Get real about WAGG Bags

BrianP said:

Funny thing is that in many wastewater plants, the heaviest solids are removed in the first step in the process and brought to a landfill. The remaining solids are then processed and disposed of in various ways, including being spread as fertilizer to grow hay.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Mountain Buzz mobile app

Click to expand...

The above point about Diapers is a valid concern - but not an argument for Wag bags. If somebody else pollutes...does that mean you should too?

RE Wastewater. I depends on if you are talking about a combined system or not - BUT As a water scientist who studied wastewater in college....I'll go ahead and step in here and say that this is generally not true.

I could bury you in details, but the first step in influent treatment is removal of large solid materials and other materials that could damage downstream pumps. This is typically rocks, sticks, and other material. This is often called preliminary treatment. Some plants don't consider this part of the process because it can be done "off site". These removed materials are washed and transported to a landfill.

Next (Primary treatment) the influent is pumped into sedimentation tanks where lighter material (oil/grease & plastics) are skimmed (WASHED if solid) and sent to the landfill. Heavier materials - called primary sludge at this point - are sent downstream for secondary treatment.

The point is that solids removed to a landfill are not biological in nature. Biological wastes are concentrated into "biosolids" for use as fertilizer (NKP).

Wag bags have their place. I've used them before and probably will again. But if they end up in a landfill, you are doing the environment a disservice. I feel the same way about Diapers. Especially when a solution exists that allows the waste to enter a treatment facility (Ecosafe style toilets).

Good point, Austin.

This whole discussion about diapers, wag bags, and Ecosafe systems reminds me of the time I floated the White River and the most difficult part of the trip was finding enough space to put the Ecosafe groover where it, and the user's feet, wouldn't be right smack dab (literally) in a cowpie.

Yeah, it would be great if we could all make sure our waste went into a good groover and then a WWTP, but sometimes it's just not feasible - like kayak self support trips. And frankly, if I'm doing a one-boat overnighter, I'll be glad to pack it out in a wag bag rather than go through the hassle of bringing the Ecosafe along and then doing cleanout after one or two people have used it.

If we're going to preach, shouldn't we be having these friendly discussions with the folks that are still digging cat holes and having ground fires at campsites instead of those that are already using approved waste removal systems?

SYOTR,

-AH