TRASH: Boondocking Off the Grid Disposal

[Ray Eklund]

Baby Diapers. Used toilet paper. Empty cans, boxes, cartons, paper towels, newspaper, glass.. etc.

Trash: Refuse, litter, garbage, debris, junk, dross, detritus, dregs, rubbish, uneaten food, tuna fish oil, empty oil cans... anything you want to dispose and are confused as to how.

Break cartons down to flat. Stomp cans flat. Reusable plastic bottles for water. Repackage dry goods into plastic, reusable containers.

SERVICE STATIONS provide Trash Containers for... disposal of your #$&@ Trash into their dumpster or trash containers at the pump. At NO Cost... AS others, not dumping trash, are actually paying for your trash disposal.

If you discover Trash at the campsite you are camping at... pick it up. It is the price for FREE Boondocking Camping.

Otherwise, responsible Boondockers like us... have to do it and we do it regularly. Left by people who: Dump their #$&@ Trash at the campsite just before they leave the area.

Baby diapers? We had a container, plastic trash bag inserted, drop them into the container and close the lid. They can be rolled up, tight and do not smell any worse than you will after a week with no shower. Actually... the diapers smell better.

On your topping off the fuel tank at a Service Station... dump your #$&@ Trash in their dumpster or containers at the pump.

On returning from one day, one week or weekly trips into town... dump your #$&@ Trash in their dumpster or containers at the pump. They are provided as part of the price of fuel and a service to the community.

Often, paper and cardboard are burned in the fire pit / circle where no campground trash containers are available. Many public dumpsters are removed as the container overflows and bags are left, exposed and wildlife will get into the bags for scraps.

In the process of burning trash... they start a Forest or Grass Fire and promptly leave... not notifying anyone that THEY created the latest Forest Fire.

They also EAT USED BABY DIAPERS as the feces has food value to them. Crows will tear into trash bags, as well. ... Bear... toss Bacon Grease outside your trailer and expect company, sooner, than later out in the Rocky Mountains.

Experienced Off the Grid Boondockers understand all of this.

When Newbies cannot figure it out... you should not be even in the Boondocks. Next thing you start a campfire, know nothing about how or where to position it... under a tree or open space.

Look at some Truck Stops with or without trash cans. The trash is piled up in overflowing dumpsters, blowing excess around. Bottles of Urine left alongside the road. Rural areas have piles of trash bags left at pullouts.

"Common Sense: is not a gift. It is punishment, because you have to deal with everyone who doesn't have it."

Some people need to Purchase a Sack of Common Sense. Then fill it with trash after finding their SACK EMPTY, and dispose of it in town. The more it stinks... the quicker you will find the proper place to toss it... into a proper trash receptacle.

Repackage your food and supplies into reusable containers. If a Neanderthal understands... Human Beans will as well.

... and have a great experience. It is well worth doing it right, the first time.

Oh.. yes. We have Boondocked for longer than most people's age. We did not have to study how to handle trash... we knew. Although, Native Americans... their ancient trash has great research value.

Your trash... none what so ever.

[Genebuilder]

What the previous post is trying to say can be summed up thusly.. Pack it in, pack it out.

[Ray Eklund]

Originally Posted by Genebuilder

What the previous post is trying to say can be summed up thusly.. Pack it in, pack it out.

*******
...and you and I have to give credit earned for that.

Anyone who has camped in a Tent also understands these basic standards. I embellished this by adding 'Decorations to a Discussion' without taking over by adding details to another's OP.

I understand that many posters post shorter Texts from their phone. I use my computer and can type away thoughts as they come up.

We Off the Grid Boondock. We also clean up sites as we find them. If the tin cans are rusty... we leave them alone. The BLM actually studies them, as I have heard. They can date the site as an archaeological site, but in written history.

Many Boondocking Sites out west are at locations where hundreds or thousands of years ago Clovis to Historical Indians set up camp in the Summers (higher elevation) and Winters (lower elevations). Their trash is also protected by the Antiquities Act. For those curious... look for flakes of obsidian, cherts and agates. These flakes are razor sharp and most that fit between two fingers, were used to cut, scrape and were discarded once dull.

Beer Parties are common on Public Lands near town in the Rockies. A large fire pit with lots of beer cans, trash and bottles. More on the local youthful side of the camp fire experience. One to mention is now closed to the East of the Grand Tetons, Wyoming. I believe it is called Shadow Mountain on NFS land. Or one would need to reserve a campsite which they may now limit.

