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Dumping RV waste can be a hassle especially if you don't know where to empty your tanks legally. Read on for 10 simple places where you can do so easily.
RV travels are not all rainbows and sunshine. Behind every memorable road trip is a slew of maintenance and upkeep that goes into keeping your RV running well through the trip. Likewise, dumping the holding tanks of RVs is not the most fun chore, but a necessary one. Letting the tank sit any longer than necessary can lead to the air reeking terribly, and no one wants that.
That is why it is essential to know where the nearest dump stations to you are. Whether you are fresh out of your RV destination or wrapping up a boondocking trip, you will need to clear out your RV tanks. It can be a hassle at the moment to find a dump station, and the last thing you want is to litter where it is not allowed. To avoid any such scenarios, we have compiled a list for you to find the most convenient places to dump your RV waste legally.
How To Dump RV Waste?
Dumping RV waste is quite simple. Commonly, RVs have at least one grey and one black holding tank. Check out our comprehensive guide on how to dump RV tanks for a simple and hassle-free process! Also, don't forget to check out our portable RV Macerator Pump to empty your holding tanks on the go.
How to Dump RV Waste at Home? And is it Legal?
Dumping your RV waste at home can be a convenient option if you have the necessary facilities and follow proper guidelines. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it safely and responsibly:
1. Check Local Regulations: Before you begin, research your local regulations regarding dumping RV waste on your property. Some areas may have specific rules and permits that you need to comply with.
2. Gather the Required Equipment: You'll need a sewer hose, a suitable container, gloves, and cleaning supplies.
3. Prepare the Dumping Area: Choose a location on your property where you can safely and cleanly empty your RV waste tanks. Ensure it's away from wells, water sources, and any areas used for food production.
4. Connect the Sewer Hose: Attach one end of the sewer hose to your RV's waste outlet and the other end to the opening of the container.
5. Open the Valves: Slowly open the black tank valve first, allowing the waste to flow through the sewer hose into the container. Once the black tank is empty, open the gray tank valve to flush the hose and container.
6. Monitor the Process: Keep an eye on the container's fill level and ensure there are no leaks or spills. Avoid overfilling the container.
7. Close the Valves: Close the gray tank valve first, followed by the black tank valve. This prevents any remaining waste in the hose from flowing back into the tanks.
8. Rinse and Clean: Use a dedicated hose to rinse the sewer hose thoroughly. Clean and disinfect all equipment used in the process.
9. Dispose of Waste: If your local regulations allow it, you can transport the container to a designated RV dump station for proper disposal. Make sure to follow any guidelines for transport and disposal.
10. Maintain Hygiene: After completing the process, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Is It Legal to Dump RV Waste At Home?
The legality of dumping RV waste at home varies depending on your location. Some areas prohibit it due to potential health and environmental risks. Check with your local health department or municipal regulations to ensure compliance.
10 Places to Dump Your RV Waste Legally
RV Campgrounds and Parks
Most RV campgrounds and parks either consist of holding tank dump stations or full hookups. A dump station is a convenient place for you to dispose of your RV waste. At RV parks with full hookups, there will be a septic tank hole at your campsite for your RV’s sewer hose to go in it, just like at a dump station. In the scenario that you are boondocking or RV camping without individual dump stations or full hookups, you can use the campground dump station by paying extra. If you want to plan ahead and book a campground with a dump station or full hook-up, be sure to find the best one for your needs with our guide on RV campgrounds.
RV Dealerships
Some RV dealerships offer dump station services for the convenience of their customers. You can call ahead or use RV apps to confirm the availability of dump stations at certain RV dealerships. Once you do find one, make sure to confirm beforehand whether there is a fee or any extra charge to use the dump station. Camping World is a popular RV dealership that offers dump stations.
Gas Stations
Truck stops, gas stations, and travel centers are a good bet when finding a dump station. Most of the time they will be marked, but you can always search the web or RV apps to find out the location of gas stations with dump disposals nearest to you. However, most may not always accommodate big rigs. Pilot and Flying J Travel Centers offer dump stations as well as potable water available. Just be sure to stay out of the way of trucks as a courtesy if you do go dumping at busy stations!
State and National Parks
Most national and state parks have dump stations in their RV campgrounds. However, to plan ahead of time, you should check out their website and confirm to be sure. Along with dump stations, national parks will usually also offer potable water. The charges for these services will most likely be included in your entrance fee, but do ask to be on the safe side.
BLM and U.S. Forestry Ranger Stations
Some of the Bureau of Land Management and US Forestry Ranger Stations offer dump stations, sewers, potable water, restrooms, picnic areas, and other RV facilities. The best way to access them is to ask the next Ranger whether the nearest park offers these facilities, then you can be on your way to a great RV self-servicing!
Sporting Goods Stores
If you are lucky, some sporting goods stores would have RV dump stations and overnight RV parking. Examples of such stores are Cabelas and Dick’s Sporting Goods. You can locate your nearest stores on RV apps or search the web for them, but we will still recommend calling the stores beforehand too.
Boat Marinas
If you are in towns or cities with marinas for boats and small yachts, you are in luck. Just like RV campgrounds, marinas will have dump stations too. However, if you are not staying there, you may be asked to pay a fee in order to use the dump stations. You can call ahead to be certain of the service charges and whether your RV can get in and out of the space easily.
Recycling Centres
Like plastic, paper, and other waste, most recycling centers have RV dump stations too. You can hit up Google to find the recycling centers closest to you in order to confirm whether they offer sump stations.
Municipal and County Parks
There is a good chance there will be dumping facilities and potable water in the municipal, county, and city parks. You will typically find them in the parking lot of the parks, but they may not always be free. There may be a small fee to use the dumping station or water.
Interstate Rest Stops
This is perhaps one of the most useful locations to find a dumping station. Though they may be far in between, you may run into rest stops along the highway on drive day offering restrooms, kiosks, vending machines, potable water spigots, and RV dump stations. They do not usually cost anything for the dumping facilities, but some may charge a nominal fee.
Conclusion
While RV campgrounds with various dump stations and full hookups are the most convenient to dump your RV waste, RV travel is all about flexibility and spontaneity. Even if you are not close to a dump station or campground, the 10 places in this guide are good enough for you to empty your RV waste tank properly and legally to continue your journey. After all, no hiccup should be big enough to ruin a memorable RV trip!