Dispose of Waste Properly

"Pack it in, pack it out." Pack out anything that you pack in ­ including plastic bags, foil food packets, and food. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Show extra consideration by packing out any additional trash you might find along the trail or at campsites.

Use toilet facilities wherever they are provided (such as at Lakes of the Clouds Hut from early June to early September, at the summit from late May to mid-October, and at Hermit Lake Shelter Area year-round). Where there are no toilet facilities, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. (If you follow these guidelines, you will avoid polluting water, will keep animals and insects from spreading the waste, will speed decomposition of the waste, and will minimize the chance that another hiker will come upon your waste.)

To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater. (Pack out the food scraps.)