After a lifetime of dry camping, we have seen it all.

A thousand years from now... it will be illegal to pick up these 'artifacts'. We prefer to take them into the town's trash, they go into the dump and when old... people will pay to DIG up the Trash.

Although aluminum... cans... decompose by chemical action when the soil is damp. They turn white and crumble... Maybe a good reason to keep an Airstream high and dry and not stored on damp soil. If you see white crust... too late.

If anyone wants to dig up Wyoming Trash in Cheyenne... you could get an annual permit from the City and keep everything you found in the first City Dump, in the late 1960's, early 1970's... everything you found. We were after bottles.

[rideair]

Sadly, there are still many that just don't get it, regardless of how much they can spend on their RV.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0sxwGlTLWw

[Thalweg]

Originally Posted by Ray Eklund

*******

We Off the Grid Boondock. We also clean up sites as we find them. If the tin cans are rusty... we leave them alone. The BLM actually studies them, as I have heard. They can date the site as an archaeological site, but in written history.

Yes, I can confirm that. In fact, it is illegal to pick up anything more than 50-years old on public land. Now we have to start doing math... when was the last time you saw a can of Schlitz with a pop-top? Pop-tops, someday they'll be right up there with Clovis points.

[ke6gkv]

this is so true! common sense is nt so common. leave a site cleaner than when you arrived. too many people have never camp before and they don't care.we will still pick up and pack out trash.

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by ke6gkv

this is so true! common sense is nt so common. leave a site cleaner than when you arrived. too many people have never camp before and they don't care.we will still pick up and pack out trash.

During COVID, the visitation to BWCAWA increased dramatically. Many newbies to the wilderness flocked to it, as this was a great way to REALLY social distance. The damage I noticed in the last two years was profound. Not only did we carry out about double the trash we produced, but there was a lot of physical damage to trees, sites, etc., as well as misuse of the latrine "facilities" provided on those sites. It was disheartening. This "overuse" and abuse prompted the Forest Service to reduce the entry permits by 25,000. So that reduces the people anywhere from 25,000 to 225,000.
We got our permit on opening day (as we always do) and I am currently pre-prepping for a 2 weeker at the end of August. This is trip #27 for me.

[Ray Eklund]

Originally Posted by Thalweg

Yes, I can confirm that. In fact, it is illegal to pick up anything more than 50-years old on public land. Now we have to start doing math... when was the last time you saw a can of Schlitz with a pop-top? Pop-tops, someday they'll be right up there with Clovis points.

******

I still have some 'church keys', well a lot of them. Beer Company 'keys' have been collectable to Neanderthals who recall what they were used. Much like Snipe Hunting when giving the kids a bag to catch a few, camped in the forest.

Today... camping has become routine. Only those with a memory recall what it was like to camp out and relax. That was the purpose... come home exhausted and recover, for the next relaxing camping trip.

One end was to open bottles. The other to make the well know triangle on a steel beer can... maybe soda. I am still trying to sober up after one can of 6% Budweiser.

If you did not have the church key... Beer Can Opener... another term... you had to find an edge, run the bottle so the bottle camp engages the edge... to pull the cap off. Amateurs would damage the 3 cent to 5 cent deposit as the top of the bottle could be 'impaired'.

Today... camping has become routine. Only those with a memory recall what it was like to camp out and relax. That was the purpose... come home exhausted and recover, for the next relaxing camping trip.

What happened to Snipe Hunting with a burlap bag for the kids... or hunting Tree Squeaks in the Trees? The entertainment of camping has 'gone to trash'.

Give the kids each a bag. Who ever fills their bag up with the most trash gets the surprise... my surprise? Was a long memory of wonderful days and a care free youth in western Montana. Ahhhhh.

The most common items to be found at an Old Boondocking Site:

1- Bottle caps
2- Aluminum pull taps (styles change over time)
3- Sardine cans
4- Pipe tobacco tins

We pick up coins and do not report them as Income. Nancy found a Quarter Dollar on this last trip in western Utah. It was clad.. not silver.

We also carry Powdered Milk and Powdered Water on ALL our Boondocking Trips. Does not turn sour, nor mildew. Also takes up less room in the Refer.

[markj10821]

I agree with most of the original post with the exception of dumping your trash at the service station???? They absolutely positively don’t want your boondocking trash in their garbage cans or dumpsters. That’s insane. Can you imagine?? That’s included in the price of gas???? Hell no it’s not. Take your trash home or pay to dispose. Nothing is free. Ask any service station owner if they want your weeks worth of garbage.

