Proper disposal of waste, regardless of where you are and what it is, is important to avoid pollution of water sources, negative implications of someone else finding it and the possibility of spreading disease. “Pack it in, pack it out” is a familiar motto to seasoned wildland visitors. Any user of recreation lands has a responsibility to clean up before they leave. Inspect the trail, your picnic spot, campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash and garbage, even if it is not yours!
Knowing what to do “when you’ve got to go” can be an awkward lesson, but it’s important to know in order to ensure a pleasant experience for all wildland visitors. In most locations, burying human feces in the correct manner is the most effective. However, in some locations (narrow river canyons, paddling/rafting/fishing trips), there are several EPA-approved pack-out systems available. Know the requirements for the area you are traveling in, and be prepared with the proper equipment.
Vail is a dog-friendly destination — and hiking with your dog is a great experience for you and your furry friend. But, when your dog “does its business,” be sure to pick it up and dispose of it correctly in the trash (don’t leave the bag on the side of the trail). Bring poop bags, pick up the waste and carry it out all the way to the trash can.
Tips For Disposing of Waste Correctly:
- Bring a trash bag to pack out your trash and any other trash you may find.
- Dispose of trash in a trash can or recycling bin and make sure those receptacles are secure, so that wildlife can’t access them.
- Pick up your dog’s waste and pack it out.
- Create a “cat hole” as a method of human-waste disposal. Locate cat holes at least 200 feet (about 70 adult paces) from water, trails and camp and follow the process.
- When a latrine is more applicable (with young children or if you’re staying in one camp for longer than a few nights), use similar criteria for selecting a location to those used to locate a cat hole.
- Use toilet paper sparingly and use only plain, white, non-perfumed brands. Toilet paper should either be thoroughly buried in a cat hole or placed in plastic bags and packed out.
- Toilet paper should not be burned, as this practice can result in wildfires.
- Proper disposal of tampons requires placing them in plastic bags and packing them out. Do not bury them because they don’t decompose readily and animals may dig them up. Do not burn tampons, as it takes a very hot, intense fire to burn them completely.
- Urine has little direct effect on vegetation or soil. In some instances, urine may draw wildlife that are attracted to the salts. They can defoliate plants and dig up soil. Urinating on rocks, pine needles and gravel is less likely to attract wildlife. Diluting urine with water from a water bottle can help minimize negative effects.
© 1999 by Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org