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Reevaluating Human Waste Disposal Practices in Backcountry Recreation: The Case for Packing Out Waste
In recent years, backcountry recreation has seen an unprecedented surge in popularity, spurred in part by the COVID-19 pandemic. As people sought solace in nature during lockdowns, the increased visitation has placed immense pressure on natural resources. Historically, practices like digging cat holes for human waste disposal were considered sustainable. However, with the sheer number of visitors now frequenting these areas, such methods are no longer viable, especially in sensitive ecosystems.
This paper seeks to highlight the environmental challenges posed by human waste in backcountry areas and make the case for transitioning to packing out waste. The focus will be on sensitive ecosystems such as desert river corridors and high alpine ecosystems, where the environmental impact of improper waste disposal is particularly severe.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase in visits to national parks and wilderness areas. This sharp rise has overwhelmed traditional waste management practices, creating visible and ecological problems in heavily trafficked areas. Traditional practices such as cat holes are designed for low-impact, infrequent use. With thousands of visitors now converging on popular trails, these methods fail to prevent contamination and environmental degradation.
Improperly buried waste can lead to contamination of nearby water sources, spreading harmful bacteria and pathogens. Additionally, it’s simply unpleasant and unhygienic to encounter someone else’s improperly disposed waste while enjoying the backcountry, further detracting from the outdoor experience. For example, an outbreak of norovirus in the Little Colorado River was directly linked to poor waste management practices, underscoring the critical need for proper sanitation methods. Additionally, wildlife often digs up human waste, further spreading contaminants and creating ecological imbalances. The decomposition of human waste is influenced by environmental factors such as climate, soil composition, and altitude. In arid or alpine environments, decomposition is significantly slower, sometimes taking decades, rendering cat holes ineffective in mitigating long-term impacts.
Desert river corridors are particularly vulnerable. These ecosystems are characterized by arid climates, fragile soils, and limited vegetation. Human waste decomposes at an extremely slow rate in such environments due to low moisture levels and limited microbial activity. Improper disposal near riverbanks also risks contaminating vital water sources, posing health risks to both wildlife and human visitors. Similarly, high alpine ecosystems, often above the treeline, are defined by cold temperatures, thin soils, and short growing seasons. The low temperatures inhibit microbial activity, causing waste to remain largely intact for years. These environments are home to unique plant and animal species that are highly sensitive to human disturbances.
Improper waste disposal can lead to severe environmental and health impacts. Pathogens from human waste can leach into waterways, contaminating drinking water and harming aquatic ecosystems. Human waste also alters soil chemistry, introducing nutrients that can disrupt native plant communities. Furthermore, human waste attracts animals, leading to unnatural feeding behaviors and increased risks of human-wildlife conflicts.
To address these challenges, new best practices for backcountry waste management must be adopted. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics emphasizes the importance of disposing of waste properly to minimize human impact on natural environments. Packing out waste is a practical and effective solution. Portable toilet systems have become increasingly accessible. These tools prevent environmental contamination, preserve natural aesthetics, and reduce the burden on ecosystems. While some may find carrying waste unappealing, advances in odor-sealing technology and lightweight designs have made it easier than ever. Education and normalization of the practice can further reduce resistance.
Land management agencies should consider mandating the practice of packing out waste in sensitive areas, as already required in places like the Grand Canyon. Public awareness campaigns and ranger-led programs can inform visitors about the environmental and health risks of improper waste disposal. Ongoing studies should assess the effectiveness of waste management strategies and their impacts on ecosystems over time.
Increased backcountry recreation has rendered traditional waste disposal methods unsustainable, especially in heavily trafficked sensitive ecosystems. Packing out human waste is an effective, necessary solution to mitigate environmental and health risks. Recreationists, policymakers, and land managers must work together to adopt and promote packing out waste as the new standard for backcountry sanitation, ensuring the preservation of these fragile ecosystems for future generations.
References
Cilimburg, A., Monz, C., & Kehoe, S. (2000). Wildland Recreation and Human Waste: A Review of Problems, Practices, and Concerns. Environmental Management, 25(6), 587–598.
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. (n.d.). Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly. Retrieved from lnt.org
Bureau of Land Management. (n.d.). When Nature Calls... Properly Dispose of Human Waste. Retrieved from blm.gov
Appalachian Trail Conservancy. (2014). Backcountry Sanitation Manual, 2nd Edition. Retrieved from appalachiantrail.org
