1. Waste Management HKR 3220 Stephanie Delaney June 21st,
2015
2. Table of Contents Overview Catholes Latrines Packing Out
Human Waste Surface Disposal Conclusion References
3. Overview Waste management is an essential part to any
survival trip. We must be considerate of the environment around us
and always strive to maintain a Leave No Trace lifestyle. Catholes
and Latrines are two ways in which campers/survivalists follow the
Leave No Trace rule. Both require a shovel, which should be packed
in a community bag. It is important to be aware that each camp site
is different and therefor may require a different method of waste
disposal. Knowledge of many disposal techniques is an asset.
4. Catholes Catholes can be used if you are staying at a
particular site for less than two days. Catholes are a great way to
dispose of dirty dishwater, spoiled food, etc. Specifications: Must
be 60 meters away from water for human waste disposal Must be 15
centimetres deep and 10-15 centimeters in diameter Organic material
must be present to ensure decomposition Select a location away from
traveled areas of the campsite for human waste catholes Areas that
receive a lot of sunlight are optimum for catholes because the heat
from the sun can help in decomposition If possible, use natural
toilet paper such as leaves NEVER burn toilet paper in a cathole or
in a campfire Cover in the cathole with the organic material that
originally came out when dug
5. Catholes
6. Latrines Latrines should be used if staying at a particular
site for two or more days. Latrines should only be used for human
waste disposal. After every use, a handful of soil should be thrown
into the latrine to aid in decomposition. Specifications: Must be
60 meters away from water Must be 30 centimeters deep and 45
centimetres wide Must be dug in a location that has an ample duff
layer and soil base for returning it to its original state Privacy
is key Must be covered in before leaving site
7. Latrines
8. Packing Out Human Waste In winter, catholes and latrines are
not always possible because of the frozen ground A Pack Out Kit
should be assembled before leaving for a trip. It should include:
Kitty litter Paper bag Toilet paper Heavy duty resealable bag
Aspirin (crush to control odors in bag)
9. Surface Disposal When neither catholes, latrines, or packing
out is an option, surface disposal may be used. A flat rock is
recommended Ideal in deserts Must be in an area that is not
traveled and is in direct sunlight
10. Conclusion Knowing these four techniques of waste disposal
is helpful for camping in different locations where not all of them
may be suitable. Environmental concerns should always be at the
forefront of any decision regarding waste disposal.
11. References Dispose of Waste Properly. (2009). Retrieved
from http://www.leavenotrace.ca/principle-dispose-waste-properly
Dwyer, S., & Foran, A., & Redmond, K. (2010). Quality
Lesson Plans for Outdoor Education. United States: Human
Kinetics.
