Trash storage
- Thread starter pwc
- Start date
devinsixtyseven
Explorer
Ah but you do! It just doesn't look/feel/seem/smell like trash when you start.articulate said:
Any sealable container, designated trash and planned from the beginning to be stored on the vehicle at full volume, saves trouble later. So does packing items which have "useful" trash--plastic jugs can be rinsed and refilled with purified water, cardboard can be used as kindling.
In the past I've used a small sealable Tupperware container, lined with a bag, for things that can't be burned, buried or eaten. I like the idea of using a solid sealable container rather than a loose bag of any sort, since I'd hate to poke a hole through the bag from either side accidentally (rocks, roots, tools, aluminum cans, accidentally broken glass, etc).
Really the only trash you'll end up with will be cans (aluminum or steel), glass, plastic, and poo...everything else can be eaten, buried or burned.
Last long trip, we made the mistake of taking a zillion half liter bottles of pre-mixed sports drinks. By the end of the trip, the empties were stashed everywhere. It would have been better to mix up something in advance and stick it in a 5g jug.
david despain
Adventurer
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1839&highlight=burning+trash
in this thread i mentioned burning the trash. :campfire: seems everyone has their own opionion about that and no two are quite the same. in the past we have burned everything that would burn. that includes steel, glass, and aluminum. never had any sign of it left in the morning. some will argue that it releases bad gasses into the air. this may be true. some would argue there is less stuff to be burried in a landfill, this also may be true. like i said lots of opionions.
in this thread i mentioned burning the trash. :campfire: seems everyone has their own opionion about that and no two are quite the same. in the past we have burned everything that would burn. that includes steel, glass, and aluminum. never had any sign of it left in the morning. some will argue that it releases bad gasses into the air. this may be true. some would argue there is less stuff to be burried in a landfill, this also may be true. like i said lots of opionions.
SeaRubi
Explorer
devinsixtyseven said:
+ eleventy billion
I noticed a dramatic reduction in garbage by making a couple concessions on beverage selection over the summer. For one, I pre-mixed some margaritas instead of bringing beer or wine. My spouse bought me a nice martini travel set for christmas the year prior, and putting it to use I found that gatorade margaritas with a few ice chunks were actually quite palatable as experienced from my nalgene bottle the other was water. I used to carry drinking water almost all in individual bottles. sticking to the nalgene plan I just used bulk water from containers, a couple chunks of ice and a teaspoon of gatorade powder and I was good to go. the gatorade cuts the flat taste of the water and ice stays around longer in the cooler if its not trying to absorb heat from a few dozen bottles
this also had the great benefit of being able to carry a much smaller cooler with zero beverages stashed inside. just dinner meat, some eggs and pre-cut veggies. I kept everything uber-sealed inside zip-locks so i could use the ice in beverages. between those two items alone I think I reduced 50% or more of the garbage levels typically created on multi-day trips.
edit: I also heartily reccomend the use of sporks
between a couple of lexan sporks I picked up at the surplus for $.99 / spork, and a dutch style SS mess kit i had very little in the way of dishes to clean up after meals.
pwc
Explorer
That thread had just what I was looking for (but couldn't seem to find in my own search )
I like two bags mentioned and while it's not a lot of money, I might see if I can get something made up State side and give a local shop some work. My Dad gets a lot of canvas boat work done and I'm sure I can get a bag made up that's just a rectange. then make an X with climbing webbing and clips over the tire. Sew in extra clips that'll attach to the bag near where it goes over the tire. and not let it move much
Run two more pieces of webbing along the circumfrance of the tire face between the top parts of the X as well as the bottom (making the bottom look something like this X ). That should stop the straps of the X from walking down the tire. those can be sewn in permanently but have a tensioner strap in the middle, so they will fit any size wheel.
Right now my wife and I mainly use smaller grocery bags each day. With group trips, the larger contractor thinkness hefty bags would be used. The small ones are handy if you know you will be places you can dump small amounts of trash, while the big ones are handy for groups.
I really like this idea. thanks everyone for the suggestions. the biggest benefit I see (besides finding a way for Isaac to carry his own trash and not having bags leak on my roof) is being able to easily pick up other people's trash on the trail. this has, to our hidden shame, been a short fall of a lot of our trips. we haven't had an easy place to put trail trash so a lot of time the smaller, messy stuff stays put.
