When I began out as a caravanner, I had no idea how to empty the Caravan Toilet Cassette, but let me tell you, I soon learnt!
It’s amazing how much we take for granted with having the ability to go to the toilet, then simply flush it all away with the push of a button. For caravanners and RVers, the task becomes a little more involved.
Not only do you need to store your own waste and cart it around with you, but then you have to dispose of it yourself as well! When looking at how to empty a caravan toilet cassette, the process is very simple and can be done at any public Dump Station around the country.
Here’s the full guide on how to empty a caravan toilet cassette, plus lots of extra tips and advice to help keep things running smoothly for you in this crappy department.
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How Do Caravan Toilets Work?
There are two main components to the caravan toilet.
You’ve got the toilet itself, which sits inside your caravan bathroom or ensuite. Then you’ve got a flap, which opens up to the removable cassette below and is accessible from a hatch outside of your van.
Here’s how to use a cassette toilet:
STEP 1
Open the flap inside the toilet (handle located around the front or side of the toilet), then open the toilet lid.
NOTE: Some people prefer to keep the flap closed (with a dash of water on top) while they’re using the toilet, then open it up afterwards. But, I’ve found that makes too much unnecessary mess. I want the contents down in that cassette as soon as I can!
STEP 2
Do your business. And yes, it’s perfectly fine to poop in the caravan toilet. It all gets mixed up and emptied out the same. If you’ve got a toilet and you need to go, then use it.
STEP 3
Flush the toilet with the little ‘flush’ button. Little flushes can be more effective (and use less water) than a big, long flush.
STEP 4
Once the water and contents have gone down into the cassette tank, close the toilet lid.
STEP 5
Don’t forget to close the flap in the toilet. Take it from me, you don’t want to close that flap unless the toilet lid is down… otherwise you risk getting a nice splash in the face!
Flushing Tanks
Some toilets have a separate flushing tank that needs to be filled via the hatch outside the caravan. The light there will indicate when it’s full.
Alternatively, many of the toilets are plumbed into the main caravan water tanks, so as long as your tanks have water, you can flush the loo.
How to Empty a Caravan Toilet Cassette
It might be a crappy job, but one that needs to be done if you’re using an onboard ensuite. Here’s how to empty a caravan toilet cassette.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1 – Open the toilet access hatch
Open up the door on the exterior of your caravan, which gives you access to the toilet cassette.
Step 2 – Lift the lock & remove
Lift the orange lock and slide the cassette out of the hatch.
Step 3 – Agitate the cassette
If you haven’t been on the move, it helps to agitate the cassette a bit to help break down the contents as you’re making your way to the Dump Point.
Step 4 – Open the spout
Twist around the outlet spout and remove the cap.
Step 5 – Release the pressure
Hold the cassette horizontally with one hand using the handle. With your other hand, push the orange button in to allow air into the cassette, which releases the pressure (and helps the contents flow out).
Step 6 – Empty the cassette
Tip the cassette up to empty out the contents. You might need to give it a good shake if there are still some solids and toilet paper that haven’t broken down.
Step 7 – Rinse cassette
Use the hose provided at the dump point to add a litre or two of water into the cassette (through the spout). Swish the water around in the cassette to give it a good rinse. Repeat this a few times until you feel it’s clean enough. It helps to add a squirt of detergent into one of the rinses for a deeper clean.
Step 8 – Add chemicals
Once rinsed, you can then add your toilet chemicals to the cassette.
Put the cap back on the spout and fold the spout away. Slot the cassette back into it’s hatch and make sure the orange lock has clipped back in. Close the hatch door and lock it with your key.
VIDEO: Emptying the Cassette
Here’s a really great video, which walks through the step-by-step process of emptying a caravan toilet cassette.
Where to Empty Toilet Cassettes in Australia
Caravan toilet cassettes must be emptied into designated Dump Points, which can be found all over Australia. Most (but not all) towns will offer a free Dump Point for travellers, especially with caravan and camper ensuites becoming increasingly popular.
Most Caravan Parks are fitted with a Dump Point as well, so if you’re staying in that type of accomodation, you’ll know that you can easily empty your cassette or black tank (which stores toilet waste instead of having a removable cassette).
The most convenient way to source out Dump Point locations as you are travelling is with the WikiCamps app. You can easily locate them by looking for the red ‘caravan and arrow’ symbol (pictured below).
Where to find Dump Points:
- WikiCamps app
- Dump Points.com
- CamperMate app
- Full Range Camping
- Visitor Information Centres
DONT’s:
- DON’T ever use the tap or hose at a Dump Point for filling up your caravan water tanks (or any other drinking water containers) – you don’t want to know what those things have touched!
- DON’T empty your cassette into a storm water drain or onto the ground
- DON’T empty your cassette into a public toilet, drop toilet or composting toilet
Get your hands on one of these Camp Guides below with thousands of campgrounds across Australia and all of the additional travel information you’ll need, including Dump Point locations.
Hema Camps Guide
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Camps 11
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Can you Empty a Caravan Toilet at Home?
