Long-term survival or expeditionary camps demand more than shelter and food—they require systematic hygiene and waste control to prevent disease. History shows that entire military or humanitarian missions have collapsed not because of combat or starvation, but due to epidemics born of poor sanitation. In a confined group setting, even one infected individual can spread illness rapidly through shared tools, food, and water. Establishing and enforcing sanitary rules ensures collective safety and sustainability.

Introduction: The Critical Role of Sanitation in Field Camps

Sanitation is the science of preventing disease by managing living conditions. In wilderness or post-disaster environments, it becomes an organizational necessity. When people live together for weeks or months, every aspect—sleeping, eating, cleaning, waste disposal, and water use—must follow structured rules.
Proper sanitation:

  1. Reduces disease transmission.

  2. Preserves morale and comfort.

  3. Extends resource efficiency.

  4. Creates a sense of safety and discipline.

Neglecting it leads to outbreaks of diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, and respiratory infections—all preventable with planning.

Principles of Sanitary Camp Design

A healthy camp layout follows the principle of separation of functions. Each activity—sleeping, cooking, waste disposal, and hygiene—has its own zone. This minimizes cross-contamination.

Zone

Function

Distance from Living Area

Notes

Sleeping Area

Rest and shelter

—

Clean, dry, shaded

Cooking Area

Food preparation

15–30 m

Downwind from latrines

Water Source

Collection and storage

Upstream or upwind

Protected from waste

Latrine Area

Waste disposal

≥50 m

Downhill or downstream

Garbage Pit

Organic waste

40–60 m

Covered daily

Bathing / Hygiene

Body cleaning

Near water source but separated

Controlled runoff

Animal Zone

Livestock or pets

≥80 m

Prevent contamination of camp

The rule of thumb: “Upstream for water, downhill for waste.”

Camp Location Selection for Sanitary Safety

When establishing a long-term camp, consider:

  • Elevation: Avoid flood zones and depressions where waste water may collect.

  • Drainage: Ground must allow runoff; standing water breeds insects.

  • Soil Type: Prefer sand or gravel for dry latrine digging; avoid clay that retains moisture.

  • Sunlight: Exposure aids drying and reduces bacteria.

  • Vegetation: Provides cover but avoid areas with excessive leaf litter that traps moisture.

The ideal camp is slightly elevated, dry, and shaded, with access to clean water within 100–200 meters.

1. Personal Hygiene Regulations

Each camp member must:

  • Wash or disinfect hands before meals and after toileting.

  • Keep nails short and clean.

  • Wear dry, clean clothing; air out garments daily.

  • Sleep on elevated bedding or mats to prevent contact with ground moisture.

  • Brush teeth or use ash at least twice a day.

  • Maintain short hair or cover with clean headgear.

Individual hygiene prevents community outbreaks.

2. Food Hygiene

Task

Rule

Food Storage

Keep in sealed containers, elevated and shaded.

Cooking Area

Clean surfaces daily; burn or bury scraps.

Food Handling

Only designated, clean personnel handle raw ingredients.

Water for Cooking

Must be boiled or disinfected.

Wastewater

Dispose of in greywater pits away from clean areas.

Leftovers

Consume within 2 hours or reheat thoroughly.

Rodent and insect prevention begins with proper food hygiene. Cover all cooked food, and maintain a cooking fire zone that deters pests.

3. Waste Management and Latrines

Proper human waste disposal is essential for long-term health.
Types of field latrines:

Type

Depth

Duration

Notes

Cat Hole

15–30 cm

Short-term, individual use

Cover after each use

Straddle Trench

1.5 m long, 30 cm wide, 1 m deep

Up to 1 week

Used by small groups

Deep Pit Latrine

2–3 m deep

1–3 months

For semi-permanent camps

Burn-Out Latrine

Shallow pit with fuel

For arid zones

Effective where soil digging is difficult

Each latrine must have:

  • Privacy cover or screen.

  • Soil or ash for covering waste after each use.

  • Hand-cleaning station with ash, sand, or alcohol.

  • Marker or rope barrier to prevent accidental entry.

When the pit is two-thirds full, fill completely with soil and mark the site.

4. Garbage and Refuse Disposal

Daily waste includes food scraps, packaging, and organic materials. Without control, they attract flies, rats, and disease.

