Public Camp Manual

The scattering of refuse about camps is very objectionable. It is unsightly, produces odors, and serves as an excellent breeding place for flies. Some satisfactory method of disposal of garbage must be adopted for every camp developed in this Region. The method will vary with local conditions and needs, but must do away with the unsightly and unsanitary mess which results from scattered refuse. Garbage pits, a collection service, or incinerators may be used as conditions dictate.

Garbage Collection

A garbage collection system should be planned for all camps where collection is practicable. Only where collection is impracticable should garbage pits be installed in a camp.

Standard galvanized iron cans of about 25-gallon capacity have proved most satisfactory as garbage receptacles. They should be distributed throughout the camps, so as to provide easy access from the camp units, but close enough to the roads to facilitate collection. Garbage cans should be placed on stone or concrete bases, as shown in the accompanying sketch, and every can should be painted and stencilled with the Forest Service shield.

Wherever a garbage collection system is installed, some provision must be made for disposal of the refuse. Ordinarily this may be accomplished by means of dumps or pits.

Garbage Pits

Garbage pits furnish the most satisfactory depository for camp refuse. Where a pit is used in connection with a collection service, it should be removed from the camp, preferably on a side road. Wherever possible, it should be of sufficient size to care for the area tributary to it for a period of several seasons. The pit should be walled or timbered to prevent caving, and should be fitted with a redwood top sufficiently strong to hold up under the weight of persons or animals.

Where garbage pits are installed in a camp in lieu of a collection service, they should be located with the same care as are the toilets, bearing in mind that they must be accessible to all adjacent camps. These pits should be about 5 feet in diameter or 5 feet square, 6 feet to 10 feet deep, and should be fitted with redwood covers, made as nearly fly-tight as is possible.

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Garbage Dumps

Where large garbage dumps are required, great care should be exercised in selecting locations. They should be off main routes of travel, out of sight, and so located that odors from the dump will not be carried to camps or other recreation areas. Dumping should be confined to just as small an area as possible.

Garbage dumps should be kept burning all the time, or burned over annually. Burning can be facilitated by spraying stove oil or waste motor oil over the garbage occasionally. Garbage cans, pits, and dumps should be sprayed frequently with some good liquid disinfectant, of which there are several commercial brands.

Incinerators

It is doubtful whether incinerators for trash or garbage should be installed in Forest camps. Campers should be instructed to burn papers and other dry refuse in the camp stoves. Other refuse should be collected and removed to the garbage pit or dump. A trash incinerator usually becomes a depository for garbage and refuse, thereby destroying completely its intended function.

In rare cases, it may be necessary to construct incinerators for garbage. Incinerators of this sort should be located far enough away from camp sites to keep the smoke and odors from becoming objectionable to campers. The Regional Office will furnish plans of garbage incinerators upon request.

Trash Incinerator Rock work should have some design, rather than an appearance of rows of cobblestones. The well-house shown on page 1-6 illustrates interesting and attractive rock construction.