Guide to Waste Disposal in a Motorhome: Tips for First-Time Tourers

When you’ve just collected your new motorhome from Wandahome, there's one crucial element of the lifestyle you’ll want to get to grips with quickly: waste disposal. Although you might think this is not the most exciting topic, understanding how to manage waste in your motorhome is key to a smooth, safe and environmentally responsible journey. 

For first-time buyers, eco-conscious travellers or those hiring a motorhome, this edition of our blog explains the basics of motorhome waste disposal. We’ll look at how to handle toilet waste, deal with grey water and dispose of household rubbish - all in ways that are respectful to the environment and to your fellow campers. 

Why responsible waste management is important 

Touring the UK by motorhome offers a great sense of freedom, but with that freedom comes responsibility. Motorhomes create waste, just like any home - and managing that waste correctly is essential for hygiene, health and sustainability. Improper waste disposal can cause pollution and harm local wildlife, as well as more domestic issues like unpleasant smells. Being mindful and respectful of your surroundings will always make your trip a more enjoyable and guilt-free experience, and will help to protect the places you visit. 

Types of motorhome waste 

Understanding the three main types of waste in your motorhome is the first step toward managing them properly. 

• Grey: Grey water is the used water from your kitchen sink, bathroom sink and shower. Though it doesn’t contain sewage, it can include contaminants such as soap, food particles and grease, etc. Grey water is not safe to dispose of just anywhere, and should always be drained at designated grey waste points. 

• Black: This is toilet waste, which is collected in a removable cassette tank under your vehicle’s toilet. Since black waste contains human waste and chemicals, it must be emptied at proper chemical disposal points. It must never be emptied into ordinary drains or watercourses. 

• Household: Just like back at home, you’ll inevitably accumulate general waste like scraps of food, grocery packaging and recyclables. While this may seem quite straightforward to deal with, it’s important to be aware that rural or wild camping areas often don’t provide disposal bins.  

How to dispose of waste properly 

Understanding the methods of managing waste properly is very important. 

• Emptying grey waste the right way: Most campsites and stopovers in the UK have designated grey waste disposal areas. These are usually marked grates in a service zone. When you arrive at the site, park your motorhome so that your grey water outlet lines up with the drain. If your vehicle is fitted with a grey waste hose, connect and release the valve. If it is not, you may need to manually drain using a portable waste container. While it might be tempting for convenience to release grey water on quiet roadsides or lay-bys, this is unhygienic and, in many areas, actually illegal. Even though grey water doesn’t contain sewage, it can still cause environmental damage if left to soak into the ground. 

• Emptying a motorhome toilet safely: Black waste should always be emptied into a designated chemical disposal point (CDP). These are usually clearly signposted at campsites, often located away from pitches for hygiene reasons. Access the cassette from the exterior hatch on your motorhome, remove it carefully, and carry it to the disposal point. Always wear gloves during this process. After emptying the contents, rinse the cassette using the dedicated rinsing hose (not drinking water!) and refill with a dose of toilet chemical and a small amount of water. This helps to break down waste and reduce odours before the next use. Use biodegradable toilet fluids, which are just as effective but far more environmentally friendly, and accepted at a greater number of campsites across the UK. 

• Managing household waste: Most campsites provide recycling and general waste bins, so splitting down your rubbish is encouraged. However, in more remote areas disposal options could be rather limited. In these situations, carry your rubbish with you and dispose of it responsibly when you reach your next campsite. Avoid using small public litter bins or leaving waste at roadside lay-bys – not only is this considered fly-tipping, but it also contributes to the growing problem of countryside litter. 

Eco-friendly waste habits  

Touring in a motorhome doesn’t have to mean you have to compromise your eco-values. By making a few considered and careful choices, you can significantly reduce your ‘environmental footprint’ on the road. 

Switching to eco-friendly toilet chemicals is one of the simplest changes you can make. Biodegradable options are non-toxic, safer for waste systems, and often odour-neutralising. You can also reduce water use by taking shorter showers, using water-saving devices like flow restrictors, and turning taps off between uses. 

Choosing eco-conscious campsites with good recycling and waste disposal infrastructure helps support sustainable tourism. Apps such as Pitchup or Searchforsites can help you filter sites based on these features. 

Tips for first-time motorhome tourers 

If you’re ‘a newbie’ in the world of motorhome touring, don’t panic. Waste disposal might seem a bit daunting at first, but it’ll quickly become second nature. With the right tools and habits, you’ll master the process in no time. 

• Packing: As well as everything else you’ll be packing, bring along a few basics such as rubber gloves (disposable or reusable), eco-friendly toilet chemicals, disinfectant spray for cleaning your cassette and a waste water hose (if your motorhome supports one). Bin bags are an absolute must, and having a small bin inside your vehicle helps manage day-to-day rubbish more easily. 
• Planning: Before setting off, check your route for campsites or service points where you can legally and safely empty your tanks. Many motorhome-friendly apps offer detailed filters showing which sites offer grey and black waste disposal facilities. If you’re wild camping or staying off-grid, arrive at your next proper stop with enough space in your tanks to manage until then. Overfilling can lead to leaks, unpleasant smells, and – in some cases – expensive repairs. 
• Avoid mistakes: Illegal dumping is one of the most common mistakes made by new motorhome tourers. It’s often out of confusion rather than carelessness. Avoid draining grey water or emptying toilet cassettes into roadside drains or woodland (not only is this damaging, but it could also result in a fine). Don’t forget to rinse your toilet cassette regularly (after each emptying prevents build-up and keeps odours at bay). 

How Wandahome can help 

At Wandahome we’re here to help you feel confident and prepared every step of the way. Whether you're looking for high-quality toilet chemicals, a replacement cassette or simply some guidance on the best waste disposal products, we stock a wide range of accessories and essentials for all motorhome makes and models, whether new or used. Our friendly and helpful customer service team is always happy to offer practical advice on the ways you can manage your motorhome waste effectively, safely and responsibly.