Quick Answer
Dispose of human waste at least 200 feet away from water sources, campsites, and trails. Use a trowel or other digging tool to create a cathole, and bury waste at least 6-8 inches deep. Cover the area with soil and pack out any toilet paper or sanitary products.
Digging a Cathole
When digging a cathole, aim for a spot with a natural slope to allow water to flow away from the area. Use a trowel or shovel to create a hole approximately 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches wide. If you’re in a rocky or hard soil area, you can use a small amount of dirt to pack down the soil.
Burying Human Waste
Bury human waste at least 6-8 inches deep to prevent the spread of diseases like hepatitis A and giardiasis. Pack the soil down firmly to prevent it from being easily disturbed. If you’re in an area with a high water table or if it’s raining, consider using a small amount of ash or sand to help absorb the waste.
Disposing of Toilet Paper and Sanitary Products
Toilet paper and sanitary products should be packed out of the wilderness area and disposed of properly in a trash can or recycling bin. If you’re unable to pack out these items, they should be buried at least 12 inches deep and covered with soil. Do not burn these items as they can leave behind toxic residues.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.