Cathole Waste Disposal for Wilderness Camping

Apr 13, 2010
Diane Ursu

Disperse Catholes for Group Wilderness Camping - Diane Ursu

Human waste disposal using a cathole is easy and often the preferred method when wilderness camping. Biodegradable toilet paper may be buried in some areas.

Wilderness camping does not carry with it the amenities that are found in campgrounds. There are no outhouses or restrooms with plumbing, so wilderness campers must relieve themselves in the woods. There is a proper way to do this, and it is quite easy and sanitary with the right camping accessories.

Cathole Waste Disposal

The cathole is the preferred method of waste disposal in many wilderness areas. According to the Leave No Trace article, "Dispose of Waste Properly," (accessed April 13, 2010) by the Center for Outdoor Ethics, "Solid human waste must be packed out from some places, such as narrow river canyons." It is important to check with the local land management agency to determine if catholes are acceptable, or if human waste must be carried from the wilderness area.

Choosing a Cathole Location

The cathole location is very important. Catholes must be at least 200 feet from any water source and should be 200 feet from campsites and trails. Elevated areas that receive a lot of sunlight are preferable. The elevation prevents water from pooling over the cathole and becoming contaminated by the waste, especially after rainstorms. The sunlight promotes faster waste decomposition.

Catholes should never be used twice because more waste decomposes more slowly than less waste. Dispersing catholes throughout an area will facilitate faster decomposition.

How to Dig a Cathole

Use a trowel, like that used for gardening, to dig a cathole. The cathole should be only six to eight inches deep to allow the human waste to mix with the organic soil and the decomposing microorganisms it contains. Deserts contain very little organic soil, so the Center for Outdoor Ethics recommends digging only four to six inches deep in these areas. Deeper holes can slow or prevent the decomposition of waste.

Biodegradable Toilet Paper

Toilet paper may be buried in catholes, but only if it is biodegradable and free of perfume and dyes. Some advocates advise against burying toilet paper and prefer that campers contain it in plastic bags and carry it out for proper disposal elsewhere.

Disguising a Cathole

Using a stick to stir the waste with organic soil will help increase decomposition within the cathole. It is important to fill the cathole with the soil that was removed when digging it and leaves should be used to cover it.

Catholes are easy to use for human waste disposal. As long as they are approved by the local land manager and are correctly used, they are safe for both the camper and the environment.

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Diane Ursu - Diane Ursu joined Suite101 as a contributing writer in August 2009 and became a Feature Writer in January 2010. She is a freelance writer ...