)I like two bags mentioned and while it's not a lot of money, I might see if I can get something made up State side and give a local shop some work. My Dad gets a lot of canvas boat work done and I'm sure I can get a bag made up that's just a rectange. then make an X with climbing webbing and clips over the tire. Sew in extra clips that'll attach to the bag near where it goes over the tire. and not let it move much
Run two more pieces of webbing along the circumfrance of the tire face between the top parts of the X as well as the bottom (making the bottom look something like this X ). That should stop the straps of the X from walking down the tire. those can be sewn in permanently but have a tensioner strap in the middle, so they will fit any size wheel.
Right now my wife and I mainly use smaller grocery bags each day. With group trips, the larger contractor thinkness hefty bags would be used. The small ones are handy if you know you will be places you can dump small amounts of trash, while the big ones are handy for groups.
I really like this idea. thanks everyone for the suggestions. the biggest benefit I see (besides finding a way for Isaac to carry his own trash and not having bags leak on my roof) is being able to easily pick up other people's trash on the trail. this has, to our hidden shame, been a short fall of a lot of our trips. we haven't had an easy place to put trail trash so a lot of time the smaller, messy stuff stays put.
tdesanto
Expedition Leader
I have 2 plastic crates/bins that are the same. Rubbermaid, I think. Flexible, but sturdy. I keep one of them filled with fluids for the car, belts, spare bulbs, etc...you get the idea. The other one fits underneath the other when it's empty and the lids stack nicely. These I keep on the roofrack when traveling. I allow enough space on the roofrack to keep the bins separate whenever I start filling the other one with plastic bags that I've filled with trash.
When at camp, I pull the bin down and either place it on the ground with the open plastic bag to make it easier to throw stuff away, so long as ants or other critters are not an issue. Or, when they are a problem, I use a cargo strap to lash it to my rear spare tire. This keeps it handy and off the ground away from ants and such.
Whenever I pack up for the night, I can either put it inside the vehicle or on top of the roof rack.
Here's a picture of how I might use it at camp (temporary location):
View attachment 5789
When at camp, I pull the bin down and either place it on the ground with the open plastic bag to make it easier to throw stuff away, so long as ants or other critters are not an issue. Or, when they are a problem, I use a cargo strap to lash it to my rear spare tire. This keeps it handy and off the ground away from ants and such.
Whenever I pack up for the night, I can either put it inside the vehicle or on top of the roof rack.
Here's a picture of how I might use it at camp (temporary location):
View attachment 5789
pwc
Explorer
That's a good idea. We now use a bin just like that and tying it to the rear wheel while at camp might be an option.
I've been thinking more and I'm planning to give some netting a try. I'll make something of a basket that is 2'x2'x1' and open at the top. it'll then have straps to go over the rear wheel and I'll put a garbage bag inside when on the trail (where most of the trash is).
I'll post pictures when I get it built.
I've been thinking more and I'm planning to give some netting a try. I'll make something of a basket that is 2'x2'x1' and open at the top. it'll then have straps to go over the rear wheel and I'll put a garbage bag inside when on the trail (where most of the trash is).
I'll post pictures when I get it built.
frgtwn
Adventurer
tried Demo-Bags?
http://www.demobags.com/
I can see these used for lots of purposes, including trash, lined with plastic for the smelly, messy stuff.
Very tough. About a dollar a piece. Reusable. (I have yet to toss one out.)
Carry it on top, on the back? Learn to tie knots. Or use a cargo net if you must.
(They make nice (cheap) gifts for your wheelin' friends.)
Dale
http://www.demobags.com/
I can see these used for lots of purposes, including trash, lined with plastic for the smelly, messy stuff.
Very tough. About a dollar a piece. Reusable. (I have yet to toss one out.)
Carry it on top, on the back? Learn to tie knots. Or use a cargo net if you must.
(They make nice (cheap) gifts for your wheelin' friends.)
