Needles waste disposal changes

I just got a backpacking permit for The Needles this weekend, and this is what the Backcountry Packet included with permit has to say about the subject of dealing with waste. Good news for backpackers!

Whenever possible, human waste should be removed from the backcountry. A washable/reusable toilet system or human waste disposal bag is required when camping at the Maze District vehicle campsites; at the New Bates Wilson site in the Needles District; and within ½ mile of the Green and Colorado rivers. Toilet paper must be packed out of the backcountry. Backpackers are encouraged to use bag systems in order to prevent the build up of human waste at designated sites. Bags must be of the type that use dry chemicals/enzymes to render solid human waste into nonhazardous products acceptable for disposal in permitted landfills. Waste disposal bags cannot be deposited in vault toilets.

The dry soils of the desert do not promote decomposition like forest or mountain soils. Whenever possible, human waste should be removed from the backcountry. To accomplish this, backcountry travelers should use vault toilets whenever possible. In certain areas of the park, visitors are required to bring their own toilet systems. Backpackers are encouraged to use human waste disposal bags, especially near designated sites. Bags must be of the type that use dry chemicals/enzymes to render solid human waste into nonhazardous products acceptable for disposal in permitted landfills. Waste disposal bags cannot be deposited in vault toilets. Solid waste may also be buried in a hole at least four inches deep and 300 feet away from water sources or campsites. If you use toilet paper, always pack it out. Never burn or bury it in a desert environment. Urine is not a health hazard and need not be buried. When camping along the rivers, urinate into the main current to prevent the buildup of odors along the beaches.
 
pixie1339 said:
I just got a backpacking permit for The Needles this weekend, and this is what the Backcountry Packet included with permit has to say about the subject of dealing with waste. Good news for backpackers!

Whenever possible, human waste should be removed from the backcountry. A washable/reusable toilet system or human waste disposal bag is required when camping at the Maze District vehicle campsites; at the New Bates Wilson site in the Needles District; and within ½ mile of the Green and Colorado rivers. Toilet paper must be packed out of the backcountry. Backpackers are encouraged to use bag systems in order to prevent the build up of human waste at designated sites. Bags must be of the type that use dry chemicals/enzymes to render solid human waste into nonhazardous products acceptable for disposal in permitted landfills. Waste disposal bags cannot be deposited in vault toilets.

The dry soils of the desert do not promote decomposition like forest or mountain soils. Whenever possible, human waste should be removed from the backcountry. To accomplish this, backcountry travelers should use vault toilets whenever possible. In certain areas of the park, visitors are required to bring their own toilet systems. Backpackers are encouraged to use human waste disposal bags, especially near designated sites. Bags must be of the type that use dry chemicals/enzymes to render solid human waste into nonhazardous products acceptable for disposal in permitted landfills. Waste disposal bags cannot be deposited in vault toilets. Solid waste may also be buried in a hole at least four inches deep and 300 feet away from water sources or campsites. If you use toilet paper, always pack it out. Never burn or bury it in a desert environment. Urine is not a health hazard and need not be buried. When camping along the rivers, urinate into the main current to prevent the buildup of odors along the beaches.
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Haha, nevermind! They've included an attachment with the new wag bag policy. D'oh!
 
pixie1339 said:
I just got a backpacking permit for The Needles this weekend, and this is what the Backcountry Packet included with permit has to say about the subject of dealing with waste. Good news for backpackers!

Whenever possible, human waste should be removed from the backcountry. A washable/reusable toilet system or human waste disposal bag is required when camping at the Maze District vehicle campsites; at the New Bates Wilson site in the Needles District; and within ½ mile of the Green and Colorado rivers. Toilet paper must be packed out of the backcountry. Backpackers are encouraged to use bag systems in order to prevent the build up of human waste at designated sites. Bags must be of the type that use dry chemicals/enzymes to render solid human waste into nonhazardous products acceptable for disposal in permitted landfills. Waste disposal bags cannot be deposited in vault toilets.

The dry soils of the desert do not promote decomposition like forest or mountain soils. Whenever possible, human waste should be removed from the backcountry. To accomplish this, backcountry travelers should use vault toilets whenever possible. In certain areas of the park, visitors are required to bring their own toilet systems. Backpackers are encouraged to use human waste disposal bags, especially near designated sites. Bags must be of the type that use dry chemicals/enzymes to render solid human waste into nonhazardous products acceptable for disposal in permitted landfills. Waste disposal bags cannot be deposited in vault toilets. Solid waste may also be buried in a hole at least four inches deep and 300 feet away from water sources or campsites. If you use toilet paper, always pack it out. Never burn or bury it in a desert environment. Urine is not a health hazard and need not be buried. When camping along the rivers, urinate into the main current to prevent the buildup of odors along the beaches.
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@pixie1339 : We just missed each other in the Needles that week. I was there on 15/16th.

As for Wag bags. We used them along with the groover tube during the Labyrinth float. I gotta say, I am not a fan...of either. Doable, not enjoyable.
 
baltocharlie said:
@pixie1339 : We just missed each other in the Needles that week. I was there on 15/16th.

As for Wag bags. We used them along with the groover tube during the Labyrinth float. I gotta say, I am not a fan...of either. Doable, not enjoyable.
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Sorry to have missed you. It sounds like a lot of BCP people thought it was a great time to be in Canyonlands.:)
 
I used to make fun of my family in the Tahoe area and their Whitney hikes for this. "Crazy Californians and their weird rules" or so I thought. And now its all over Utah. Pretty tempting to pack a baby ruth in a bag for display and just put my waste where no one will ever find it as I always have.

So does anyone know why burning toilet paper is "bad" other than the fire risk?
 
Duke said:
So does anyone know why burning toilet paper is "bad" other than the fire risk?
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I'm pretty sure fire risk is the only issue but I know there have been a fair amount of fires caused by it, even in desert environs like Cedar Mesa.
 
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