Human Waste Disposal

01-Jun-2024

Introduction

This guide covers human waste disposal methods for responsible outdoor and emergency sanitation. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a homeowner, or an emergency planner, understanding proper human waste disposal is crucial for maintaining public health, protecting the environment, and preventing the spread of disease. Responsible disposal practices help avoid pollution of water sources, minimize the risk of spreading illness, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Proper human waste disposal is essential for public health, environmental sustainability, and the prevention of disease. Improper disposal of human waste can have severe impacts on health, the quality of outdoor experiences, and the environment. By following best practices, you help avoid pollution of water sources and reduce the possibility of spreading disease.

Human Waste Disposal Methods

Catholes

A cathole (also spelled cat hole) is a small hole dug in the ground, typically 6-8 inches deep, used for the disposal of human feces in outdoor settings. Catholes are the most widely accepted method of human waste disposal while camping and hiking. When using a cat hole, it should be located at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites. Catholes are appropriate for most situations when camping. Choose an inconspicuous site for your cat hole to minimize environmental impact.

Burying human feces in the correct manner is the most effective method to meet disposal criteria in most backcountry locations. When camping, a small garden trowel is recommended for digging a cat hole. Ensure waste is covered and disguised with natural materials to prevent detection and minimize environmental impact.

If you are staying more than one night or with a large group, disperse cat hole sites to minimize impact.

Adding a handful of soil after use can speed decomposition. Toilet paper must be disposed of properly by either burying it in a cat hole or packing it out as trash.

Latrines

Latrines may be more applicable in certain situations, such as camping with young children or staying in one camp for longer than a few nights. They provide a more permanent solution for groups or extended stays.

Selecting an appropriate latrine location is crucial to promote decomposition, diminish odors, and minimize environmental impact. Latrine building techniques can vary depending on the environment and group size, so consult land managers for guidance on the best methods. Latrines are especially suitable when there is a higher concentration of waste, such as with large groups or longer stays. Use similar criteria for site selection as you would for catholes to ensure environmental protection.

To speed decomposition and diminish odors, toss a handful of soil into the latrine after each use.

Best Practices

• Always choose a site at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and campsites.

• Avoid areas where water visibly flows or that are prone to flooding.

• Use natural materials to cover and disguise waste.

• Dispose of all waste properly to protect the environment, reduce impact on wildlife, and maintain safety.

• Menstrual waste should be packed out rather than buried.

• Follow local regulations and guidelines for waste disposal.

Beyond choosing the right disposal method, maintaining hygiene and proper sanitation is equally important.

Environmental Considerations

Improper disposal of human waste can also contribute to indoor environmental problems like moisture intrusion and microbial growth. If you are dealing with persistent dampness or suspect mold related to sanitation issues, it may be necessary to consult educational resources on mold and mildew health risks and remediation and, when appropriate, seek professional mold remediation and inspections in North Atlanta from a qualified mold remediation specialist like T.A.C.T. North Atlanta.

Improper human waste disposal has negative implications, including environmental pollution, health hazards, and aesthetic issues. Litter, including small pieces of trash and micro-trash, should always be packed out to protect wildlife and the environment. Food scraps should never be buried, as they attract wildlife and disrupt their natural feeding habits. Additionally, improperly placed pit latrines or failed septic systems can leach pathogens into local drinking water sources.

The risks of using plastic bags for human feces include:

• Plastic bags do not decompose readily and can attract animals, contaminating water sources and soil.

• Instead, use a cathole or latrine to dispose of human waste, ensuring to follow proper sanitation and hygiene practices.

• Consider using natural materials, such as wood chips or coffee husk chaff, to cover and disguise human waste.

Understanding these environmental impacts sets the stage for effective hygiene and sanitation practices.

Hygiene and Sanitation

Toilet Paper Disposal

• Use toilet paper sparingly.

• Choose non-perfumed, unbleached, undyed, and biodegradable brands to minimize environmental impact.

• Dispose of toilet paper properly by:

  • Packing it out in a sealable plastic bag, or

  • Burning it in a cathole (where permitted and safe), ensuring to follow local regulations.

Toilet paper must be disposed of properly to avoid attracting wildlife and causing contamination.

Hygiene Product Disposal

• Properly dispose of hygiene products, such as:

• Tampons

• Wipes

• Baby diapers

• Place these items in sealed bags and containers and pack them out.

Maintaining good hygiene and proper disposal of products helps prevent contamination and supports overall sanitation. In some situations, special management may be required. Always ensure you dispose of all hygiene products and waste properly to maintain sanitation and protect the environment.

Managing Human Waste in Special Situations

In residential or urban environments where human waste or other biological materials pose a health risk (such as after accidents, illness, or other traumatic events), it is often necessary to rely on professional crime scene cleaning companieslike specialized biohazard cleanup services after a crime scene. These crime scene cleaning and biohazard remediation professionals are trained in navigating the complex world of crime scene cleanup, understand the importance of thorough cleaning after death, and provide sensitive biohazard clean and blood cleanup services and 24/7 emergency biohazard, hoarding and crime scene cleaning in Atlanta, GA. If you need help choosing a provider, you can review 24/7 emergency biohazard cleanup in Atlanta, Georgia, learn more about 24/7 emergency biohazard decontamination service in Lithia Springs, GA, or explore resources on how to contact T.A.C.T. North Atlanta crime scene cleaners for guidance.

Menstrual Blood and Urine Disposal

• Menstrual blood can be poured into a cathole. The use of a menstrual sponge or menstrual cup can help to limit the quantity of waste to be managed during outings. Diluting urine with water can help minimize its environmental impact and reduce odor.

• Urine has little direct effect on vegetation or soil, but it’s recommended to urinate on rocks, pine needles, and gravel to minimize negative effects. However, urine can draw wildlife due to its salt content, which may lead animals to dig or defoliate plants in the area. It is best to urinate at least 200 feet from a campsite or trail to minimize social impacts and avoid attracting wildlife. While urine has little direct effect on vegetation or soil, it may attract wildlife.

For those preparing for emergencies, having the right supplies and tools is essential.

Emergency Preparedness

Sanitation Kit Essentials

Include a seven-day supply of emergency sanitation supplies in your kit, such as:

• Heavy duty trash bags

• Toilet paper

• Hand sanitizer

• Water bottle

• Soaps and lotions

• Carbon material (such as sawdust or coffee husks) to manage odors and help feces break down

• WAG Bags for carrying out solid human waste

WAG Bags are especially important for use in fragile alpine or desert environments where burying waste is not appropriate.

Tools for Digging and Covering Waste

• Pack a small shovel or trowel to dig a cathole.

• Bring finely shredded paper or organic soil to cover and disguise human waste, as organic soil can aid decomposition by maximizing sun exposure and reducing pathogens.

Adding carbon-rich materials, such as shredded paper or organic soil, to nitrogen-rich waste is essential for effective decomposition.

Being prepared with the right supplies ensures you can manage waste responsibly in any situation.

Summary

Proper human waste disposal is essential for public health, environmental sustainability, and the prevention of disease. Improper disposal of human waste can have severe impacts on health, the quality of outdoor experiences, and the environment. By following responsible disposal methods—such as using catholes or latrines, maintaining good hygiene, and preparing for emergencies—you help avoid pollution of water sources and minimize the possibility of spreading disease. Whether you are outdoors, at home, or planning for emergencies, responsible human waste disposal protects people, communities, and the environment.

Disposal of Human Waste