COOKING DISHWATER DISPOSAL
During campouts lasting no more than a couple of days, strain any food bits out of your dishwater and put them in your trash. Carry the wash and rinse water away from camp and at least seventy-five steps from any streams or lakes. Give it a good fling, spreading it over a wide area. For longer stays at one site, dig a sump hole at the edge of camp and at least seventy-five steps from streams, lakes, or other open water.

1t should he about one foot across and two feet deep. Place a piece of window screen across it and Dour wash and rinse water into the sump through the screen. The screen will catch food particles so that you can shake them into a fire or trash bag. Fill the sump hole when you break camp, and replace any ground cover. You can also make a strainer by punching small holes in a plastic bag and fill- ing it with pine needles. Pour needles out of the backcountry with the rest of your trash.

Keep Soap and Detergent Away From Open Water

Many soaps, detergents, and shampoos contain chemicals that encourayn algae to grow. Algae can crowd out the native plants, making it harder for fish and other animals to survive. Soap and detergent can also leave an oily film in the water that can harm tiny aquatic Me.
Never put anything into Ole water that you ddn'I he willing to Drink as it floats away. dirty dishwater through the bag and the needles will strain out food particles. Carry the bag of