Composting waste while camping is one of those low-effort actions that pays off big for our planet. Keeping campsites clean, cutting down on trash, and feeding back into nature all start with some smart composting moves. Whether you’re deep in the backcountry or just at a family campsite, getting the basics down makes a real difference. I’m going to break down my favorite ways to compost when camping, and share some tips even beginners find pretty handy.
Why Composting While Camping Matters
Camping is one of the easiest times to slip into the habit of just tossing everything in one trash bag. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Sadly, all that organic waste ends up in landfills, where it struggles to break down and releases methane. When I compost my food scraps at a campsite, I’m making sure those peels, cores, and bits fuel the earth, not pollute it. The bonus? Less stink in the trash bag, fewer critters snooping around, and a lot less guilt packing out smelly bags.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, food scraps and yard waste make up more than 30% of what we throw away. Out in the wild, composting helps trails and campgrounds stay clean and wild animals less likely to scavenge through plastic bags. It’s a small step toward leave-no-trace camping, but one that matters way more than most people realize.
Getting Ready: Supplies and Prep for Camp Composting
Before heading out, I always pull together a simple composting kit. No need for anything fancy, just a few basics, and you’ll be set for a clean camp. Here’s what goes in my backpack:
- Compostable Bags: Look for certified compostable or biodegradable bags. They break down fast and make packing out super easy if I can’t compost onsite.
- Portable Compost Bin or Bucket: Even a sturdy plastic container with a tight lid works for collecting scraps. Bins designed for camping are lightweight and seal well, so it’s worth checking out if you’re a regular camper.
- Gloves: Pretty handy for handling food scraps and cleaning up without mess.
- Trowel or Small Shovel: Needed if I’m going to bury compost (more on that later).
- Brown Material: Packing a small bag of dry leaves or shredded newspaper provides the “browns” needed to balance out wet food scraps. Helps things break down quicker and keeps odors down.
I try to prep meals at home before heading out. Slicing veggies and fruits in advance means fewer peels or cores produced at camp, but for anything created out in the woods, my kit is ready to handle it. Planning meals ahead can also reduce the amount of scraps you need to manage in the first place, giving your composting setup a leg up.
Simple Steps: Composting Waste at Your Campsite
Composting on the go is easier than most folks imagine. Here’s how I do it:
- Separate Compostables: Right after prepping food or meals, I keep all peels, cores, coffee grounds, and eggshells in my compost container. I don’t include meat, dairy, or greasy stuff since they attract animals and take way too long to break down.
- Add “Browns”: For each handful of food scraps, I toss in some dry leaves, wood shavings, or crumpled paper. This mix keeps odors away and speeds the composting process.
- Keep it Covered: Sealing up scraps means no smell wafting across the campsite, and animals won’t snoop in the bag or bin. Every few days, I give the container a quick shake to help air circulate inside.
- Dispose or Bury: If the campsite has compost bins (less common in the wild), I empty my scraps there. Otherwise, some backcountry places allow for onsite trench composting (see below). If not, I pack everything out, compostable bag filled and sealed tight.
The biggest rule? Only compost what breaks down quickly. No plastics, foil, meat bones, or stuff that critters might haul away. Keeping a clean compost container and regularly adding browns makes composting simple and pleasant, even for beginners.
Trench Composting: Making Waste Disappear in the Backcountry
Trench composting is a neat trick in wilderness locations where camp rules allow you to leave some organic matter behind (always check local rules first). Here’s my step-by-step:
- Dig a hole at least 6 to 8 inches deep and 4 to 6 inches wide, at least 200 feet from water, trails, and camp.
- Dump fruit and veggie scraps in the hole—no dairy, meat, or fat.
- Add a handful of soil and dry leaves on top. This cuts down odors and helps everything break down fast.
- Cover and pack the hole with the soil you dug up. The site should look just as you found it.
This method is best for longer stays or remote sites where hauling bags out isn’t practical, and only if local rangers or signage say it’s okay. In most national parks and regulated campgrounds, you’re expected to pack out everything. Do some careful research by checking campground websites or phoning ahead.
Common Problems When Composting While Camping (And How to Deal with Them)
I’ve run into a few hiccups with composting while camping, but knowing what to watch for makes a big difference. Here’s what I keep an eye on:
- Attracting Animals: Sweet fruit scraps and veggie peels can attract raccoons or even bears. I always use a sealed bin, store it well away from my tent, and never compost meat or cheese.
- Bad Smells: Too many wet scraps and not enough dry materials can make your compost really stink. Tossing in more leaves or dry paper solves this fast.
- Messy Leaks: Cheap bags or open bins sometimes spill or leak if they tip over. Using a sturdy, lidded container and packing it upright with paper towels below helps keep things tidy.