Dale
justfred
Adventurer
The OP brushed past one of the most important points, IMO - separating the "garbage" from the "trash". Garbage is icky smelly stuff - food remains, soiled food wrappers/cleanups, coffee grounds, poo, etc. This should be well-separated from anything dry and inoffensive. I usually end up with a small bucket (Homerbucket/agribucket lined with a compactor bag) of the former, and a bag (heavy-duty trash bag) of the latter, after a week or so (Burning Man). Depending on where you're camped, sometimes it works to leave the garbage bucket open to dry out - a sprinkle of sand on top helps dry it out or reduce major odors; it occurs to me that salt would work too. Then I fill about another bag with other trash and junk that blows by or I find along the way. Burn any paper products if possible. Some "garbage" can be dried out and burned as well, especially uneaten food (reminder to self: always bring/prepare smaller quantities unless you know it'll get eaten!). The buckets seal well enough to keep odors down, though I usually put the bucket in the back of the trailer, I have carried it in the car when I had to. Use caution when opening/discarding when you get home as contents may have putrified during the flight!
Taking beer in cans rather than in bottles saves a whole lot of space. Unfortunately the better beers don't come that way and you can't repackage beer. A few big bottles are better than small bottles. Tequila tastes fine in Nalgene and is more space-efficient. (I'm told that other mind-altering substances are even more space-efficient, but there are other unpleasant tradeoffs to those as well!) On the other hand, sometimes it's nice to get away into the wilderness and not need to "alter your reality". Plus, I sleep better when I don't drink.
The Demo Bags look great (aside from the annoying auto-play video on their website).
One of my frequent annoyances is when I go out for day trips or beach walks and forget to bring a bag for trail trash. The contractor bags seem like they'd work well for this. Ever notice how most trash bags hide the "mil" size somewhere in the small print, when it might be the most pertinent information on the package?
Taking beer in cans rather than in bottles saves a whole lot of space. Unfortunately the better beers don't come that way and you can't repackage beer. A few big bottles are better than small bottles. Tequila tastes fine in Nalgene and is more space-efficient. (I'm told that other mind-altering substances are even more space-efficient, but there are other unpleasant tradeoffs to those as well!) On the other hand, sometimes it's nice to get away into the wilderness and not need to "alter your reality". Plus, I sleep better when I don't drink.
The Demo Bags look great (aside from the annoying auto-play video on their website).
One of my frequent annoyances is when I go out for day trips or beach walks and forget to bring a bag for trail trash. The contractor bags seem like they'd work well for this. Ever notice how most trash bags hide the "mil" size somewhere in the small print, when it might be the most pertinent information on the package?
pwc
Explorer
So you're saying the demo bags need a liner for wet stuff? Looking at them, I'm assuming they don't normally get that kind of trash. That might be a good router to go inside of some holder.
I'm still narrowing down my choice and think I'll have something made up in the next couple of weeks. A heavy bag like those should do the trick.
I'm still narrowing down my choice and think I'll have something made up in the next couple of weeks. A heavy bag like those should do the trick.
frgtwn
Adventurer
The demobags are a rather porous woven material, somewhat like the poly tarp material. No, they are not designed for liquids, or the yucky stuff we must bring home. So, I suggest a liner.
To address the original post, they can take a lot of abuse from trees, branches, trail demons, and other gremlins attacking those plastic bags. I would love to have a video of a demobag being attacked by a racoon. My money is on the demobag. (This may be retracted at any time.)
Come to think of it, I think I'll take a bunch to this week's trip and pass them out. And, no, I've no interest in the company. I just like stuff that works. And cheap stuff. In that order.
Dale
To address the original post, they can take a lot of abuse from trees, branches, trail demons, and other gremlins attacking those plastic bags. I would love to have a video of a demobag being attacked by a racoon. My money is on the demobag. (This may be retracted at any time.)
Come to think of it, I think I'll take a bunch to this week's trip and pass them out. And, no, I've no interest in the company. I just like stuff that works. And cheap stuff. In that order.
Dale
elcoyote
Supporting Sponsor, Overland Certified OC0004
We try to keep our trash down to a minimum by pre-cooking and pre-packaging our food in vacuum sealed bags like Desert Rose. We generally buy fresh or in bulk anyway so this just makes sense and keeps food prep to a minimum in camp.
Paper waste gets burned if we are having a fire, but mostly we pack it out. We never use paper plates or disposible cutlery. Not PC IMO.
Yes, not all the better beers are to be found in cans but there's still plenty to choose from. Wines in a box are getting better, particularly the ones from NZ. Take them out of the box and just transport the bag.
The trash that does get transported out gets seperated for recycling and receives the double hefty bag treatment before being lashed to the roof rack. Haven't lost anything yet!
