So, you just got done doing your business in the woods, you’ve cleaned your self and you’re ready to get back to camp / Continue Your Activities. But now begs the questions. Can I Simply Just Bury The Toilet Paper I Used? Is it considered littering if I bury It? Will I get in trouble if someone finds out I buried it? Will the toilet paper degrade over time? What Do I Do With It If I’m Not Supposed To Bury It???…
Many questions like these surround the topic of using the bathroom in the woods. Whether you’re out for a weekend camping trip, or just simply out for a morning hike. In this article, we will be focusing on what needs to be done with used toilet paper, as well as tactics that you can employ in order to achieve the desired outcome… It is my goal to provide you with all the information you need surrounding the topic of whether or not you can or can’t bury toilet paper in the woods, as well as the caveats between different parks, and mountain ranges.
Can You Bury Toilet Paper In The Woods?
At this point, I’m assuming you already know the proper procedures for using the bathroom in the woods such as where you should do it, how you should do it, and what to do afterward…
In this case, you should have already done your business in a hole that is properly sized, as well as placed properly. But now begs the question as to whether or not you can or can’t bury your waist along with the toilet paper you used, or must you pack it out with you???
Well, in many cases it will depend heavily upon the location you have chosen to venture to. As many national, or state parks prefer that you do not leave behind toilet paper. Whereas others don’t necessarily have rules behind it. It is best that you call the local wildlife service and ask them specifically, and how it is that they prefer it to be buried.
Whether you are allowed to bury use toilet paper or not we will be going into tactics later on that you can employ in order to take care of your duty properly
Why Used Toilet Paper Must Be Buried
If you are allowed to bury toilet paper in your area be sure to do it accordingly:
If you are going to be burying toilet paper make sure to do it properly. This means digging the proper size hole in the proper location.Once you have finished doing your business, make sure to bury everything thoroughly. As this will not only prevent others from seeing your potty spot but will also help for the toilet paper to degrade quickly and thoroughly.
It is preferred, that if you must use and bury the used toilet paper, that you do so in an environment that is known to receive water. As water will help greatly in the decomposition process.
Many say you should not bury used toilet paper in a desert-like / arid climate. Because there is very little water in the ground. And with little water means a much longer period of time for the decomposition process to occur of the toilet paper. To which I agree heavily with. In this case, it is best that you use either a different method or pack out the toilet paper you use.
Now, Many People Wonder “Is Toilet Paper Biodegradable?” For the most part, it is. However, Toilet paper that is specifically designed to be Biodegradable is preferred. In order to achieve complete degredation, you must either pee on the toilet paper before burying it or simply pour water over it. This will help the degrading process along. But always make sure to bury All your used toilet paper before leaving the area.
Ideal Method For Burying Used Toilet Paper
Given that the whole process of using the bathroom in the woods begins with finding a location, and digging a hole. It is best you start there. Now, the fact that you will likely be burying your T.P. along with your waste, it is best you dig a hole that is deep enough so when you bury it so everything will be covered completely along with an extra 6″ – 12″ of dirt on top.
1st: But, before you go about filling in the hole with dirt be sure to either pee on they used toilet paper, or simply pour some water over the top. This will help with the decomposition process.
2nd: Now that you have poured a liquid over the top simply fill in the hole with dirt, pack the dirt on top, and set a fairly large rock or two over the top.
When burying your feces along with the toilet paper you used it is best that you thoroughly cover everything, as well as do everything you can so that wildlife in the area does not come along and dig up what you left behind. This is why it is suggested that you place a rock, or many rocks over the area to where you did your business. As well, on that same note be sure to make the area look as if you weren’t even there because if you are in a heavily-used area it is very likely that another hiker will find themselves somewhere near where you did your business.
Toilet Paper Options That Are Best For Outdoor Use
Biodegradable Toilet Paper
Basically every situation biodegradable toilet paper will likely be the best option for you given the fact that it is designed to be used in an area such as in the backcountry where will likely be buried to degrade over time.
