Waste when camping

Do you want to camp, hike and explore what our great country has to offer for many years to come?
Want your kids and your Children's kids to experience it too?
By respecting nature, we can keep it in a pristine condition forever.

Waste is an increasing issue when it comes to camping and we need to be responsible for our own waste. We cannot expect others to clean up after us and we also cannot expect there to be bins provided. We, as individuals, need to take responsibility.

If you can carry it in, you can carry it out.

Here are a few tips on reducing your waste when camping and leaving nature as it should be.

Reduce waste before you leave

• Remove plastic packaging from food and store in reusable containers. Leave excess packaging at home.
• Meal plan to avoid leftovers as much as possible, including snacks.
• Get a large container for drinking water and take your reusable drink bottle. One of the most common items of litter is plastic water bottles. These are so easily avoidable.
• Avoid disposable items such as plates, cups and cutlery.

Organise your waste

We can do it at home so why not do it while camping. Have separate bags/boxes for general waste, recycling and composting. This waste can be disposed of when you get home or your nearest waste facility. Please take responsibility for your own waste and dispose of it correctly. Please don’t rely on campgrounds to provide bins for your waste.

If there are no toilets, bury human waste at least 100m from water courses and at least 15cm deep.

Pick up your dog’s waste and dispose of it correctly.

Make responsible purchases

We see so many camp chairs, tents and marquees in bins or left at campsites after long weekends. Decent camping furniture ensures a comfortable stay and minimises impact, and it will last for a lot more than one camping trip.

Minimise your impact

Good campsites are found, not made. Use well-established campsites that are big enough for your group. Don’t expand and damage vegetation, don’t dig trenches or build structures in your campsite.

Bring a clothes line. You won’t be compelled to hammer a nail into a tree or break a branch off, which can only cause damage.

Campfires – don’t burn your waste. Foil, cans and bottles do not burn. Ensure your fire is completely out and cold before leaving. Campfires are not permitted on days of Total Fire Ban.

When leaving – get everyone to do a once over, picking up any rubbish. This includes small items such as bottle lids and bread tags.

Respect wildlife – This is their home. No one likes there home trashed.