What to do when nature calls in the mountains?

For the second year in a row, Suisse Rando and the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) are running the #posetapeche campaign. The aim is to raise awareness of the impact of human waste outdoors on wildlife, plant life, and other users. The campaign highlights the right practices to help keep nature clean, even in the mountains.

Human waste: not like any other?

Beyond the visual discomfort for hikers, human waste left in nature can have real environmental consequences. If not properly managed, it can pollute soil and watercourses, particularly due to residues from medication or other harmful substances found in excrement.

Associated waste, such as tissues, can take several years to decompose in nature – up to 5 years for a paper tissue, and much longer for wet wipes.

Recommendations when nature calls in the mountains

The first recommendation is to plan ahead: when preparing the route, identify places equipped with toilets, such as cable cars, mountain huts, or restaurants. If it is still not possible to wait until the next facility, here are the key actions to follow:

• move away from the trail and choose a discreet, safe spot;
• stay at least 50 metres away from any water source;
• dig a hole about 15 cm deep (or use an existing cavity), relieve yourself, then cover it with soil or stones;
• take all paper and hygiene products with you: they must not be left behind or burned due to fire risk. Dispose of them properly once back in the lowlands.