News & Updates

Disposing of Waste Properly: WAG Bags

Guest - February 26, 2017

Sedona, AZ:  When it comes to properly disposing of human waste, there are four objectives to consider.

1.  Minimize water contamination

2. Minimize social and aesthetic impacts

3.  Minimize the spread of disease

4.  Maximize decomposition

If we are unable to meet one or more of these requirements, it's best that we pack out our waste.  One light weight way to do so is with a W.A.G. Bag.  Check out this video on how to go about using this double bag system.

WAG Bags are necessary because only bagging our waste creates biohazard which is illegal to throw out.  WAG Bags contain chemical crystals that gel human waste and render it inert, allowing you to properly dispose of it in a garbage can. Always pack out your WAG Bags, and do not deposit them in pit toilets or composted.  

WAG Bags generally contain some toilet paper and a sanitizing towelette.  We often find these to be insufficient so we pack extra TP and hand sanitizer.

Have Fun.  Be Safe.  Leave No Trace.

Leave No Trace’s Alex Roberts and Emy Gelb are part of the 2017 Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainer Program that provides free, mobile education to communities across the country. Proud partners of this program include Subaru of America, REI, Fjallraven, ENO, Deuter, Thule, Taxa Outdoors and SmartWool.

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