Type

Disposal Method

Food waste

Burn or bury 50 m from camp

Packaging

Burn if safe; otherwise, store and remove

Medical waste

Burn or bury separately

Ash and charcoal

Scatter or bury

Animal carcasses

Burn or bury deeply (at least 1.5 m)

Waste pits should be covered each night with soil or ash to prevent insect breeding.

5. Bathing and Laundry Areas

In long-term camps with limited water:

  • Establish a separate washing area at least 30 m downstream from drinking sources.

  • Create simple drainage channels to prevent stagnant pools.

  • Use ash or biodegradable soap substitutes only.

  • Air-dry clothes and bedding daily under sunlight.

  • Never pour soapy or dirty water into drinking or cooking zones.

If water is scarce, implement a rotation schedule—each group bathes on specific days to conserve supplies.

6. Vector and Insect Control

Insects transmit malaria, dengue, typhus, and dysentery. Control measures include:

  • Keeping camp clean and dry.

  • Draining puddles and filling depressions.

  • Burning dry leaves or using smoke coils in the evening.

  • Hanging mosquito nets over sleeping areas.

  • Applying plant-based repellents such as citronella, mint, or pine resin.

Rodent control: store food in sealed metal or hard plastic containers; maintain traps around camp perimeter.

7. Camp Cleaning Routine

A daily sanitation schedule ensures consistency:

Time

Activity

Morning

Sweep camp area, inspect waste zones

Midday

Check latrine and water zones

Evening

Burn or bury garbage, air sleeping gear

Weekly

Deep clean storage areas, disinfect common tools

Every member participates. Assign rotating “hygiene duty” to maintain fairness and accountability.

8. Water Zone Regulation

All water handling follows strict separation:

  • Collection Zone: Raw water only.

  • Purification Zone: Boiling, filtration, or chemical treatment.

  • Storage Zone: Sealed containers for safe water only.

Color-code or mark all containers. No one touches storage lids without clean hands.

9. Camp Health Surveillance

Designate a camp medic or hygiene officer to:

  • Monitor health daily.

  • Record cases of diarrhea, fever, or wounds.

  • Quarantine sick members immediately.

  • Check that disinfectants and supplies are stocked.

Early detection of symptoms prevents outbreaks from spreading unnoticed.

10. Fire and Air Sanitation

Smoke serves as a natural disinfectant and insect repellent.

  • Keep a small fire burning near the center of camp to deter insects.

  • Use dry wood to minimize harmful fumes.

  • Periodically smoke sleeping areas lightly to sterilize fabrics and air.

Ventilation is critical. Avoid tightly enclosed tents in humid climates; fresh airflow reduces mold and respiratory disease.

11. Camp Discipline and Health Education

Hygiene must become habit, not order. Teach all members:

  • Proper hand and waste management.

  • Water safety and purification basics.

  • Importance of reporting illness early.

  • Respect for sanitation zones.

A single undisciplined person can compromise the health of all.

Sanitation Mnemonics

Mnemonic

Meaning

W.A.S.H.

Water – Ash – Separation – Hygiene

C.L.E.A.R.

Cleanliness Leads to Enduring Active Recovery

S.A.F.E. Z.O.N.E.

Sanitation – Avoid Flooding – Elevate – Zone Organization Near Efficiency

F.I.R.S.T.

Fire – Insects – Refuse – Separation – Toilets

FAQ

1. What’s the minimum safe distance between latrine and water source?
At least 50 meters and always downhill or downstream.

2. How often should camp waste pits be replaced?
Every 7–10 days for small camps or when two-thirds full.

3. Is it safe to burn all waste?
No. Avoid burning plastic or synthetic materials that release toxic fumes.

4. How can hygiene be maintained with limited water?
Use ash or alcohol for hand cleaning, schedule washing rotation, and control waste zones.

5. How do you prevent flies in the latrine area?
Cover waste with soil or ash after each use, and use lids or screens.

6. How do you disinfect tools and utensils?
Boil for 10 minutes or wipe with alcohol or vinegar.

7. Should the same people handle cooking and waste?
No. Separate roles completely.

8. What is the best camp disinfectant?
1% bleach solution or boiling water for reusable tools.

9. Can animals be kept near camp?
Only in separate fenced zones, at least 80 m away.

10. How can morale be improved through hygiene?
Clean environments restore confidence and discipline; sanitation equals order.

Note
This information is derived from WHO, Red Cross, and military field sanitation manuals for educational purposes. It does not replace official medical or engineering supervision.
Camp hygiene and waste management practices must always comply with environmental regulations and safety standards.