The composting option for human waste disposal in the backcountry

S. C. Fay; R. H. Walke

Treesearch

The composting option for human waste disposal in the backcountry

Informally Refereed

Authors:

S. C. Fay, R. H. Walke

Year:

1977

Type:

Research Note

Station:

Northern Research Station

Source:

Research Note NE-246. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 3p.

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Download (PDF 273 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/19250.pdf

Abstract

The disposal of human waste by composting at backcountry recreation areas is a possible alternative to methods that are considered unsafe. The literature indicates that aerobic, thermophilic composting is a reliable disposal method that can be low in cost and in maintenance. A bark-sewage mixture can be composted to produce a pathogen-free substance that might be used in site rehabilitation. Composting in a leakproof bin is odorless, and is largely independent of site conditions.

Citation

Fay, S. C.; Walke, R. H. 1977. The composting option for human waste disposal in the backcountry. Research Note NE-246. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 3p.