How to Make a Garbage Dump for Your Campsite

If you're camping out for more than a day, your green garbage waste and waste water becomes a bit of a problem. You shouldn't toss it aside into the bushes, nor should you leave patches of spoiling food and toothpaste all over the campsite. If you build a sump you can do basic things like wash and cook, while leaving no trace when you leave. Don't use this strategy for any synthetic waste like plastic bags or bottles; pack all of that stuff out with you.

Steps

Pick a spot 200 feet from your campsite and any water sources, and dig a hole approximately two feet deep, and one foot wide.
Place a window screen across the top of the hole to filter out food from the water. If you do not have a screen you can also use a garbage bag, poke holes in it, and then place pine needles or something similar to filter out food.
Pour your waste water from washing dishes, cooking, brushing teeth etc, into the hole through the screen.
Burn or pack the left over food particles that collect on top of the screen each time you use it. Keeping it out in the open will attract animals to the scent of the food particles.
Remove the screen at the end of your trip, and fill the hole with the original dirt. Make it look as it was before you got there.

Tips

Always plan ahead for the by-products of camping like garbage removal.
Anchor the strainer screen or bag by having someone stand on the edges of it over the hole while someone else pours the water through.

Warnings

Food particles or wrappers can attract bears and other animals. Never store candy, snacks, leftovers or garbage scraps in or near your campsite.

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