Camp cleanliness: the grease pit and rules for an orderly camp
Posted BY Ian under camping-advice
"... greasy water should never be just thrown down on to the ground and allowed to soak in. This is a most unhealthy practice and creates smell and attracts flies."
At a campsite one would hope that every camper takes their greasy dishes and does their washing up in the correct area. In the wilderness, proper disposal of greasy food remnants is vital as these are slow to break down.
The principle behind a grease pit is to filter off the grease whilst allowing water to soak into the ground. The filter material can then be burnt, creating smoke but destroying the offensive and unhealthy grease particles.
I will abridge the description as the original must have been intended for a camp of some 100 or more people.
"Dig a pit ... the deeper the better. At the bottom of this hole place some large stones and cover the top of it with brushwood, gorse or bracken."
"If wished, the top of the pit can be covered over with a large biscuit tin, perfortaed with holes, and filled with the brushwood or bracken. This is very easily carried away ..."
"The grease pit should be dug well away from the water supply of the camp ..."
The page finishes recommending that the grease pit be connected directly to the camp sink. You will probably use a plastic bowl to wash up in and so this idea becomes redundant.
Finally, some rules for an orderly camp:
"Don'ts for a Clean Camp - Don't forget that dirt may be hated but never hidden.
Don't forget to wash your hands. A cook in camp cannot do this too many times.
Don't forget to clear up as you go along; muddle makes muddle.
Don't leave untensils unwashed; it makes work.
Don't forget the maxim: a place for everything and everything in its place.
Don't trust your memory, take notes.
Don't forget to make the best of everything.
That last rule covers everything - from the weather to finding that the beer is warm. Cheers! Summer is too short to complain.
All quotes from: Camp Cooking and Catering by J.T. Gorman, Late Commandant Army School of Cookery for India - Second Edition 1933