Can You Bury Toilet Paper When Backpacking?

By Anna Duncan

When backpacking, you need to be mindful of the amount of resources you’re using. One way to reduce your environmental impact is by practicing sustainable waste disposal, including knowing when it’s appropriate to bury toilet paper. When done correctly, burying toilet paper can be an effective way to dispose of it in the wilderness.

When burying toilet paper, make sure you dig a hole at least 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches wide. If you don’t have a trowel, use a stick or your hands to dig the hole.

Once it’s dug, put the used toilet paper in the hole and cover it up with soil. This helps keep wild animals from getting into your waste and helps reduce odors. It also prevents any trash from being left behind that could detract from other people’s enjoyment of the outdoors.

Be sure to check local regulations before burying any waste. Some areas may not allow for burying of human waste, so make sure you know the rules before doing so. Additionally, avoid burying any non-biodegradable items such as plastic bags or wrappers as these can have long-term environmental impacts.

It’s important to be mindful of how we dispose of our waste when out in nature. Burying toilet paper can be an effective way to dispose of it when done correctly, but always make sure you check local regulations and only bury biodegradable items. This will help ensure that our outdoor spaces remain beautiful for future generations.

Conclusion: Can You Bury Toilet Paper When Backpacking? Yes, but always check local regulations first and only bury biodegradable items. Doing this will help ensure that our outdoor spaces remain beautiful and unspoiled for future generations.