The regulation that was used to cite Wasson is the default general prohibition that applies across the board to national forest users, whether they be miners, hikers, backpackers. The analytical framework is straightforward: (1) is it garbage? (2) was it removed from the site or area? (3) was it deposited in receptacle or place provided for the purpose of disposal of garbage? Depositing waste in a cat hole in an area where cat holes are allowed satisfies (3); depositing waste in a cat hole in an area where cat holes are not allowed does not. Cat holes are allowed/tolerated/permitted/recommended in a lot of places...but not all of them.
