Wag Bag Dispenser

Nice work Scott!!

Thanks to all involved in getting this through, hopefully folks will adhere to using these.

Thanks, gents. Yes, the other four will be appearing when I get back from Philly for the holidays. I had planned on posting when I had all five in, but this way hopefully we can start getting feedback on them now.
A point of semantics - they should be referred to as "waste bag" dispensers, since WAG is a trademarked name, and we are currently using Restop. Thanks to the American Alpine Club's Cornerstone Grant for the primary funding, and Nick at the BLM for letting us do something useful in a timely manner.
For folks that are out at Kraft, feel free to grab a bag. Please use as directed, then Pack It Out! It can go in any trash bin, such as the ones at Red Springs. If you're a new outdoor climber, or generally unfamiliar with the concept of a waste bag, it is a common thing in high-use desert climbing areas, where human waste does not easily break down. Ya crap in a bag, use the supplied TP/handiwipe, and throw it in the trash, rather than looking under rocks that everyone else's crapped under for the past five years. Pretty novel, I know, but ya get used to it. If you do take advantage of this service, please donate to cover the cost of the bags. Donation boxes will be available at Desert Rock Sports and the Red Rock Climbing Center. Thanks for the support, in advance.

That looks great and great work with the additional grant funding.

Do you know if you've secured better than retail (or e commerce) pricing? Some sort of Restop wholesale or discount pricing? We have a location(or two) in Joshua Tree that could absolutely need such a thing. I'm at the beginning stages of research and that info would help a lot. If preferred not to broadcast to the group please PM me.

Thanks! Nice s*it box!

~Susan

edit: I'm capable and prepared to contact companies directly for pricing but wanted to get an idea of how other groups have been handling things.

Great work guys!

Very nice dispenser! I work for Cleanwaste the original manufacturer of the WAG Bag. I noticed you mentioned you're using Restop rather than the WAG Bag now known as the GO anywhere toilet kit. Did you know that the WAG Bag or GO anywhere toilet kit is made of biodegradable plastic and the Restop disposal bag is made of Mylar which doesn't degrade after you put it in the trash?

The dispenser idea is terrific, we had been working with some of the BLM and Forest Service to get something just like the one you built available in certain areas. I would love the opportunity to get actual WAG Bag's in your dispensers. If you'd like more information please contact us at info@cleanwaste.com and mention the Mountain Project.

Even if it doesn't work out great job on the dispenser and for doing your part to Leave no trace!

Mike McHugh wrote:The Restop rep recently retired. Basically, the way they have been doing business was wholesale for cases of 100. Beautiful box. Every so often, a lot of bags disappear overnight. I'm not sure if it's people stocking up for personal trips or something more sinister. Just part of the cost of doing business. It seems like there's a lot of resistance from land managers to put out poop bags - sounds like you've got (or are) a good one. Good on ya, Scott.

We've got a great guy with the BLM here. With folks prior, we had much discussion, but no one wanted to commit to letting us do this. I am surprised by the amount of resistance, but that is just one symptom of a top-heavy system.

BTW, nice pic Xavier!

Scott, Lou here the RESTOP rep. I have sent you and Lisa numerous e-mails since 20 Nov to your gmail accounts, your account here, to LVCLC web site and to your Linkedin account with no response. Please check you spam blocker as they may be in that file. As I have stated we will help off set the three cases of RS2s you have lost at no charge and I will be in Las Vegas to do some MTB riding mid January and will deliver the RS2s to you at no shipping costs and any other products you may order. Also to Susan please call me as I head out to Joshua Tree to ride and visit some other customers down the road from you and would be more then happy to give you some samples and other gear to try out to see if it fits your needs. Please contact me when you get a chance.

Great effort everyone and follow ups.

Thanks to CW1 for watching the posts and mentioning some details about the WAG product. Also Lou who contacted me directly as well as a special thanks to Scott who has sent several informative emails to me including his opinions on the various products on the market.

The personal waste issues are a pretty big deal, lots of areas are just ill equipped to handle the traffic they get. This is a great 1st step to reduce #2 at our crags.

~Susan

Mike - well said, sir. I can only imagine. Lou - thanks for finding alternate ways to get in touch with me. Consider this an apology - I apparently never thought to look in my spam folder. I'll be back online after the holidays - will contact you then. Thanks for the generous offer, too!

For everyone at RR, or planning on coming here in the near future, there are waste bag dispensers now at Black Velvet and the First Pullout. BVC is just past the trail split 1/4 mi. from the parking, and the First Pullout one is in the wash below the Hamlet, before you go right up the slab to the Panty Wall. Please dispose of used bags at the nearest trashcan - DO NOT LEAVE THEM AT THE CRAGS!!! If they are empty, please send a message to the Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council Facebook page. Thanks!

Eh, you carried the last one up to the Gallery - I'd say that qualifies as heavy lifting...

PLEASE EVERYONE SHIT IN THE LITTLE BAGS!!! then kick in a few bucks at R2C2 or Desert Rock. Don't be a cheap bastard - you're in vegas. But don't decline to use them just because you're a cheap bastard. Thanks for all of the support, and happy climbing from the Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council - please check us out on Facebook.

So now that these have been up for a little bit, I'm curious if there's any feedback. facebook.com/pages/Las-Vega… Feel free to contact me on FB or MP. I know folks are using them, or at least being prepared, by the amount I've had to restock...

Thanks guys. Everyone use these please. Not just in Red Rocks but everywhere you go outdoors. Im tired of finding shit at the base of climbs. Im going to start shitting in the backpacks of people who just shit wherever they want and make no attempt to dispose of it.

Direct Action takes on a whole new spin... I applaud your effort to the cause.

I'm so glad I live in New England and climb mostly 3-5 miles in, where only a few people go. I can go find a spot well away from the cliff, dig a hole and bury it and not have to poop in a bag and carry it around in my pack. It is good these things are available where they are needed though. Apparently they are thinking of bringing them to Rumney now. They only problem is that the same people who are causing problems by just shitting on the ground without burying it and right next to a crag or trail are probably not going to be willing to use them. I have no idea how we realistically are going to deal with them.

I like the waste bags that come with not only some toilet paper but also a piece of gum or a mint. Any chance we can get some of those??

Some Binaca, perhaps? Will look into that and get back to you...

M Sprague wrote:I'm so glad I live in New England and climb mostly 3-5 miles in, where only a few people go. I can go find a spot well away from the cliff, dig a hole and bury it and not have to poop in a bag and carry it around in my pack. It is good these things are available where they are needed though. Apparently they are thinking of bringing them to Rumney now. They only problem is that the same people who are causing problems by just shitting on the ground without burying it and right next to a crag or trail are probably not going to be willing to use them. I have no idea how we realistically are going to deal with them.

That is the question. It seems to have worked in the Creek. I think it comes down to education and realizing it'll take awhile to integrate it into everyone's thinking. But that's the libertarian in me...

M Sprague wrote:....not have to poop in a bag and carry it around in my pack. It is good these things are available where they are needed though.

I used to be so opposed to the idea of pooping in a bag and carrying it around with me, but these things are super solid and easy to use too. I fill em up and stuff them right in my main backpack compartment on top of clothes or food. I cinch the pack down tight, my backpack falls over on itself when I rest it against a tree, etc., and the wag bags take a beating and never leak. I keep an unused one in the hydration area of each of my backpacks.

Special thanks to the LVCLC for making this project happen. Glad to hear/see people are using the bags responsibly and sharing stories.

Nick Walendziak
Red Rock Canyon NCA
Outdoor Recreation Planner
Climbing Lead