Human Waste Initiative
Responsible human waste practices for Moab, like RV dump sites, public restroom locations, WAG bag info, and more.
Let's talk fecal matters!
Know Where You're "Going"
There are more places to explore than there are to poop. Unless you have a WAG bag!
Keep the Landscape and Waterways Healthy
Help reduce pollution in Moab's creeks, rivers, and red rock recreation areas.
No One Wants to See a Human Hoodoo
This rugged landscape is more fragile than you think. Let's keep it healthy together!
How to Poop in the Desert
We all do it. But what's the best way?
Dealing with your waste is an important part of your Moab adventure. Here are the top three best options when you need to go:
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Outhouses
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Portable toilets
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WAG bags
Your best bet is the outhouses at the trailhead. We encourage portable toilets when camping and WAG bags when hiking - you never know when the coffee might strike!
Pack it out.
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Take portable toilets to dump stations.
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Take WAG bags to a waste station or identified container in Moab.
Please don't put WAG bags or trash in outhouses.
Why it matters. Catholes don't work in the desert - human waste doesn't break down the way it does in the forest. With so little water in this landscape, buried poop and toilet paper break down very slowly and can carry pathogens that spread disease. That "poop hoodoo" could still be there years to come. Grand County asks that everyone pack out human waste - don't leave it, and don't bury it.
Poop with a plan. Thank you for taking the time to pack out your waste - it's a small effort that makes a big difference for Moab's waterways, trails, and the visitors who come after you.
What is a
WAG Bag?
Waste Aggregated Gel (WAG) bags are multi-bag systems that contain enzymes to break down human waste, making it easier to pack out and safely dispose of.
Where to buy WAG Bags
Arches NP Bookstore | Visitor Center
Canyonlands National Park | Visitor Center
Dead Horse Point State Park | Visitor Center
Navtec | 321 N. Main Street
Pagan Mountaineering | 211 N. Main Sreet
Moab Information Center | 25 E. Center Street
Moab Gear Trader | 300 S. Main St.
GearHeads Outdoor Store | 471 S. Main Street
Solgear | 420 Kane Creek Blvd
Wild West Voyages | 422 Kane Creek Blvd
Climb Moab | 11850 S. Hwy 191
Where to dispose of WAG bags**
Lions Park | 1850 N. Hwy 191
Grand County Transit Hub | Across from Lions Park
Southeast Utah Health Department | 575 Kane Creek Blvd
Canyonlands Transfer Station | 2295 S. Hwy 191
**Note: WAG bags only. No groovers, DIY WAG bags, pet waste bags, ziplocks with cat litter, grocery bags, etc.
Why separate disposal?
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To keep track of total human waste collected
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To avoid high concentrations of waste in one area
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To keep human waste out of garbage bins and trucks
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To ensure sanitation worker safety during pickup