Burning TP

[aficion]

About 40 years ago, I was taught by instructors, then currently knowledgeable in the tenets of LNT backpacking, to burn my used toilet paper in the cat hole, before covering it over with dirt. Their explanation for this recommended practice was that otherwise animals would dig it up and it would lay on the surface until it decomposed, creating an eyesore. My question is for those now current in LNT orthodoxy, which I'm sure has evolved. Is this burning of used toilet paper still recommended and practiced by those in the know?

[hikerboy57]

i burn mine.

[Hikes in Rain]

As do I, unless it's been unusually dry. With my user name, you can guess how often that is!

[Pedaling Fool]

I think the idea of animals digging up catholes are way over stated. And if they do dig them up the TP isn't going to be seen, because once you bury it, it absorbs all the surrounding moisture and will be unrecognizable if dug up again. Just put a wad on the ground and piss on it and you'll see that it falls apart just from that.

Many LNT people are just a bunch of fanatics trying to outdo the other LNT guy to show just how environmentally friendly they are, but in fact much of what they do is just a waste of time.

Burning TP is a total waste of time, to say the least...

[hikerboy57]

I think the idea of animals digging up catholes are way over stated. And if they do dig them up the TP isn't going to be seen, because once you bury it, it absorbs all the surrounding moisture and will be unrecognizable if dug up again. Just put a wad on the ground and piss on it and you'll see that it falls apart just from that.

Many LNT people are just a bunch of fanatics trying to outdo the other LNT guy to show just how environmentally friendly they are, but in fact much of what they do is just a waste of time.

Burning TP is a total waste of time, to say the least...

I have the time

[Pedaling Fool]

Burning TP is a total waste of time, to say the least...

I have the time

But I'm not going to say anymore

[Gambit McCrae]

I would say as long as it doesnt break one of the 7 rules of LNT then you are fine

[aficion]

I think the idea of animals digging up catholes are way over stated. And if they do dig them up the TP isn't going to be seen, because once you bury it, it absorbs all the surrounding moisture and will be unrecognizable if dug up again. Just put a wad on the ground and piss on it and you'll see that it falls apart just from that.

Many LNT people are just a bunch of fanatics trying to outdo the other LNT guy to show just how environmentally friendly they are, but in fact much of what they do is just a waste of time.

Burning TP is a total waste of time, to say the least...

I suppose all the toilet paper scattered around the priviless shelters did not get the memo.

[Coffee]

I think the idea of animals digging up catholes are way over stated. And if they do dig them up the TP isn't going to be seen, because once you bury it, it absorbs all the surrounding moisture and will be unrecognizable if dug up again. .

This might depend on climate and many other factors. I can say that I did see dug up toilet paper in the Sierra Nevada this summer and it is always a disgusting thing to come across. I pack my toilet paper out which is less disgusting and much less of a burden than it seems.

[oldbear]

The key to getting TP to dissolve rapidly is to use singly ply TP and then add lots of liquid to it
Wait 3- 4 minutes and then cover w/ dirt

[bangorme]

I think the idea of animals digging up catholes are way over stated. And if they do dig them up the TP isn't going to be seen, because once you bury it, it absorbs all the surrounding moisture and will be unrecognizable if dug up again. Just put a wad on the ground and piss on it and you'll see that it falls apart just from that.

Many LNT people are just a bunch of fanatics trying to outdo the other LNT guy to show just how environmentally friendly they are, but in fact much of what they do is just a waste of time.

Burning TP is a total waste of time, to say the least...

I basically agree with this. I don't think animals dig up human feces. I think many people don't bury their feces or their toilet paper and that's the big reason I find both all over the place.

[max patch]

I suppose all the toilet paper scattered around the priviless shelters did not get the memo.

Thats just the "don't pitch your tent here" warning system.

[aficion]

Thats just the "don't pitch your tent here" warning system.

The shelter is warning enough for me.

[A.T.Lt]

See if a Dr if it burns.

[Starchild]

Never before heard of that, I normally pee on the TP as well, which would make it not burn so well.

[Tipi Walter]

Never before heard of that, I normally pee on the TP as well, which would make it not burn so well.

Yeah, and human poop is wet so how the heck will fouled TP burn completely? It won't. I have a whole new system for you folks---

** Toilet paper is obsolete---don't need it so don't carry it.
** Instead find a paper towel brand you like (Bounty for me) and use one sheet folded in half and wet with water to be completely damp.
** Wipe once, fold into quarter size and wipe twice. Use another wet paper towel if needed.
** Bury stool and grab your hiking pole again (I used it to dig the cathole).
** Punch the tip of the pole deep into a hole in the ground, often next to a tree which has soft ground. The pole tip can go pretty far down, 8 to 10 inches.
** Place folded paper towels in hole and punch down all the way with the hiking pole.
** Cover if needed with leaves, etc.

[aficion]

Yeah, and human poop is wet so how the heck will fouled TP burn completely? It won't. I have a whole new system for you folks---

** Toilet paper is obsolete---don't need it so don't carry it.
** Instead find a paper towel brand you like (Bounty for me) and use one sheet folded in half and wet with water to be completely damp.
** Wipe once, fold into quarter size and wipe twice. Use another wet paper towel if needed.
** Bury stool and grab your hiking pole again (I used it to dig the cathole).
** Punch the tip of the pole deep into a hole in the ground, often next to a tree which has soft ground. The pole tip can go pretty far down, 8 to 10 inches.
** Place folded paper towels in hole and punch down all the way with the hiking pole.
** Cover if needed with leaves, etc.

I like it. No more fumblin with the lighter and no risk of unintended fire.

[FarmerChef]

I would think pockets of methane and lighters don't make good combinations...

[Malto]

Unless I'm in a high fire risk area I will burn the TP.

[aficion]

I would think pockets of methane and lighters don't make good combinations...

My friend Tailgunner would beg to differ. His favorite line was, "I've got a treat for you boys" which was always followed by a demonstration of his natural flame throwing talent.