Desert soils have few microorganisms to help break down human feces. Instead, heat and sunlight are the most important factors promoting decomposition. Sanitation practices require extra attention to maximize decomposition and to avoid polluting water sources.

Choose a site that is at least 200 to 300 feet away from trails, campsites, and water. The locations should have maximum exposure to direct sunlight or be in an area of organic matter, such as bushes or trees. Because the Sun's heat penetrates desert soils, shallow burial (no more than four to six inches deep) is usually more appropriate than surface deposition.

Burn toilet paper or carry it out and dispose of it properly—toilet paper takes surprisingly long to decompose. An alternative is to use leaves or other natural substitutes.

Unless you are camped near a rest room, you will be required to have some type of porta-pottie or chemical toilet in your vehicle when camping in many places in the backcountry or along river ways. Basically, a portable toilet is any sealable container that can be emptied directly into a sewer service.

• Feces decomposes very slowly in the relatively sterile desert soil.
• Solid human waste will have to be transported to a sewer service of some kind.
• If you walk into the backcountry, your must dig a hole at least six to eight inches deep and at least 200 to 300 feet from any water source (preferably above the high water mark), trail, or campsite.
• Since animals will often dig up cat holes and scatter the toilet paper, it is preferred that you pack out any toilet paper used. If you must leave toilet paper, use a minimal amount and bury it with at least six inches of soil or carefully burn it in the hole. Do not burn toilet paper if a fire hazard exists.
• Back-fill the hole with the soil you removed.
• Do not let your waste contribute to surface water pollution.

• It is unlawful to dump or drain waste water from campers or trailers onto the ground.
• Dishes are to be washed at campsite. Water fountains or spigots are not to be used.
• All wastewater must be dumped into camper service sinks located at comfort stations or at the disposal station at the entrance to major campgrounds.
• Drain buckets must be used on all drain hoses.
• When backpacking, scatter wastewater more than 200 feet from any watercourse.