Cathole: Difference between revisions
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Catholes must be located at a reasonable distance (at least 60 m) from water sources (rivers, lakes, etc.), to avoid possible [[bacteria]]l contamination of water via precipitation, as well as away from trails. For faster feces decomposition, organic soil is preferred over a mineral (sandy) one. It is also recommended to avoid concentration of catholes around campsites. Filled catholes must be covered with a reasonably thick layer of soil, to prevent access by animals, some of which are [[Coprophagia|coprophagous]]. |
Catholes must be located at a reasonable distance (at least 60 m) from water sources (rivers, lakes, etc.), to avoid possible [[bacteria]]l contamination of water via precipitation, as well as away from trails. For faster feces decomposition, organic soil is preferred over a mineral (sandy) one. It is also recommended to avoid concentration of catholes around campsites. Filled catholes must be covered with a reasonably thick layer of soil, to prevent access by animals, some of which are [[Coprophagia|coprophagous]]. |
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In some areas, it is not appropriate to dispose of human feces through the use of catholes. For example some areas require special instructions on human waste disposal. In rocky places, with the absence of soil, it is advised to smear feces thinly over rocks that have good sun access for faster sterilization by [[UV]] radiation and drying. In larger snow fields, a larger distance (e.g., 200 m) from trails and campsites may be mandated, if the waste is being disposed under snow. |
In some areas, it is not appropriate to dispose of human feces through the use of catholes. For example some areas require special instructions on human waste disposal. In rocky places, with the absence of soil, it is advised to smear feces thinly over rocks that have good sun access for faster sterilization by [[UV]] radiation and drying or else to toss them into campfires so that the feces are incinerated. In larger snow fields, a larger distance (e.g., 200 m) from trails and campsites may be mandated, if the waste is being disposed under snow. |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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Revision as of 04:26, 9 January 2012
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (October 2011) |
A cathole or cat hole[1] is a pit for human feces. Catholes are frequently used for the purpose of disposing of bowel movements or waste water (such as the water from cleaning the kitchen dishes) by hikers and others engaging in outdoor recreation.
Catholes must be located at a reasonable distance (at least 60 m) from water sources (rivers, lakes, etc.), to avoid possible bacterial contamination of water via precipitation, as well as away from trails. For faster feces decomposition, organic soil is preferred over a mineral (sandy) one. It is also recommended to avoid concentration of catholes around campsites. Filled catholes must be covered with a reasonably thick layer of soil, to prevent access by animals, some of which are coprophagous.
In some areas, it is not appropriate to dispose of human feces through the use of catholes. For example some areas require special instructions on human waste disposal. In rocky places, with the absence of soil, it is advised to smear feces thinly over rocks that have good sun access for faster sterilization by UV radiation and drying or else to toss them into campfires so that the feces are incinerated. In larger snow fields, a larger distance (e.g., 200 m) from trails and campsites may be mandated, if the waste is being disposed under snow.
See also
References
- Sanitation - instructions from Olympic National Park.
- ^ Meyer, Kathleen. How to Shit in the Woods: An Environmentally Sound Approach to a Lost Art (3rd ed.). Ten Speed Press. p. 13. ISBN 978-1580083638.
our small one-sit hole (also termed a cat hole)
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