Can You Bury Used Toilet Paper While Backpacking?

By Robert Palmer

Backpacking is a great way to explore the outdoors and get in touch with nature. Unfortunately, the one downside to this type of camping is that you have to be mindful of your waste, including toilet paper. Many backpackers have wondered if it’s okay to bury used toilet paper while backpacking and the answer is yes and no.

It depends on where you’re backpacking and what type of environment you’re in. In some areas, burying used toilet paper can be a good way to dispose of it safely and in a way that will not pollute the environment. This is especially true if you are in an area with a lot of natural vegetation that can quickly break down the paper.

However, in other areas, such as high-altitude or sensitive ecosystems, burying used toilet paper may not be a good idea. In these cases, it’s best to pack out your waste or burn it (if allowed).

This will help ensure that you are not damaging fragile ecosystems or introducing foreign materials into the environment.

When deciding whether or not to bury used toilet paper while backpacking, it’s important to consider your location and the environment around you. If you are in an area with robust vegetation and minimal human impact, then burying your waste may be okay. But if you are in an area with fragile ecosystems or high levels of human activity, then burning or packing out your waste may be the better option.

Conclusion:

Whether or not you can bury used toilet paper while backpacking depends on where you are backpacking and what type of environment you’re in. In some areas, burying used toilet paper can be a good way to dispose of it safely and without polluting the environment. However, in other areas where there is high-altitude or sensitive ecosystems, it’s best to pack out or burn your waste instead.