Paper waste gets burned if we are having a fire, but mostly we pack it out. We never use paper plates or disposible cutlery. Not PC IMO.
Yes, not all the better beers are to be found in cans but there's still plenty to choose from. Wines in a box are getting better, particularly the ones from NZ. Take them out of the box and just transport the bag.
The trash that does get transported out gets seperated for recycling and receives the double hefty bag treatment before being lashed to the roof rack. Haven't lost anything yet!
HenryJ
Expedition Leader
It has been a little over a year now since I had been searching for a tire cover with a pocket to store trash.
This thread , Boomerang Tire Cover! started it all for me.
I tried to contact Boomco and was referred to a Land Rover dealer. No luck finding one in either case as , evidentially they had better things to do than sell me a cover.
I continued the search for a bag, sack , or pack that could be attached to the spare tire. I know I had seen solutions from Australia, but have had no luck tracking anything down. I really was not wanting to hang a canvas sack from the back. (just not my style, no offense)
Today I finally broke down and made one.
I used four yards of black duck cloth. This is the material that insulated coveralls are made from. It is breathable and washable. I did not want something that would retain water. Waterproof material would trap moisture and not wash out nearly as well. Not to mention the condensation that may form inside if moist items were stored there. I want stuff to dry out if possible. I had a choice of black, brown or off white. Black won. I have kind of a black thing going with my truck. Sure it might be hot, but it will hide stains better than the lighter colors.
I bought a heavy parka zipper 26" long, heavy thread and some brass grommets. I already had a good stock of 3/8" and 1/4" shock cord, so I was all set there.
It took about four hours to put it all together, including two trips to town for materials. 110 yards of thread was half what I needed All seams are at least double stitched. And it is double layered everywhere.
My spare is a 33x9.50-15. The cover fits snugly. I may need to add longer cord if I go to a bigger tire. This was a tight fit to put on. There is plenty of material to go to 10.5 tires if I need to.
The grommets in the bottom are to aid in draining so that I can just hose it out. I also "Vee'd" the bottom back side so that road dirt could be washed down and out. It is a little looser at the bottom than I planned, but it offers a nice chute for drainage.
That is a 3L can stuffed in there. I think it will be a nice addition and a handy place to store trash or dirty clothes. Who knows what I might want to put in there. I can see it as a nice place to throw the recovery strap too.
All together I had about $50 in materials. Not a bad price considering I could not find one anywhere. Thanks all for the inspiration!
This thread , Boomerang Tire Cover! started it all for me.
I tried to contact Boomco and was referred to a Land Rover dealer. No luck finding one in either case as , evidentially they had better things to do than sell me a cover.
I continued the search for a bag, sack , or pack that could be attached to the spare tire. I know I had seen solutions from Australia, but have had no luck tracking anything down. I really was not wanting to hang a canvas sack from the back. (just not my style, no offense)
Today I finally broke down and made one.
I used four yards of black duck cloth. This is the material that insulated coveralls are made from. It is breathable and washable. I did not want something that would retain water. Waterproof material would trap moisture and not wash out nearly as well. Not to mention the condensation that may form inside if moist items were stored there. I want stuff to dry out if possible. I had a choice of black, brown or off white. Black won. I have kind of a black thing going with my truck. Sure it might be hot, but it will hide stains better than the lighter colors.
I bought a heavy parka zipper 26" long, heavy thread and some brass grommets. I already had a good stock of 3/8" and 1/4" shock cord, so I was all set there.
It took about four hours to put it all together, including two trips to town for materials. 110 yards of thread was half what I needed
All seams are at least double stitched. And it is double layered everywhere.
My spare is a 33x9.50-15. The cover fits snugly. I may need to add longer cord if I go to a bigger tire. This was a tight fit to put on. There is plenty of material to go to 10.5 tires if I need to.
The grommets in the bottom are to aid in draining so that I can just hose it out. I also "Vee'd" the bottom back side so that road dirt could be washed down and out. It is a little looser at the bottom than I planned, but it offers a nice chute for drainage.
That is a 3L can stuffed in there. I think it will be a nice addition and a handy place to store trash or dirty clothes. Who knows what I might want to put in there. I can see it as a nice place to throw the recovery strap too.
All together I had about $50 in materials. Not a bad price considering I could not find one anywhere. Thanks all for the inspiration!