Know How to 'Go'!

With recreation increasing on Utah’s public lands every year, improper disposal of human waste can lead to:
  • Water pollution
  • Spread of disease
  • Other people or wildlife finding your left-behind waste and toilet paper
  • Decreased rate of waste decomposition

What if everyone did it?

Our trails, campsites, and recreation areas could end up looking like this if everyone doesn't properly dispose of their waste and toilet paper. Follow the steps below to keep our public lands and water bodies healthy and beautiful. 

1. Know Before You Go

For most recreational activities, you can simply bury your poop in a 6- to 8-inch cat hole, but some locations require special equipment. Use maps to plan out your trip and look online for proper waste disposal methods and equipment. Check out agency websites like the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management  or National Park Service to know before you go.

2. Be Prepared

Before you leave, determine how you will properly dispose of your waste during or after your trip. Bring a small trowel and toilet paper if you are headed to the forest. Bring a WAG bag, or similar equipment, if you are going to a location that requires you to pack out your waste, such as desert and alpine areas. 

3. Go Before You Go

A great first step to protecting other recreationists, wildlife, and the environment is to just go before you go by using a bathroom or outhouse before you begin your trip.

Quick Guide to 'Going' in Nature

FORESTS ​=
​DIG CAT HOLE

Using a trowel, bury your poop and toilet paper in a cat hole 6- to 8-inches deep and 70 big steps away from water, trails, and campsites.

DESERT = 
​PACK IT OUT

Pack out your poop and toilet paper in a WAG bag, a puncture-proof plastic bag used to capture and carry waste, or another portable toilet system.

ALPINE  =
​PACK IT OUT

Pack out your poop and toilet paper in a WAG bag, a puncture-proof plastic bag used to capture and carry waste, or other portable toilet system.

RV CAMPING = DUMP STATION

Dump RV waste, including sewage in black water tanks and wastewater in gray water tanks, at a dump station.
Use our Utah RV dump station map to find one near you.