Waste disposal for van life
Waste disposal is one of those problems that goes with van life but if handled properly, with thought, it's not really as bad as it sounds.
Grey and black water - what's the difference?
It's a common question for those new to van life and travelling in a motorhome or camper.
Grey water comes from your sinks and shower. Washing up water basically. It will contain detergents and soap.
Black water is from the chemical toilet.
Both have to be disposed of properly and NOT just dumped in a hedge as we have seen before.
Dumping waste for free
Full time van life is meant to be on a budget so if there's an opportunity to get rid of your waste water for free than that's a win.
In Europe it is far easier than the UK.
Aires in France are perfect. Most have special points to empty your tanks and most are free. Spain also has similar locations. On toll roads, many of the service stations have special points to empty waste for free.
Chemical toilet (black) waste should never be put down a drain. This has to go straight into a sewer. If you use a public toilet which is totally feasible, try to empty slowly so as to not block the toilet. Empty a little then flush.
Paying to dump
If you really get stuck, consider a campsite. Although you pay to stay, you get to use the facilities such as waste disposal. You can also fill your fresh water tank at the same time.
Fresh water
One of the biggest headaches of van life can be sourcing fresh water. In Europe, aires and service stations are perfect but not always available. You can stop at farms and ask for water. It's always good to offer a small payment. Most will allow you to fill up free of charge if you ask nicely.
Always carry a flexible hose pipe in your van, along with a tap adaptor and if possible, a water carrier. We carry two, 10 litre canisters.
top tips
LESS EMPTYING
We do not go the expense of special, expensive camping toilet paper. We use the standard stuff from the supermarket. It doesn't break down so easily so we don't put it down the toilet. Instead we have a small bin in the bathroom, with a lift-up lid. It goes in here (in a bin liner), then is disposed of in a bin
There are also many small devices on the market for having a pee on the move. These special bottles can then be emptied at any toilet. This will mean your cassette loo won't need emptying so frequently.