No matter how much you try to avoid waste is inevitable during a camper trip. That’s why it’s a good idea to think ahead about how you can manage it efficiently and responsibly. This way, it will be easier for you and better for the environment!
A camper has three types of waste: grey water, black water, and solid waste. It’s important to handle them in a hygienic and environmentally friendly way. We’ll walk you through the different types of camper waste and give you handy tips for your journey so you can enjoy your trip without worry!
Solid Waste, Solid Solutions!
Solid waste is probably the first thing that comes to mind. The everyday trash, like food scraps, packaging, plastic, paper, and other bits and pieces, will also find its way into your camper. Just like at home, it’s important to manage this waste properly so everything stays neat and hygienic. On most campsites, you’ll find dedicated bins and recycling stations to dispose of your waste in the right place. But at many free motorhome areas, parking lots without services, or roadside rest areas, you might only find one lonely bin or even none at all! That’s when it’s handy to have a spot in your camper to store the waste in a clean, closed-off place.
3 Waste Separation Tips for Campers
- Bring a waste separation system: For example, a few bags or containers for different types of waste. This way, you can sort everything neatly.
- Avoid products with excessive packaging: Opt for products with minimal packaging to reduce waste.
- Go for biodegradable products: Think compostable bags to handle your waste more sustainably and help the environment.
Camper Trash Systems: Sorted and Stylish!
Luckily, there are now super-handy waste systems for campers! Think foldable, sliding, and lightweight trash bins that make your life a lot easier. We’ve put together the top 3, so you can quickly make the best choice.
- The HÅLLBAR IKEA Waste Separation System is the ultimate solution for your camper! With its smart design and durable materials, separating waste becomes super easy. Thanks to separate compartments for different materials, everything stays neat and organized. The system is lightweight, space-saving, and simple to store – perfect for on-the-go! We’ve installed it in our latest camper, and we love it. It makes camper waste management more efficient and eco-friendly, while you can travel stress-free!
- The Flextrash Trash Bin is a must-have for every camper! Thanks to its flexible, foldable design, it’s easy to carry without taking up much space. Lightweight, sturdy, and with handy attachment options – perfect for on the move! Available in various sizes and colours, and even washable for extra convenience. The ideal camper waste management solution, is always at hand!
- The Schaltsack24 Trash Bin is a smart solution for on-the-go! With its practical design and sturdy, waterproof bag that can easily be attached and removed with magnetic strips, everything stays tidy and odour-free. Perfect for the car, outdoor activities, or whenever you need a quick waste solution.
Grey Water: Camper’s Hidden Challenge!
Grey water is the wastewater from your sink, shower, and washbasins in the camper. It doesn’t contain human waste (that’s black water), but it can contain soap residue, grease, food particles, and other contaminants.
You can’t just dump grey water in nature, as it can harm the environment. Most campsites have a drainage system where you can empty it, but it’s important not to dispose of it in uncontrolled places, like on grass or in rivers. In many countries, you’ll also find designated service points for greywater disposal.
3 Grey Water Tips for Clean Roads
- Choose eco-friendly soap and cleaning products to make your water less harmful to the environment.
- When building or purchasing your camper, it’s a good idea to think carefully about the grey water tank. It can fill up quickly, especially if you’re using it for shower water. We have a 35-litre tank mounted under our van, which lasts us about 2-3 days (without using shower water, of course!).
Eco Warriors on the Road!
Nowadays, there are all kinds of eco-friendly products that you can easily find at any store. Here are our three favourites:
- Bronner’s Liquid Soap is a real all-rounder for campers. It’s biodegradable, so it’s good for both nature and water. With one bottle, you can wash your hands, clean, shower, and even brush your teeth. Compact, practical, and sustainable – perfect for life on the road!
- Tooth-cleaning tablets are a must-have for your grey water tank. They help neutralize bad odours and reduce bacteria. Small, convenient, and dissolving quickly in water, they keep your tank fresh and clean without chemicals. Ideal for eco-friendly camping!
- Tea Tree Oil is the ultimate care product for the camper. With its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, it’s perfect for skin irritations, cleaning, and even as an air freshener. Compact, natural, and highly effective – perfect for the limited space in your camper!
With these products, you’re not only taking care of yourself but also the environment!
Don’t Panic, It’s Just Black Water!
Blackwater, the waste from your toilet, contains human excrement and urine – the most polluting type of waste in a camper. This water must always be disposed of at a designated location, such as a camper dump station or a wastewater facility. In some countries, like Greece, it can be difficult to safely dispose of black water. In such cases, a dry or composting toilet may be a smart solution! This way, you stay both eco-friendly and stress-free, no matter where you are.
3 Toilet Tips for Black Water
- Use toilet chemicals (biological or chemical) to reduce odours and make black water easier to process.
- Empty and clean the toilet cassette regularly to prevent contamination and odours.
- Check in advance if you can dispose of black water in a specific country. The Vanlife Atlas website is perfect for this!
Flush Away Worries, Naturally!
During our time living in a camper, we’ve learned a lot and picked up some handy products to make managing the “black water situation” as smooth as possible. Here are 3 tips to make it all easier!
- A dry or composting toilet is the perfect solution for a camper since it doesn’t produce black water. No more worries about disposal! It’s super eco-friendly, requires no water for flushing, and is easy to maintain. We use the Boxio, a compact and affordable dry toilet – ideal for budget-conscious campers. If you’re willing to invest a little more for longer off-grid adventures, the Nature’s Head Composting Toilet is perfect! It has a larger composting bin that can handle 60-80 uses before needing to be emptied, making it ideal for extended stays in nature.
- Do you have a chemical toilet? Biomix TOI is a biological toilet fluid based on enzymes, which can be used in both the waste tank and the flush tank. It not only eliminates unpleasant odours but also helps accelerate the composting process – perfect for keeping your tank fresh and clean!
- Want to clean your toilet properly? Ecover Toilet Cleaner is an eco-friendly, plant-based toilet cleaner that cleans your black water tank and toilet without harmful chemicals. This way, everything stays sparkling clean, and nature stays happy!
The Great Camper Waste Adventure!
And there you have it – the wild, wonderful, and occasionally smelly world of camper waste management! Who knew that black water, grey water, and solid waste could have such an exciting life of their own? But with the right products and a bit of planning, you’ll be the eco-warrior of the open road, managing waste like a pro and keeping your camper as fresh as a daisy. So, the next time you empty that black water tank (or think about it), remember: it’s not a burden, it’s an adventure! Embrace it, and your travels will be that much sweeter. Happy camping – and remember, no matter what’s in the tank, you’ve got this!
