The Singing Scoutmaster: Proper Disposal of Campfire Ashes and Cooking Waste

A good fire and a hot meal make camp complete—but they leave behind a mess if not handled right. Knowing what to do with ashes, food grease, and greywater is part of every Scout's outdoor duty. It's not just about cleanliness—it's about protecting nature and setting an example.

Campfire Ashes: Cold, Clean, and Scattered

• Cold Out First: Stir, soak, and test ashes to be sure they're cold to the touch—no embers, no steam.
• At Campgrounds: If there's a fire ring, leave cold ashes inside unless otherwise posted. Rangers often clean these out safely.
• In the Backcountry: Scatter cold ashes widely, away from trails, campsites, and water sources. Use a trowel to disguise any trace.
• Never Bury: Burying live coals is a fire hazard and breaks Leave No Trace principles.

Grease and Cooking Waste: Think Like a Critter

• No Grease Dumps: Grease attracts animals, smells awful, and pollutes soil. Never dump it on the ground or in a fire pit.
• Pack It Out: Use a "grease jar" or lidded can to collect cooled fats and oils. Dispose of it properly when back home.
• Paper Towel Method: Wipe greasy pans with paper towels and pack them out in a sealed bag.

Greywater: Soap, Scraps, and Smart Disposal

• Strain It: Use a mesh strainer or bandana to filter out food bits. Pack out those scraps.
• Scatter Method: Scatter strained greywater 200 feet away from campsites and water sources. Broadcast it widely, don't pour it in a puddle.
• No Soapy Streams: Even biodegradable soap harms aquatic life. Never dump greywater into lakes or creeks.

Scout Wisdom

Want a good test? When your site is clean, ask: "Could someone walk in here and not know we were ever here?" Proper disposal of ash and waste gets you closer to that gold standard of Scout camping.

Clean site, safe site, wild site—just as it should be.