How does Oxalis handle waste and debris during its cave exploration tours?

The process of handling waste generated during cave exploration tours

Oxalis' cave exploration journeys take travelers to pristine forested areas where nature remains untouched. Overnight tours camp in designated areas located in valley bottoms or within caves. Oxalis selects flat terrain close to water sources such as rivers or streams. Throughout the journey, various activities, including dining and daily living, will inevitably produce waste. If not handled properly, this waste can lead to environmental pollution, affecting the natural ecosystem and landscape.

Understanding these challenges, since its early days, Oxalis has established procedures for collecting and handling waste properly, ensuring no impact on water sources and soil. Specifically, these procedures include:

Waste collection and disposal process

All household waste at the camping site, such as paper towels, packaging, leftover food, personal items, etc., must be sorted and disposed of correctly according to Oxalis' regulations.

The types of waste will be categorized into organic waste, recyclables, and general waste. Each type of waste will be collected and disposed of according to specific regulations. Subsequently, all sorted waste will be transported out of the forest area by designated porters when the group departs.

Oxalis staff is collecting waste.

The equipment in the tour will be carried out of the forest by the porter team after the tour ends.

Organic waste will be composted in microbial compost pits outside the caves, equipped with waterproof walls and roofing to ensure dryness and rapid decomposition. The composting process will last approximately 60 days, during which the waste will decompose into microbial compost to be used as fertilizer for plants. Inorganic waste will be transported out of the forest and gathered at Oxalis' office for urban waste management companies to handle according to standardized procedures.

Wastewater during the tour

Camping sites are typically located near rivers or streams. To avoid affecting the water source, Oxalis specifies that tourists can swim, bathe, and use biodegradable shampoo and soap, refraining from using chemical products. Tourists are instructed to dispose of waste properly, avoiding littering into rivers, streams, or along the route. For camping sites far from water sources, Oxalis recommends tourists bring wet wipes to assist with personal hygiene.

The campsite is set up in a dry location and close to a water source.

Waste disposal process

Oxalis will provide toilets at the campsites. To understand the model, structure, and usage, you can learn more about the above-ground Septic toilet & wastewater treatment system.

The campsite provides clean, modern and well-equipped restroom facilities.

The toilets are housed in private tents and use ceramic toilet bowls installed on mobile bases. This design provides a clean, enclosed, and familiar experience similar to using a hotel bathroom, rather than the typical temporary toilets found on multi-day treks.

All waste is carried through a closed pipe system to three 500-liter septic tanks connected in series. Specialized microbial treatment products are added regularly to support the breakdown of organic matter and reduce odors. The wastewater then passes through a filtration tank containing sand, gravel, activated carbon, and chlorine before being disinfected in the final treatment tank.

Oxalis monitors wastewater quality by collecting samples for testing every three months at independent testing facilities. Only treated water that meets the required standards is discharged into the environment. This system provides greater comfort for guests while helping minimize the impact of the toilets on the natural environment.

The Oxalis Experience.