Camping is a great way to connect with nature, but it also brings with it a responsibility to protect the environment. Managing waste effectively while camping is critical, not just for keeping sites clean for the next group of visitors, but also to protect local wildlife and natural habitats. In this guide we will walk you through simple, creative, and low-maintenance ways to “pack it out” and maintain a zero-waste mindset in the outdoors, with tips for using Let's Go Aero (LGA) cargo carriers to carry out trash easily and efficiently.

Types of Camping Trash Cans

Bringing a reliable trash management solution is essential for any camping trip, especially if you’re aiming for a zero-waste experience. Here are a few popular options that make it easy to collect and store trash, from beginner-friendly choices to heavy-duty solutions for more rugged conditions.

Collapsible Trash Cans

Lightweight and easy to store
Collapsible trash cans are a top choice for campers. These bins pop open when needed and fold flat for easy storage, making them ideal for family or group camping trips. Many collapsible models come with built-in lids or covers, which helps keep odors contained and prevents trash from blowing away in the wind.

Perfect for car camping and short trips
Since they’re compact and lightweight, collapsible trash cans are a practical choice if you’re car camping or have limited space. Simply stow one in your trunk, and you’ll have an easy way to manage trash without bulky, heavy containers.

Portable Trash Bags with Frames

Compact, easy to set up, and affordable
These are great for campers who like to keep things minimal. Portable trash bag frames hold a single trash bag upright, providing an easy solution without taking up much space. They are lightweight and affordable, making them a convenient option for campers who want simplicity without sacrificing function.

Suitable for minimalistic or backpacking trips
For those who need a quick, reliable way to manage trash without bulk, these frames make cleanup a breeze. However, they’re better suited to car camping or day trips, as they may not stand up to bad weather or heavy use.

Bear-Proof Trash Containers

Essential for camping in areas with wildlife
In bear country or regions with active wildlife, utilizing park-provided bear boxes is a smart and convenient way to manage trash. These heavy-duty, lockable storage units are often installed at campsites by park authorities and are designed to keep animals out while protecting your trash and the surrounding ecosystem.

Durable, secure, and minimizes animal attraction
Bear boxes provide a secure place to store your waste, preventing animals from being attracted to your campsite by odors. By using the bear boxes provided, you save space in your vehicle while adhering to local wildlife safety guidelines. This no-fuss solution offers peace of mind, especially in remote areas where wildlife encounters can be more common. Always remember to follow park rules and properly secure the bear box after use to ensure its effectiveness.

DIY Trash Can Solutions

Ideas for using everyday items
If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, DIY trash cans can be made from items you likely already have at home. Laundry hampers, buckets, and even your cargo carrier can serve as makeshift trash bins. If you have no other solution, don't forget you can always just hang a trash bag from the nearest tree branch.

How to Effectively Store Trash at Your Campground

Once you’ve selected a trash solution, knowing where and how to store overnight and when you are away will make a huge difference. Here are some effective strategies for securing your trash and minimizing your impact on the environment.

Dispose of trash in park-provided trash cans If you are camping in an area with designated camp grounds, the most obvious and easiest solution is to use the trash can provided to you by the park. Be sure your camp site is positioned far away from permanent trash disposal areas to avoid attracting wildlife. Store trash in the trunk of your vehicle If you are camping further off grid and do not have access to park provided trash receptacles, another great option is storing trash in your vehicle. Keeping trash in the trunk of a car or under a covered truck bed reduces the risk of wildlife interference in most areas and keeps odors contained. Always confirm with your local park before storing food or waste in your vehicle as this is not recommended in areas with larger bears such as grizzlies.

• Use a sealed and covered container like a Cargo Carrier
  For a secure trash storage solution that is away from the interior of your vehicle, consider placing your trash bags inside a cargo carrier. Enclosed Cargo carriers keep odors contained and prevent trash from contaminating the interior of the vehicle. Solid plastic storage boxes like those from Let's Go Aero, are lockable so you can secure food waste away from animals at night and when you are away from the campsite. At the end of the trip, carriers are especially handy for packing out all of your trash.
  
  
  
• Hang trash bags from a tree
  If no bear box or cargo carrier is available and storing inside of the vehicle is not an option, it is recommended to hanging trash bags from a tree branch at least 12-15 feet above the ground and 8 feet away from the trunk. This method can deter animals including bears and keeps trash out of reach of many wildlife species. Use a sturdy rope and ensure the bag is tightly sealed to reduce odors.

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Separate trash into recyclables, compost, and regular waste
Regardless of how you store it, bring extra bags to separate your waste. Sorting recyclables and compostable items at your campsite makes disposal easier and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills. This simple step also encourages a more sustainable camping routine.

How to Dispose of Trash at Campgrounds

Proper waste disposal is key to maintaining the natural beauty of campgrounds and following Leave No Trace principles. Here are some general guidelines to help you dispose of your trash responsibly.

Pack It In, Pack It Out

One of the simplest and most impactful rules of sustainable camping is to pack out everything you pack in or Leave No Trace. This means taking all your trash, food scraps, packaging, and personal hygiene items with you when you leave, especially if there are no designated disposal areas. By doing so, you help keep campsites clean, protect wildlife, and ensure natural spaces remain unspoiled for others.

Planning ahead can also make this easier. Pack lots of trash bags, use reusable containers, limit excess packaging, and bring gear that reduces the need for disposable items. These small choices help minimize the waste you generate during your trip.

If you spot trash left behind by others, consider picking it up and properly disposing of it. This small act of stewardship helps preserve the environment and sets an example for responsible outdoor recreation. By packing it in, packing it out, and even cleaning up after others, you help ensure that nature stays as beautiful as it was when you arrived.

Packing it up

Camping responsibly means taking the extra steps to manage and dispose of waste properly. By choosing a trash solution that fits your camping style—whether a collapsible bin for short trips or an LGA cargo carrier for more intensive expeditions—you’re helping protect our outdoor spaces for future generations.

Adopting zero-waste habits might take a bit of extra planning, but it’s well worth it for a cleaner, greener camping experience. Remember to always follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out your trash, and be mindful of your impact on the environment. With these sustainable trash management ideas, every camper can play a part in preserving nature while enjoying it to the fullest.