Concessions Impact on Human Waste on Denali

Each year from May to early July, experienced mountaineers come to Denali for a challenge. Approximately 1,000 climbers take on the challenge annually, most of them choosing to summit via the West Buttress route. The West Buttress route is an expedition, meaning that the summit is almost always a multi-week endeavor. Humans spending an extended period of time on the mountain creates waste. While most mountaineers follow Leave No Trace practices by packing out any trash they brought with them, historically human waste has been an exception.

For decades, summiteers have been crevassing human waste with the assumption that the glacier would remain frozen, trapping the waste inside indefinitely. Climbers have thrown an estimated two metric tons per year into the Kahiltna Glacier between 1951 and 2018.

In the past, the National Park Service (NPS) attempted to address the waste problem on Denali by equipping the basecamps on the mountain with latrines. However, these latrine pits still posed a risk to the environment and could melt into the water systems at lower elevations. Since the 1970s, the park has successfully implemented a “pack in-pack out” policy for trash but human waste continues to be an issue.

Enter the Clean Mountain Can (CMC), invented and engineered by retired park ranger Roger Robinson to reduce human waste on the mountain. The CMC measures 11 inches tall with a 9-inch diameter. The can is lined with a compostable bag and has a capacity of 10 to 14 uses. The NPS requires a full pack out from 14,200 feet to the base camp on the West Buttress route. While some crevassing of human waste is still allowed, most concessioners exceed the requirements set out in their contracts and pack out human waste, regardless of elevation.

Health and Safety

Packing out waste using the CMC comes with challenges. Mountaineers are already tasked with heavy packs and sleds full of supplies to sustain them during their expedition. Handling human waste at any elevation can pose a health risk and containing waste can get messy. Due to the high altitude and cold weather, the contents of the CMC freeze, reducing any foul smells. Denali National Park & Preserve and its mountain guides provide the group with instructions and information for safe use. While on the route, mountaineers must melt snow for drinking water. Due to the human waste surrounding the route, mountaineers need to choose snow patches wisely. Using the CMC to reduce human waste maintains essential clean water for those on the mountain and below. The guidelines of Leave No Trace state that, if possible, climbers and hikers should go to the bathroom 200 feet away from water sources, camps, or trails.

The concessioners that guide visitors on the West Buttress route have years of experience on the mountain. The guides are trained in Leave No Trace practices, passing their knowledge to visitors during the expedition. To ensure the health and safety of everyone during the expedition, the concessioners use mentorship as a best management practice. Leading an expedition cannot be taught in a classroom; however, by pairing experienced guides with newer guides, the concessioners build and share years of experience, keep the group safe, and keep the mountain clean.

Servicewide Application

Although Denali has led the way with CMCs and pack-in-pack-out practices, any guide service can implement sustainable human waste practices to keep the backcountry clean. Zero waste toilet paper, known in the hiking community as a pee cloth, is a simple fabric rag that hikers can use in place of hauling toilet paper while on the trail. Although pee cloths come in a variety of fabrics, bamboo is recommended as it dries quickly and is naturally antibacterial. UV rays from the sun also aid in the sterilization of the cloth after use.

Leave No Trace recommends that anyone going to the bathroom in nature find a spot at least 200 feet (approximately 70 big steps) away from any water source, trail, or campsite. Next, dig a 6-to-8-inch cat hole and do your business. When finished, pack out any used toilet paper and wash or sanitize hands.

Hygiene in the backcountry prevents illness and intestinal ailments. It is recommended to sanitize after using the bathroom and before handling food. If possible, wash your hands thoroughly at least once a day while on trail. If you choose to use soap, make sure it’s biodegradable and unscented.

Sustainability and Responsibility

Denali concessioners take the mountain’s cleanliness seriously. For the guides of Denali, it is personal. Many mountain guides live in the surrounding community year-round.

The cleanliness of Denali sets it apart from other popular expeditions around the world. Other popular summits like Mount Chogori are not located on protected lands and do not require mountaineers to pack out waste and keep the mountain clean.

The NPS and concessioners work together to address waste, making the mountain an exceptional place for mountaineers and maintaining the mountain for generations of mountaineers to come.