Did you ever just drop an orange peel while hiking, figuring “it’s natural”? Ranger Pam Tripp says uh-uh…
Many visitors to Joshua Tree National Park make efforts to reduce the amount of waste they produce by re-using or recycling. While it is great to use a compost heap for kitchen scraps or organic waste at home, remember that orange peels, apple cores, and banana skins do not decompose quickly outside of a compost pile, and tossing them on the ground degrades the natural landscape.
In this arid environment, an orange peel left along a trail to “compost” may not break down for up to two years. In the meantime, that peel damages the aesthetics of the trail, encourages others to litter, attracts pests, or may be eaten by desert wildlife, which could sicken the animal.
You can help us keep your national parks clean by disposing of all your waste properly. Trash receptacles are located at many areas in the park and Ziplock or re-used grocery bags are a great way to store trash until you are ready to dispose of it.
For Z107.7, this is Park Ranger Pam Tripp, reminding you to pack out trash and help us keep your park clean.