[Ray Eklund]

Originally Posted by markj10821

I agree with most of the original post with the exception of dumping your trash at the service station???? They absolutely positively don’t want your boondocking trash in their garbage cans or dumpsters. That’s insane. Can you imagine?? That’s included in the price of gas???? Hell no it’s not. Take your trash home or pay to dispose. Nothing is free. Ask any service station owner if they want your weeks worth of garbage.

******

Out west... Maverick Service Stations. All have trash cans at each pump and some have rollaway dumpsters for Trash. Best gas and diesel prices, clean restrooms and serve the public. Even campers, like us.

We are not homeless people.

Are you from some other World? Ask at the front desk at Maverick.

Weeks of Trash? What? You need to take a deep breath and calm down.

Have you the ability to predict what and how individuals camp and dump trash? Weeks of trash? Our weekly trash is less than your Daily Trash at home. We are Off the Grid Boondockers... not Hollywood Movie Stars.

FYI: Forest Service Offices also have trash dumpsters. Many rest areas along the highways have trash dumpsters. State rest areas have dumpsters.

[Ray Eklund]

During Covid... ? A rush to purchase a RV? Not really...

We noticed no additional campers in the Forest, Desert or Remote Locations we frequent on our latest Off the Grid Boondocking Adventure in Utah, Wyoming or Nevada. The higway traffic exhibited no additional trailer in tow traffic.

We may need to get glasses or have both of our eyes checked. We do blink...

These 'large numbers of new SOB owners' are obviously staying at RV Parks. We saw more Elk and Deer than people. That is why we OTG Boondock. To see Elk and Deer. We go camping to get away from people and sit back and enjoy... nothing but the peaceful view and hiking.

Zip. Nix. No increase. Most places... zero. Not even passing through RV's or Trailers.

We did see local ATV trailers and they were not camping. Utah has a lot of ATV Trails... hundreds of miles for all ages and all sizes of ATVs for kids and four passenger models. These families know how to enjoy the outdoors in Utah.

We did notice traveling through St. George, Utah that there were HUNDREDS of NEW Trailers filling any large open lots available. Even an out of business car dealership was full of parked SOB Traielrs. Most were... BIG'uns.

It was reality. Anyone else drive through St. George and noticed new trailers everywhere? Camping World may been on the west side of the Interstate and was packed full.

For a SOB Brand... maybe a good place to pick out a good deal. No Airstreams. Almost all White SOB trailers... obviously not all trailers are selling.

Oh... this was two weeks ago.

We need to generate some Trash for the trash pickup this week at the house. I will have to look around and see if we can find anything. So sad...

[markj10821]

Originally Posted by Ray Eklund

******

Out west... Maverick Service Stations. All have trash cans at each pump and some have rollaway dumpsters for Trash. Best gas and diesel prices, clean restrooms and serve the public. Even campers, like us.

We are not homeless people.

Are you from some other World? Ask at the front desk at Maverick.

Weeks of Trash? What? You need to take a deep breath and calm down.

Have you the ability to predict what and how individuals camp and dump trash? Weeks of trash? Our weekly trash is less than your Daily Trash at home. We are Off the Grid Boondockers... not Hollywood Movie Stars.

FYI: Forest Service Offices also have trash dumpsters. Many rest areas along the highways have trash dumpsters. State rest areas have dumpsters.

If you think an independent service station owner wants your week worth of trash in they’re pumpside garbage can you are living in another world. It’s simply not true. Maverick or otherwise. You think they wanna pay to dispose of every boondocksrs t trash??? You say YOU don’t accumulate much? How about the 100 or so a day that are dumping there?? There’s where the bulk comes in. Dispose of your crap at home or go to a facility and pay. Most of the original post was spot on except for the “ get something for nothing” attitude. I can tell you’ve never owned a business that’s had to deal with the motoring public. Use the the dumpsters at rest areas.that’s fine That’s why they’re there.

[Ray Eklund]

Maverick Service Stations along the Interstates have other great incentives to stop for the clean restrooms, top off the fuel tank and purchase products within the clean snack area.

Many, now offer a Dump Station, Fresh Water and lawn areas to walk your Dog with Doogie Bags.

The Fuel Prices are also the most competitive in any area with posted prices for all to see.

Many stations built in the last five or so years, also have pumps for Truckers AND RV Owners with extra space. Some offer Air if you need to increase tire pressure.

