Cache Cleanup Etiquette

[+markp99]

I found a cache last weekend that was in somewhat rough shape. I left it as-is, but I was wondering what the proper etiquette is for maintaining someone elses cach?

 

1. The container cover was cracked, not making a good seal - should I replace the cover/container?

2. The logbook ziplock was failing - no biggie, I'll replace these next time

3. The cache was overflowing with stuff, lots of it worthless, broken junk. It was difficult to place the cover back on the container. - should I flush this stuff from the cache or simply leave it? The hide would not really permit a larger container.

 

I did make a note in the log about these issues. I'll check the cache again this weekend.

 

Is it soley the responsibility of the cache owner to maintain his cache, or can we assist?

 

Thanks!

Edited March 10, 2006 by markp99

[+Ed_S]

I'll usually email the owner if I find the container compromised, and I'll just replace a ziplock baggie if I happen to have one with me. As to removing stuff from the cache, it it's broken or unusable, yeah, I'll remove it and pitch it, if it's no good to anybody.

[+Rick618]

There is a needs maintence option in the log, use that and detail what the problems are, that way the owner is aware of what needs to be done and can come prepared.

[+russell_53040]

There is. One of the options on the drop down menu when you log it.

Edited March 10, 2006 by russell_53040

[+briansnat]

You can assist. I bring duct tape along and will sometimes use it to repair containers. In a few instances when the container was shot and was non descript (meaning not a specialty container or detailed camo job), I replaced the container with one I had along. In those cases I mentioned that in my log and offered to return to switch back to the old container if the owner didn't approve. In every instance they were happy that I did so, but your experience may vary. There is the occasional owner who will take offense if you replace their container.

 

As far as a cache being overstuffed, I'll try to trade out one or two large items and replace them with smaller ones.

[+Beffums]

We're part of the Geo-911 group for Indiana, so we might be a bit on the over prepared side when we visit caches. When we're caching locally, we generally have about a dozen spare containers of all sizes. If the cache is simply a 35 mm film canister/hide-a-key and the container is shot, we'll just replace it and note it in our log (have yet to get a complaint about it, but I'm sure some owner would...). If it's larger, it tends to depend on the cacher. Of the locals, we know who would say "thanks for replacing the rubbermaid!!" and who wouldn't. If it's someone who wouldn't mind or would appreciate it, we'll replace. If we're unsure, we'll do everything we can to protect the contents (big ziplocks are marvelous), and then head home. Ditto for any unique containers (i.e., not a rubbermaid, 35 mm, hide a key, etc etc.) Then e-mail the other cacher to let them know what's up, and (depending on distance) offer spare containers/trips to replace if needed.

 

We also carry spare log books and log sheets for micros, etc. If the log is full, and there's space, we'll add a new one. If less space, we'll add a few pages. I've also learned to carry a spare towel with me - saves effort on wet caches when you can towel things off. When we travel further, welllll, we generally aren't that prepared! This weekend we'll be heading to St. Louis (hubby picked up a geocoin that wants to follow Lewis and Clark). We'll still have the spare ziplocks, paper towels and spare logs, but that's about it.

 

As for when there's too much stuff - first, that might be why the container broke. A lot of people don't think about the fact that if they are really having to cram a lid on, that then the pressure from inside might cause problems. One time we found a cache that was stuffed, and all of the paper items inside were wet and mushy. So since those were now trash, we simply removed them. If we find one that's stuffed but not trashy, we'll do our best to follow briansnat's advice - trade even or up, but also work to trade large items for smaller ones.

 

As for the actual OP's question - I think it's up to the cacher. Some will happily fix up caches that they find, some will go home (without fixing) and make sure the owner knows about the problem, others will just head home, and write the log as if nothing was wrong. Personally, I hope that most will switch to one of the first two options, but some people feel that even something like "log is wet" is being too critical of the cache owner.