Plus, in most cases, biodegradable toilet paper is not scented which is perfect for in the backcountry given the fact that scented products are likely to attract wildlife. Which will then result in your feces being dug up and toilet paper strung all over the area…
Though there are a few companies that manufacture biodegradable toilet paper that is designed to be used when camping or backpacking, I believe Coleman provides a great product. plus, they are heavily in the camping scene, so they know how to make products for those who go enjoy the outdoors. Check out their biodegradable toilet paper over at Amazon.
RV / Marine Grade Toilet Paper
RV or marine-grade toilet paper is known to be thinner, as it is typically made up of 1 ply. For this reason, some say that this toilet paper is more preferred be used over original toilet paper as it is so thin, and it is said to degrade at a much quicker rate and your typical household toilet paper.
However, I do not know the extent, or if you have a viable this idea truly is, as from what I have read RV / marine-grade toilet paper is known to degrade at a much faster pace when it comes into contact with the liquids that are typically in septic tanks and things alike. For this reason, I am not sure as to how quickly this material will degrade if it is buried in the woods???
Given that it is such a thin material I believe it would make sense that it would be great at a much quicker pace when compared to your typical toilet paper however I have not read anything like this from a 100% reliable source
Regular Toilet Paper
I have heard from many sources that your typical white, thin, odorless toilet paper and also be used. Though I do think the thin part of the equation is very important, as the thicker the paper the longer it will take for it to degrade.
Same goes for the odorless part given the fact that if the toilet paper you use has a heavy scent it will likely attract nearby wildlife which will then dig up your feces along with the toilet paper and end up with a mess of toilet paper strung all over the area to which you did your business…
Biodegradable Wet Wipes
I know, I know wet wipes aren’t necessarily toilet paper. However, I do know that some prefer the use of wet wipes over a toilet paper. If that is you, I suggest you take a look at these. I ran into this company while in the process of creating this article, but they look to provide a fairly decent product as many people who have purchased it in the past seem to very much like it.
Anyway, it is biodegradable wet wipes! I never really thought of wet wipes as being biodegradable, given the fact that they are so thick and made of a material that doesn’t easily degradable. However, it sounds like these guys have figured out the formula!
Check out the wet wipes that I am talking about Here on Amazon. Plus, they work great for nearly any other clean up that needs to be done around camp, or on the trail.
Reason’s You May Be Unable To Bury Used Toilet Paper:
Laws In Your Area Are Against Doing So
Probably the biggest reason as to why you will be unable to bury toilet paper in the area to which you have chosen for adventure is because the laws or regulations in the area do not allow so. Obviously, it is very hard for me to list off the areas that do and don’t allow you to bury the toilet paper you use.
For this reason, the best that I can do is simply suggest that you contact the local forest service in the area to which you are headed and ask them what the guidelines are for using the bathroom in the area along with whether or not you can bury your toilet paper or not.
Incorrect Toilet Paper Being Used
You should use lightweight (thin), white, non-scented toilet paper if you intend to bury it once you are finished doing your business. This is because it degrades best, as well as will be less likely to attract wildlife in the area. However, they do make biodegradable toilet paper that degrades at a much quicker rate.
Be sure to pick up a role of biodegradable toilet paper before you leave on your trip. As this is the best way to go if you absolutely must use toilet paper, and you do not intend on packing it out. Check out this Biodegradable Toilet Paper many prefer to use when in the backcountry over at Amazon.com. Also, Check out these Biodegradable wet wipes If you prefer wet wipes over toilet paper.
If you haven’t got access to any of the toilet paper types listed above it is best you go with a different method for cleansing yourself.
Heavily Used Area
If you are in an extremely heavily-used area you and all the other hikers or campers in the area could very likely have a large impact on the overall ecosystem if you all are “doing your business” in the same vicinity.
For this reason, it is a better idea to go about disposing of your toilet paper in a different way such as packing it out. And disposing of it when you return home.
