If you’ve been looking into doing some dispersed camping you’ve likely had to consider where and how you’ll use the restroom. It’s an important topic and we actually have a full discussion/guide on how to poop/pee in the wilderness. You can check that out here.
We also cover using toilet paper in that post, but if you’re looking for a bit more on what to do with it, we’ve got you covered.
When considering leaving or packing out toilet paper in the wilderness, it is important to consider the environment you will be in. If it is a heavily traveled area or an especially dry region you likely will be required to pack it out, or should consider doing so as a courtesy.
In most situations, toilet paper will decompose if properly buried in a six-inch deep cathole. The concern, however, has to do with the amount of time it takes to break down and decompose vs the number of travelers to visit the region. It can also depend on the habits of the animals in the region. Let’s take a look at time vs region first.
Time to Decompose & Region
In an area where there isn’t much rainfall or moisture, toilet paper will take a considerable amount of time to decompose. For wetter climates, it can take a fraction of that time. I’ve heard numbers ranging between one month in perfect conditions all the way up to three years in the worst conditions.
Three years is a long time, enough at least for us to consider the possible impact. But, depending on where you’re at it might have absolutely no lasting impact. For example, if you’ve ventured to one of the most remote regions on the planet, the thought of toilet paper being left there might drive some folks mad, but the reality is that toilet paper will likely decompose long before there is ever an issue or impact. Even in very dry regions, the impact would be insignificant.
In contrast, many regions see thousands, if not millions of visitors in a single year. With the current LNT (Leave No Trace) protocol suggesting that campers choose sites that are pre-existing, the likelihood of running into someone else’s toilet paper in one of these regions is quite high. This is especially true if it takes months or years to decompose.
When considering whether you should pack out toilet paper, or if you will likely be required to, the region you are picking will likely give you an idea as to what you should expect. Here is a sample list of some typical expectations and/or requirements for different types of regions.
Little Traffic & Wet: This type of area is highly unlikely to require packing out toilet paper as it is likely not going to have a major impact on the region and other campers.
Little Traffic & Dry: This type of area is also unlikely to have the requirement of packing out TP, nor is it a major concern if you choose to leave toilet paper behind.
Moderate Traffic & Wet: If the area has a modest amount of traffic and is a wetter region, there is a small chance that packing out TP will be required. Though you might find that it is just strongly preferred or suggested. This has more to do with the consideration of other campers than anything else. But, there could be environmental impacts to consider as well (depending on how much foot traffic and animal life is there).
Moderate Traffic & Dry: Here there will be several regions requiring you to pack out toilet paper, and will see a lot more stations strongly suggesting packing it out. You’ll likely also start to see it mentioned in the region’s guidelines more often.
Heavy Traffic & Wet: For heavy and wet you are likely going to see quite a few areas require packing TP out. You’ll likely see all of them prefer it and suggest doing it. This has to do with the impact on the environment as well as the conditions for other campers. As strange as it sounds, there is actually a concern with keeping a balance between the amount of animal waste to human waste in a region. Heavy traffic creates a concern. You might even see some heavy traffic areas require packing out your waste (poo) as well.
Heavy Traffic & Dry: This is highly likely to have a no TP left behind policy. These regions are regularly in discussion for possible shutdowns for camp use. And some have already been shut down due to the lack of packing out TP among other items. The impact on the environment in these regions is high, and the potential health hazards for the wildlife that live there and humans who visit are high as well. You might likely see WAG bags (bags you handle your business in and pack out) being required here. You might likely see day use/over night use permits being required if it is highly traveled.
Other Considerations
The type of toilet paper matters. Plain, white, and unscented toilet paper is what should be used if you will not be packing it out. Additionally, there are a ton of toilet paper options that decompose faster than the average household paper. We have suggestions over on our recommended camping gear page.
The animals in the region might dig up the toilet paper. Depending on the region, some animals are more prone to or have grown accustomed to digging up cat-holes. This creates an obvious issue for both the animals and campers in the region. In these areas, you will be required to pack it out.
Try to use less toilet paper whenever possible. This might be a natural thing for many, but for some of us, we just don’t consider the amount of TP we use very often. Using less just makes sense all the way around for other campers and the environment. But beyond that, it helps ensure the area is able to sustain the level of waste in the region which ensures we’re all able to continue to enjoy it. As a parent, future generations’ enjoyment is on my radar as well. 🙂
How to Learn if Your Region Requires Packing TP Out
To know if you’ll need to pack out TP or not, you’ll need to visit the region’s website for more information.
If it’s BLM land, head on over to their website and search for the region you wish to visit (you’ll see the region on the right-hand side of the page). In many situations, you’ll find the information listed on the website. But, to be safe or to gather the information not listed give the office a call. You’ll find the office number listed on the left-hand side of the page once you’ve selected into the region you wish to visit.
If it’s National Forest land, head over to their website and search for the region you wish to visit by using their regional search tool on the right side of the screen. You’ll find all the information you’ll need to know about the typical protocol for many regions that way. But, in several situations, you’ll need to call in to clarify some things. If that’s the case for your region, you can find the phone number of the field office on the left-hand side towards the bottom of the screen.