How to poo outdoors

During my outdoor adventures & expeditions over the last few years, I’ve noticed lot of new people have begun going outdoors and exploring nature – something many of these people were not doing before.

Going out and exploring is a brilliant idea for your well-being, physical and mental health, especially hiking and going outdoors. These play a vital role for someone who is suffering from depression or stress and wish to unwind himself. However, this all comes at a price. Unfortunately, there are always some people who behave irresponsibly who may not be familiar with outdoor activities code and etiquettes, such as keeping the environment clean and respect for others. It is our responsibility to keep our outdoors clean, be considerate and respect public and private property, be very careful with fire and make minimum impact when camping. There is however another problem which is not discussed as much but can be the biggest problem for cleanliness. This is human waste. We may find it hard to believe, but human waste is a large point of concern, probably due to the lack of outdoor facilities, but this does not mean we sacrifice the environment. We cannot turn out beautiful nature into giant toilets! Responsible behaviour can keep our countryside beautiful and stunning forever.

The Access Code says:
If you need to urinate, do so at least 30 metres from open water or rivers and streams.
If you need to defecate, do so as far away as possible from buildings, from open water or rivers and streams, and from any farm animals.
Bury faeces in a shallow hole and replace the turf.
There is no specific guidance in the Access Code for Land Managers on human waste.
Although the Outdoor Access Code would recommend burying human waste but with such a high number of visitors to the highland and outdoors to be honest it is not viable to dig a hole.
Though it sounds gross manky and disgusting, but if dog poo can be taken in a poo bag and disposed of responsibly why not human waste can be done this way – “Bag it, Bin It”.
It is a known fact that many people do not know how to poop outside and if they must, how do they do this with leaving no trace or effect on our outdoor world.
It is very important to pack toilet paper and wipes to protect wildlife as you are aware, as it can contaminate water in the rivers and burns. This is because when it rains there is a potential risk of bacteria reaching the main water source that we rely on. Human waste is a carrier of many infectious diseases, not necessarily carried by animals such as cholera, E. coli, salmonella, shigella, rotavirus, norovirus, hepatitis A, and E, etc. So, if we bury it that means it won’t go away.

Now, let’s see what can it be done to resolve this massive issue?
Plan your journey and try to find any public toilets before you start your adventure. They could be on your way any services etc.

For single day hike/adventure
Adjusting the time for eating food the day before. This sometimes helps you go to the toilet prior to departure, and it is possible that all day you may not require to go.
Please do not stop drinking water during hike as it may make you dehydrated which is dangerous.

Make a kit when going outdoors, containing a trowel or small shovel to dig a cathole (6 inches or deep enough to bury it properly) if required.
Hand sanitiser, toilet paper, biodegradable waste bag whether you’re camping or on long car trips.

If nature calls, and you have to go and cannot make it to any nearest toilet facility:
Head 200 feet (70 big steps) away from trails, campsites, and water sources. Keep well away from path as no one wish to see you doing your waste management business.
Dig a cathole: use trowel, small shovel, stick, tent peg, or rock to dig a hole 6” (15cm) deep.
Poop in the cat hole, after business cover it properly with dirt.
Pack out used toilet paper to waste it responsibly.
Use hand sanitiser.

Please keep in mind I am not encouraging here to poo outdoors but in reality, for many of us this is a very difficult task to do as many of us cannot squat and always find difficult to do their business. I asked a few of my friends and they suggested a few positions they’ve been using so I just wanted to share with you and help you continue to enjoy the great outdoors, without your personal nature discouraging you!

Enjoy the great outdoors, you will become addicted!