- Campground Limits: Not all places allow any disposal of waste, even compostable material. If I’m unsure, I plan to pack everything out just in case.
Attracting Wildlife. What Really Works
When camping in bear country or places with lots of animal activity, I always store compost (and any food) in bear-proof containers or hang it high between trees using a bear bag system. This step isn’t just for safety; it also follows leave-no-trace ethics, something I try pretty hard to respect.
Dealing with Weather Challenges
If it’s hot, compost might break down faster, but it’ll also smell quicker, so those browns are extra important. In rain, double-bagging scraps or tucking containers under tarps keeps things neat. I don’t leave composting bins out in the open, since rainwater will pool in and make everything soupy. That’s not fun to haul out.
Best Items to Compost When Camping (And What to Avoid)
Not everything from camp meals belongs in the compost bin. Here’s what I usually toss in:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps (peels, cores, stems)
- Coffee grounds and paper filters
- Shredded newspaper or plain paper towels (unscented)
- Eggshells (crushed up, it helps them break down)
- Uncoated paper plates and napkins
Things I always skip:
- Meat, bones, or fish
- Dairy (cheese, milk, yogurt)
- Grease or oily food waste
- Plastic packaging, wrappers, or foil
- Anything labeled “compostable” that isn’t home composting certified (like some bioplastics)
This simple rule of thumb makes things easy to remember: keep animal products and oils out, stick with plant-based, and mix in dry materials. Composting is simple if you keep to these basics. The less you bring that could cause a hassle, the smoother your composting ride will be!
Doing It Right: Leave No Trace Composting for Campers
I always try to stick to the seven Leave No Trace principles, especially when handling camp waste. Packing everything out keeps natural places wild, but when trench composting or using onsite facilities is okay, I follow these steps:
- Double-check site rules for waste disposal
- Use only biodegradable, plant-based materials
- Bury or deposit compost at the right distance from water and trails
- Cover compost with plenty of soil and camouflage the spot
- Share the right way with others if I see people unsure about composting
Doing it right means the next camper will never know anyone composted there, and the cycle continues for the ecosystem. If you’re camping with family or a group, explaining these steps to everyone helps keep the site cleaner and supports better habits all around.
My Favorite Advanced Tips: Taking Up Camp Composting a Notch
Once the basics are down, adding some tricks makes everything easier and more ecofriendly. Here are a few ways I’ve given a boost to my routine:
Pack a Portable Worm Bin: For car camping or extended stays, I sometimes bring a small, lidded worm bin (vermicomposter). Worms love veggie scraps and turn them into rich, earthy soil in just a few days. If you’re not squeamish, it’s honestly pretty fun to watch how quickly they handle the waste. Some campers even name their worms!
Solar Composting Bags: Clear compostable bags left in the sun can get hot enough to speed up breakdown, especially in dry climates. It’s nothing fancy, but on sunny days, I’ve noticed scraps breaking down much quicker than in the shade. The heat helps keep odors at bay too.
Keep a “Compost Diary”: This one might sound nerdy, but it works. I jot down what I composted each day, mark if I buried it, packed it out, or used onsite bins, and track how well it broke down. It’s satisfying to look back, and the notes help me improve my composting setup with every trip.
Experiment with Small Bokashi Setups: For the home composting fans, bringing a little bokashi bucket can help ferment scraps, even the tricky ones, before taking them home for full composting. It’s a step up in composting but is quite odorless and portable. Just don’t leave the fermented waste onsite. Always pack out for final processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about composting while camping that I’ve answered a few times for friends and fellow campers:
Question: Can I bury compost at any backcountry site?
Answer: It depends on the rules for your campsite or park. Many national or state parks ask you to pack out waste, but some remote wilderness areas let you bury compostable waste following specific distance and depth guidelines. Always check the specifics before you go.
Question: What if my camp doesn’t allow composting?
Answer: Stick with the pack-it-in, pack-it-out principle. Compostable bags are handy for sealing scraps, so your car or backpack stays fresh until you reach a compost bin at home.
Question: How do I keep compost from attracting animals?
Answer: Use sealed containers, store them away from sleeping areas, and avoid composting animal products or heavily scented items. In bear country, use approved storage, like bear boxes or bags hung up high.
Getting Started: Try Composting on Your Next Campout
Camping doesn’t have to mean making more trash. With a few simple habits and some solid gear, composting your camp waste is totally doable. From prepping the right kit to knowing what goes in the bin—and what never should—you can leave your favorite wild places cleaner and even greener. The next time you’re out, try composting your scraps and see how easy it is to give a little back to nature with every meal. Every small step adds up, so by starting with composting, you’re helping to protect the outdoors for fellow campers and generations to come. It’s one of those habits that’s just as good for you as it is for our shared planet.