How far from the surface should burial stop when burying private garbage?

• A. 0 inches
• B. 6 inches
• C. 1 foot
• D. 2 feet

Answer: (C)

Burying private garbage at a depth of about one foot below the surface provides a practical barrier that helps control odors and prevents pests from digging up the waste. This depth reduces the chance of surface contamination from rain or wind and makes the waste less accessible to animals, which is important for maintaining sanitation in a residential setting or on property where waste is disposed privately.

Leaving waste exposed at the surface (zero depth) invites pests and odors to spread and increases the risk of contact with people. A shallower burial—around six inches—can still be disturbed by wind, rain, or animals, reducing effectiveness. Going deeper, such as two feet, isn’t typically required for private garbage disposal and adds unnecessary effort without extra public health benefit in this context.

So, the best practice is to bury private garbage at one foot below the surface to balance practicality with sanitation and pest control.