Most left-behind human and animal waste is considered “nonpoint pollution,” therefore it is not actually regulated. This just means that the government trusts each individual to clean up after themselves.
​On the other hand, RV waste, recreation on public lands, and pit toilets that are used multiple times are regulated by water quality laws.  Violating these laws always results in significant fines.  

RV Sewer Systems

Always empty RV sewer systems, also known as black water tanks, at RV dump stations. Dumping or draining sewer tanks on roads, campsites, or other ground surfaces can pollute lakes, rivers, and groundwater, and is illegal. Coming in contact with sewage from RV tanks can also pose a serious health risk. For more information about the law, see Utah Code R317-1 and R317-4.  Violation of these codes can result in a fine of up to $10,000 per day.   ​​​

RV Wastewater 

Always empty RV wastewater tanks at RV dump stations. RV wastewater systems, also known as gray water tanks, collect used water from the shower, sink, washing machine, and other kitchen appliances. Gray water tanks should not be dumped or drained at campsites, on roads, or in water bodies. Improperly dumping gray water can leave food particles on the ground to attract wildlife.  Additionally, bacteria from black water left in the drain may mix with gray water, soap, and cleaners that are not environmentally friendly. More information can be found in Utah Code R317-401.

Recreation on Public Lands 

When recreating on federally owned public lands, such as National Forests, National Parks, and Bureau of Land Management areas, it is important to follow human waste disposal regulations to protect yourself and other recreationists, decrease the spread of disease, and avoid water pollution. Committing any of the following violations will result in a fine up to $5,000 or 6 months in jail, or both. 

• Damaging bathroom facilities, including disposing of anything other than human waste and toilet paper in a toilet. This includes disposing of a WAG bag in a toilet. 
• Failing to properly bury or pack out waste and toilet paper.
• Disposing of waste less than 70 big steps, which is 200 feet, away from a water source.

More information on can be found in Code of Federal Regulations 36. 

Pit toilets

In many locations, digging a cat hole for one-time use is the acceptable method for disposing of human waste, but under some circumstances, digging a pit toilet for multiple uses is allowed. A pit toilet or earthen pit privy is a toilet facility consisting of a privacy shelter, a hole dug in the ground, and a stool with an opening into the hole. These can be used while dispersed camping if they are at least 25 feet from a camping area and 200 feet from a water source. Once finished with the pit toilet, you must fill it in with original soil and compact the soil in the hole, leaving a mound of extra soil on top to allow for settlement. More information on the regulations for pit toilets can be found in Utah Code R317-560. For more information on how to properly dig a pit toilet, see this article by Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.