomposes quickly without polluting water sources or creating unsightly messes. Following established wilderness sanitation techniques maintains the ecological integrity and aesthetic value of outdoor spaces.
Preparing the Cathole: Depth and Location
The first step is selecting an appropriate location for the cathole. LNT guidelines require the site to be at least 200 feet, or approximately 70 adult paces, away from all water sources, including streams, lakes, and springs. This distance helps prevent pathogen runoff, such as E. coli, from contaminating the water supply. The 200-foot distance must also be maintained from hiking trails and established campsites to preserve the wilderness experience for others.
Once a secluded spot is chosen, look for dark, rich, organic soil, preferably in an area exposed to sunlight. Organic soil contains the highest concentration of microorganisms and invertebrates necessary to accelerate decomposition. A small garden trowel or specialized backcountry shovel is necessary for digging the hole efficiently.
The standard cathole requires specific dimensions to maximize decomposition rates and ensure proper coverage. It should be dug 6 to 8 inches deep, placing the waste within the biologically active layer of the soil. The hole should be 4 to 6 inches wide, large enough to comfortably contain the waste.
This depth places the waste beneath the top layer where animals might dig, yet keeps it above the inert subsoil. The topsoil environment, rich in oxygen and moisture, promotes aerobic bacteria that break down organic matter most effectively. Selecting a sunny, well-drained area further assists decomposition by elevating the soil temperature.
Proper Waste Burial Technique
After preparing the site, ensure all bodily waste is deposited directly and completely into the 6-to-8-inch deep cathole. Keeping the waste concentrated simplifies the subsequent burial and restoration process. Crouch or sit with stability over the hole to prevent spillage onto the surrounding ground.
Once deposition is complete, lightly stir the waste with a small amount of the removed soil. This introduces microorganisms and beneficial bacteria directly into the fecal matter, initiating the breakdown process more rapidly. Immediately after, use the original dirt to completely fill the hole back up to the surface level.
Do not pack the soil down too firmly, as this compresses oxygen out of the ground and slows aerobic decomposition. Restore the site to its original, natural appearance to eliminate visual evidence of the cathole. Restoration prevents other hikers from encountering the site and reduces the chance of wildlife disturbance.
To fully camouflage the burial site, place any natural materials that were initially moved—such as leaf litter, pine needles, or small sticks—back over the filled-in dirt. This final step minimizes the visual impact and returns the area to its former state. A properly executed burial means the site should be undetectable to a casual observer.
The use of organic topsoil in the burial process is a deliberate biological strategy. The humus-rich layer is a living substrate where moisture and temperature fluctuations support rapid microbial activity. These microbes rely on the organic carbon and nitrogen in the waste, recycling the nutrients back into the ecosystem over a period ranging from six months to a year, depending on climate.
Managing Hygiene and Non-Biodegradable Waste
While bodily waste can be buried, all non-biodegradable hygiene products must be strictly packed out of the wilderness area. This includes toilet paper, sanitary wipes, and feminine hygiene products, even if marketed as “biodegradable.” Toilet paper decomposes slowly, often taking months or years, and can be easily dug up by curious animals.
The safest and most sanitary method for disposal of these materials is the “Pack It Out” technique. Place all used paper and wipes into a durable, non-transparent sealable bag, such as a zip-top bag, which can then be double-bagged for security. This containment method prevents odor and visual pollution, ensuring the material is carried out completely for disposal in an appropriate trash receptacle.
Attempting to bury toilet paper is strongly discouraged because the paper fibers resist microbial breakdown more than organic waste. Burning paper is extremely hazardous; even a small flame can quickly escape control and ignite dry vegetation, causing a devastating wildfire. Packing out all paper products remains the only environmentally responsible choice.
The final step involves immediate and thorough hand sanitation to prevent the spread of pathogens. After completing the burial and handling any soiled materials, apply an alcohol-based hand sanitizer liberally. This simple hygiene practice minimizes the risk of illness for yourself and others in the backcountry environment.