Their window wash is blue... not dirty water... with well kept rubber to clean your windshield. The Truck Stop have the long handles.

No, I do not work for Maverick, or own Maverick Stock. I am a Loyal Customer and will SEEK a Maverick before going to any other Station. They have their own Fleet of Tankers... and say Maverick on the sides.

The Dump Stations I have seen, offer water to wash out your hose.

We have never had a Pump that did not dispense a RECEIPT... to get you into the convenience store to ask for a printed receipt. Yep... true.

If I missed anything, others may want to comment.

[bcheever]

He's got a point. Most small towns have a transfer station/dump. A quick google search will let you know when they're open

[Ray Eklund]

The majority of Human Beans with an Airstream commune among RV Parks with large dumpsters. They can toss away damaged aluminum folding chairs, Dometic Refers, blown out tires and even common trash. Lets say 80%.

A minority Dry Camp, 20% is a bit of a stretch... but lets go BIG. It may take a week to gather up their and other's trash left at the campsite to have enough to use a bag. Trash Bag... come in many sizes. We are not hauling a couch in our trash bag... size. Wake up.

When they refuel and find a 'receptacle' (an object or space to contain something, like a vessel, bin canister or... trash can) it was installed at a convenient spot, next to a gas pump, lets say... to use.

The company, Maverick for example, purchased 'receptacles' with an opening wide enough to deposit... maybe... trash. For an example.

I contacted Maverick, and of course, they did not respond as this should be 'Common Sense' among Human Beings. Neanderthals that survived.. have lots of common sense as it is necessary part of civilization.

-You do not use a Post Office Drop Box for trash. Common Sense.
-You do not try to put a package into an envelope drop at the Post Office. Common Sense
-You do not dump trash in a Campground Pit Toilet, as they had to install a SIGN to get the attention of those who do not understand. The hole is for your buttocks, not a bag of trash. Common Sense... after the sign was needed.

The trash company when we are not home, does not miss our trash. We do not need to call and ask them to not look for our trash. When we are home and manage to round up some trash, put it into the wheeled device for trash... they pick it up without calling or making an appointment. They paid for empty or full. Wow!!!

The Service Station leave trash cans accessible for patrons to fit the trash into it. When they are full, they put the trash into the large dumpster. The Trash Company charges the same if the dumpster if half full or full.

Most, I say that to be polite, trailer owners do not drop off couches, lumber, broken toilets... are NOT common trash. If you do not know what "not common trash" looks like... go to a City that has people living on the sidewalk or in a City Park. Trash is variable in volume.

If Maverick has Common Sense... they will not respond to my questions. They may have Neanderthals as consultants. We are a smart group to get by with Modern Human Beans.

If you want to drop a plastic bag of trash at a Land Fill... be my guest. I could do that, as well... had I no Common Sense to take my limited amount of trash, push it into the... receptacle... that was placed their for US... the customer.

Do not throw you bag of trash behind some bush. Our Blue Heelers will find it and I would feel responsible to haul the trash out of the National Forest. If it fits into the Opening of a Receptacle... Yaaa Hooo. Or I have to divide it up.

Ask at your next Service Station... if you have any self respect. Telling someone who understands, myself included... needs to continue what has worked for a Life Time.

If you need to drop your trash at a Land Fill after a day, days or year. traveling in your trailer or RV... you ARE the Problem at a Service Station.

Not campers like us.

Oh... take a photo of yourself at the dump, including the tow vehicle and the Airstream in tow. We all want to... avoid you anywhere, anytime. OK? Tells us what your weight was going IN, and what it was going OUT. They charge by weight.

So... a 'fart sack'. Do you have one of those? If you do... you need to catch up and live the good life. The US Army handed them out like... they were comfortable. Tent camping at its best. And... little trash to speak of. Wow... miss those days. Not.

[Silvr_Bullet]

Anyone that thinks that the service station wants your plastic bag of garbage deposited in the receptacle alongside they’re gas pump because you gave them $1 profit from a purchased tank of fuel and purchased a Mars Bar and a sugar drink is breathing too much exhaust fumes. The reason the trash cans have a reduced opening usually very reduced opening is too give a subtle message that I am not a dumpster, the trash can under that reduced receptacle top is not a bottomless pit. Garbage dumpsters are almost 100% not accessible to customers, for good reason, they don’t invite you to abuse their services, their everyday refuse needs don’t include your garbage. If this doesn’t sound reasonable and your unsure bring your garbage bag to the register and ask if they want it, I think you know the answer, but unsure ask anyway, Duh!!