The Environment Is To Dry
The problem with burying toilet paper in a very dry environment is that toilet paper cannot degrade easily in a dry environment. You see, in order for toilet paper to degrade quickly and thoroughly it needs water, or moisture in order to quickly and easily achieve degradation.
If you are going to be hiking or camping, or simply just hanging out in an arid environment it is ideal that you dispose of your used toilet paper in a much different method rather than simply just burying it as this will not allow for a quick degradation.
Below we will be going over some of the other methods that can be employed in order to degrade or dispose of your used toilet paper.
Alternative Methods For Disposing Of Toilet Paper
Pack Out Used Toilet Paper
Simply pack out all of your used toilet paper, I know the sounds extremely disgusting however there are many articles out there that cover this topic and suggest brilliant ideas that you can employ in order to make the process a little less disgusting.
Burn It
Burning are used toilet paper can prove to be decent in terms of degrading portions of it. However, in many instances, this has proven to be not quite as thorough as many have expected it to be.
There are many backpackers, hikers, campers that say burning used toilet paper has proven to be not quite as effective as they would have thought. As it can be quite difficult in order to burn every little piece of the toilet paper.
But, I mean it can help, right? Given the fact that you are basically spitting up the degradation process for a large majority of the T.P.
Nonetheless, one of the largest problems that can occur in this sort of situation is the fact that you can start a forest fire. If you do decide to employ this method to be sure you take all the precautions you possibly can so that you do not cause a forest fire. As at that point you might as well just buried your toilet paper it would have had much less have an impact than a forest fire.
Those out there that I’ve heard of that use this method prefer to either carry a lighter with them in there so call, potty kit. Whereas others opt for the method of bringing their used toilet paper back to camp with them where they then well burn in the firepit.
I believe the second option is likely going to provide you with the safest and least amount of risk in terms of starting a forest fire. Given the fact that you are hopefully using a designated fire pit.
Toilet Paper Alternatives
Toilet paper is not the only option you have to cleans yourself in the backcountry. You see, with all the modern technology many of us have grown up living a modern life style which typically includes using toilet paper on a daily basis. But to be honest most of us believe we need to rely on these items more then we really need to.
When in all honesty most would be just fine with using Natures toilet paper over the modern toilet paper.
Natures Toilet Paper
Obviously, probably the best alternative you will have is simply using when nature has to offer such as:
- Leaves
- Grass
- Pin Needles
- Rocks
- Snow Ect…
Custom Bidet
I have heard of some creating their own pressurized water spray system either using a syringe or something alike in order to spray all the remnants off of themselves. However, to me, this just seems a little out of the ordinary and uncomfortable. But then again I have never been one who enjoys the use of bidets to aid in the cleansing process…
Conclusion (Leave No Trace)
If you are one like myself that goes backpacking, camping and / or hiking quite often I think it is a good idea that you come up with a great cleansing option for yourself, as you will likely be relying on at often he participated in the above activities often.
By reliable I mean, that you find a method that you can use on a regular basis that you are used to, as well as is okay to use in most areas. Given the fact that burying toilet paper is not always allowed it can be quite difficult for some to switch up their methods for cleansing.
But if you can, well perfect, go along with it whichever method works best for you. I’m in the same situation, I typically prefer traditional toilet paper over most other methods, however I do opt or the biodegradable kind, I do prefer it.
But when I can’t use toilet paper, I typically just simply opt using nature’s toilet paper. Which means a pile of grass and a couple of leaves will get the job done. But if this will work for you that is totally fine, whether you have sensitivity,or just simply prefer not to do so packing out you’re used to toilet paper can be a great option. Many other backpackers hikers and campers typically do so.
I’m simply saying, find the method that works for you and use it. Toilet paper is the best option and you prefer to bury it, all I say is simply ask your local forest service what the rules and regulations are behind doing so.
I hope you were able to gain some value from this post, and your questions were thoroughly answered. If you have any questions comments or concerns please to be sure to place them below as I’m always happy to hear from a fellow user.
Have a great trip and good luck!
