How to Properly Dispose of Human Waste in the Moab Area
Did you know that digging a cathole to poop in is illegal in Grand County? It's true! In the desert, human waste doesn't break down as easily or as quickly - which creates health hazards. When you're here, human waste can be disposed of in one of two ways: using a developed toilet facility, or packing out human waste in approved waste bags. These bags are called "Waste Alleviation and Gelling Bags," or WAG bags!
What is a W.A.G. Bag?
When hiking, backpacking, biking, driving where toilet facilities are not available, the most convenient and sustainable option is purchasing a W.A.G. Bag: a double-walled, self-closing human waste container complete with crystals or gels to neutralize the dangerous pathogens in human waste.
W.A.G. Bags can't be disposed of in just any old trash bin. Make sure you find an approved W.A.G. Bag Disposal Bins after use!
W.A.G. Bags can be purchased at the following locations in Moab:
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Arches National Park Bookstore – Arches National Park
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Canyonlands National Park Bookstore – Canyonlands National Park
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Dead Horse Point State Park – Dead Horse Point State Park
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Moab Information Center – Corner of Main & Center Streets
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GearHeads Outdoor Store – 471 S Main St
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Moab Gear Trader – 300 S Main St
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Pagan Mountaineering – 211 N. Main
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CLIMB Moab – 11850 S. Hwy 191, Unit A8
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Solgear – 420 Kane Creek Blvd, #1
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Wild West Voyages – 422 Kane Creek Blvd
W.A.G. Bags can be disposed at the following locations in Moab:
- Grand County Transit Hub
- Intersection of Highways 191 and 128 (“River Road”)
- Available 24/7
- Lions Park
- Intersection of Highways 191 and 128 (“River Road”)
- Available 24/7
- SE Utah Health Department
- 575 Kane Creek Blvd, Moab, UT 84532
- Available 24/7
- Moab Transfer Station
- 2295 S Hwy 191 (3 Miles South of Moab)
- 24/7 dumping for individuals. (Go inside during operating hours. A bin will be outside after hours.)
- Commercial tour operators can only dump during operating hours. 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday – Friday), 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Saturday), Closed Sunday. Fees apply.
Vault Toilet Locations
Whenever possible, use a vault toilet! Vault toilets are waterless toilets that collect waste in an underground tank or vault. These non-flush toilets are commonly found in remote areas like campgrounds, trailheads, national parks and on forest lands.