[Ray Eklund]

Why are there so many... Service Stations? Because they loose money and accept customer trash? An accountant will explain how all this works. How is it that a Service Station can survive with such a... low profit per gallon. Hmmm. Check it out.

Talk to an accountant. You may learn something.

If a Service Station can provide NO trash options or they DO. It is a business decision. Not soliciting interviews with people wandering the parking lot if it was a good idea or not. They can always remove them, put a sign up "Take Your Trash to the Land Fill' sign.

I am very familiar with Land Fills, Dumps and misinformation.

I have been in businesses for most of my life. Your business changes with the times. I never wanted to be in the Land Fill Business.

A story. In Lees Summit, Missouri there was a City Trash Business owned by a family. Their daughter rode on the back of a trash truck during the Summer Vacations. High School chumps make light of that... until they notice she drove a late model Corvette with the money she earned. They later sold the Trash Business to a larger one, owned the lot in the City and did not complain about picking up house trash at our home. Trash or no trash. Service Stations, businesses, munincipal, homes, our apartments... trash is trash.

The suggestion that I can drive to a Land Fill with my Airstream in tow and drive to the rollaway behind the washers, dryers and water tanks? This is NOT a good choice to some, but not for anyone with a sack of plastic bags and a crushed orange juice carton?

Or do you detach your Airstream, dump a bag of trash off and reattach and get an award for being a Genius? Ask the Service Station and show them your trash, before you do this... really.

I have not heard back from Maverick. If anyone has stopped today at a Service Station, dropped off some camping trash... ask the clerk what the 'rules are' concerning the use of the trash can next to the pump.

Is it for looks or do they expect people to put what into this well built and designed container to insert trash? Candy wrapper? Def Box and plastic jug that was not broken down and compressed? (I see the carton and jug empty sitting next to the trash 'can' often.) No doubt, also purchased at the Station.

Obviously I am in a minority. I also do not spit orange seeds into the wind.

[John Ware]

I stopped at a store on the way out of the Grand Canyon and asked the young lady if they had a church key. I had to describe it to her and they did indeed have one. Not only that, I got my diesel tax free because I was on Indian Land. I inherited the JAX opener from my brother and my dad always opened his cans on the bottom. Beer was colder when they came in a tin can.

[Ray Eklund]

Yes... it is very humbling to have to admit to a Neanderthal Reversal Decision.

I now 100% Support those who want to take Boondocking Trash to the Land Fill rather than depositing it into a trash receptacle at a Service Station, BLM, NFS or anywhere but a Landfill of choice.

The only options in the old days, was, by mistake, hauling the trash in our Airstream, home where trash belongs after a day or two weeks traveling.

I promote now that those who suggest NOT dropping trash off while traveling be given the opportunity to Do what they Preach...

"WE Accept Your Trash"... and give them a small stipend for the cause of Human Bean and Neanderthal Ignorance. (Maybe small print excluding Marathon Tires and large items like an Axle.)

A SIGN: We Accept Your Trash to Haul to a Land Fill (donations, optional)

The closest land fill to most small towns could be 50 miles. Larger towns maybe 10 miles. Large Cities... the streets?

St. George, Utah has five locations, closed on Sundays and Holidays. I see one at 12.6 miles from town. Another is 8.9 miles and both within 18 minutes from town. I can also find Coffee,, Food, Hotels and Attractions along the route. Imagine that? Wow.

Also numerous directions to get to a Land Fill of choice.

Now Cost...
500 pound or LESS... only $12
over 1000 pounds... $71 per Ton

There you have it. Maybe there is a complimentary drop off for a bag weight 2.9 pounds? "Level Pickup Load of Plant and Wood waste... $12"

Unsecured Loads $12 to $50. US Dollars, not Canadian for comparison

Non Commercial Tire Drop... $5 per tire. Animal Carcass Cow or Horse... $20 each.

North Pointe Solid Waste Special Service District Fees and Charges

We should ALL be grateful for these Trash Hauling Volunteers to take anyone's trash to the Land Fill. Gives me... Neanderthal Goosebumps.

What do you have to add? Separate recycles, as well? Paper bond by a string? We have to Save what is left of this Planet. The ONLY PLANET not named after a Roman God. It shows... trash is trash.

[dznf0g]

This may be a local decision, but after putting-out from BWCAWA, we stop by the FS office if we have a bear report, etc. They have a dumpster and encourage paddlers to use it. Maybe BLM, etc does same??