On islands, whether it is trash, garbage, or human waste the disposal method is always the same – pack it in, pack it out!

Trash & Garbage

Plan meals to avoid generating messy, smelly garbage. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for spilled foods or “microtrash.” Carry out all trash, leftover food, and litter – both your own and any you find (if possible) – and bring it to the mainland for proper disposal. Do not burn garbage – the aroma and ash will attract animals.

Wastewater

Wash dishes in the ocean using small amounts of biodegradable soap if necessary. Strain dirty dishwater in the intertidal zone or directly into the ocean. Pack out the contents of the strainer. Scatter drinking and tooth brushing liquids into the sea.

Human Waste

Solid human waste should be carried off and disposed of in an appropriate receptacle on the mainland (toilet, RV campground waste facility, sewage treatment plant or marine pump-out station). Digging catholes to bury waste is not appropriate on islands because the soils are shallow and easily eroded. It is illegal to discharge solid human waste into U.S. waters, including the intertidal zone. Toilet paper and hygiene products should also be packed out. Urinate on rocks or bare ground below the high tide line but not on vegetation.

Recommended human waste carry-off methods:

• The “Crap Wrap” (link to crap wrap description page)
• WAG Bag system – www.thepett.com - 1-877-520-0999
• Restop system – www.whennaturecalls.com - 1-888-924-6665
• The Boombox - http://www.eco-safe.net/ - 316-682-4037
• Porta-potty or boat holding tank
• "Poop Tube" or other personal container filled with seawater, sawdust, etc
• Double plastic bag or milk carton with kitty litter

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