Ken Murray, here. You can imagine my surprise when I saw myself cited.
Thanks for the memories!
To the issue, there are several interlocking complex things:
First, one has to consider the impacts of alternatives. Once can't simply say "don't do this", without an understanding of what the alternative entails.
Human waste, and human waste contaminated toilet paper is a very significant bio-hazard. "Pack it out" is not the end of the process---one must consider where it is going to be disposed of when you carry it out. Disposal of a bio-hazard in a simple waste container is probably a federal crime, and potentially exposes may people to disease. You throw it in the dumpster, and you have contaminated the dumpster, and dumpsters leak.
I have been very impressed by the postings by Ron Moak, owner of 6 moons designs, which I'll post in a separate window. This represents an opinion by a professional in forestry with professional experience in a waste treatment plant.
I've also been impressed by the data posted on TP decomposition:
http://hikethru.com/hiking-information/ ... omposition" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Basically, irrespective of type, it is gone in a month.......
IF you wet it.
I think the spreading method is reasonable.....IF you are truly in a spot where no one will reliably be by for some time.....perhaps Sierra High Route? Most recreationists are NOT in such places, so it has limited usefulness, or unless you make some significant effort to get far off trail.
For most, the 6-8 in deep disposal, WITH WATER, or Moak's 3 P method, seems reasonable. I've also burned personally for many decades without a problem----but one must always be mindful of conditions to avoid a fire. Unless one is committed to being careful, one should avoid burning------and of course avoiding it when it is prohibited.