Waste Management

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.