I know the MMWT is not a wilderness experience but it should not be a WAG bag tour either. I've only been up there twice since the solar latrines were removed, the first time was in May 2007, so that doesn't count, the last time was September 2009 and there were a dozen bags left along the trail between the summit and Whitney Portal. My guess is for each one of these there were 10 hidden gems.
I have spoken to and have had email correspondence with Garry Oye, who was the prime mover in having the solar latrine taken out along the MMWT. I think the overwhelming reason they are no longer there is he did not want structures in a wilderness area. I have spoken to a few people knowledgeable in how solar latrines work and the consensus was solar latrines were not practical in this climate...they did not compost at a rate that kept up with those using them. Another reason, a specious reason in my mind, was that Mr. Oye did not want his employees and volunteers near these hazardous waste sites.