Yes, you can absolutely empty your caravan toilet cassette at home. The contents are no different to what usually gets flushed down your toilet, with the addition of a little Napisan or toilet chemical.
The only downside is that it can be smelly work! So, make sure you spray when you’re done, open a window and keep the door closed for a while to filter it out.
Another sucky thing about emptying your caravan cassette into the toilet at home is that it can get a bit splashy, so you may have to disinfect afterwards if that’s the case.
Emptying into Septic Systems
Something to remember with septic systems however is that the bacteria in septic tanks are crucial in the functioning of breaking down the waste. Some toilet chemicals that aren’t ‘septic safe’ or ‘green’ may upset your septic system.
Some people have reported that it’s been fine, but empty your cassette into a septic system at your own risk.
Caravan Toilet Maintenance
How to Clean Your Caravan Toilet
You can clean your caravan toilet just as you would a regular toilet at home. Spray the outside and seat with a disinfectant or all-purpose cleaner, then wipe with a damp cloth. Squirt some toilet cleaner into the bowl an gently scrub with a toilet brush. Flush it all down into the cassette.
TIP: For a deep clean of the cassette, fill it with a cup of white vinegar and top with water. Leave for a few hours or overnight, then empty out.
What Chemicals to use in a Toilet Cassette
Okay, so this is the most controversial topic of all when it comes to caravan toilets. Which chemicals should you put into the toilet cassette?
To be completely frank, we only ever used the cheap homebrand Napisan in our toilet and not only did it work well, we never had any issues with not being able to dump it in the regular spots.
While some claim that Napisan upsets the systems, the evidence shows that it contains the same active ingredient as what you’ll find in commercial cassette chemicals. Napisan-type products in Australia all state on the labelling that they’re safe to use in septic systems.
Sodium percarbonate is the active ingredient, which is a mixture of sodium carbonate (washing soda) with hydrogen peroxide (antimicrobial agent naturally occurring in the human body).
The purpose of hydrogen peroxide is to oxidise the smelly compounds and nitrogen-containing compounds like skatole, which is found in human waste.
You can read Napisan and look-alikes are safe for septic tanks for a more technical view.
How much chemical do you need?
I go with the ratio of 1 tablespoon of Napisan powder per cup of water. Mix, then pour into the cassette.
For commercial caravan chemicals, follow the directions on the pack. If you’re using tablets/ sachets, then just pop one into the cassette after each empty.
Cost & availability of caravan toilet chemicals:
| TOILET CHEMICAL | AVG COST | WHERE TO BUY |
|---|---|---|
| Store Brand Laundry Soaker Powder | $2.50/ kg | Supermarkets |
| Napisan Laundry Soaker Powder | $9.20/ kg | Supermarkets |
| Commercial Caravan Toilet Liquids | $15 – $20/ Litre | Caravan RV Camping → |
| Commercial Caravan Toilet Tablets/ Sachets | $23/ 15-pack | Caravan RV Camping → |
Do Caravan Toilets Smell?
Technically, if your caravan toilet is cleaned, emptied and maintained properly, your caravan toilet shouldn’t smell. But regular RV and camper users will know that that’s just not the truth. Those toilets can definitely get a bit whiffy at times!
The main cause for a smelly caravan toilet is a build-up of methane gas, which is released from the dried out waste and can be made much worse in hot conditions. Let’s just say that wetter is better in this area.
| TIPS FOR REDUCING CARAVAN TOILET SMELLS | |
|---|---|
| Close the flap | Super obvious, but make sure the flap is 100% closed and that the toilet lid is closed. |
| Use plenty of liquid | Since it’s the drying out that creates the smelly methane gas, make sure the waste & paper is staying wet enough. It also helps everything break down easier. |
| Clean it regularly | A clean toilet is going to be less smelly than a dirty one. It helps to give the toilet a quick once-over every other day. |
| Use less toilet paper | Toilet paper fills up the cassette a lot quicker and needs more water to remain wet and break down. Use less of it, or dispose of it in a plastic bag that gets thrown out daily. |
| Agitate when stationary | Take out the cassette and give it a good shake once a day when you’re parked up for a while. Agitating will help to break down the contents when you’re not driving. |
| Ventilation | Keep the bathroom ventilated – windows and hatches open, door closed. |
| Empty regularly | Obviously it’s the contents of the toilet, which is making the smell. So, the more often you can empty the cassette, the less smells you will have to contend with. |
Oil the Caravan Toilet Cassette Seal
Be aware that the rubber seal on the caravan toilet cassette cartridge can dry out over time. If the seal perishes it will end up leaking, which is not a very nice scenario.
Re-lubricating the seal is really easy and nothing a bit of olive oil or silicone lubricant can’t fix.
First up, remove the slide cover, then grab a damp rag and clean around the cassette seal. An all-purpose cleaner or disinfectant can also be used. Dispose of the rag.
Then you can either spray the seal with olive oil, or you can put a dash of olive oil or silicone lubricant onto an old rag, rub it over the entire seal, then dispose of the rag.
Replace the cover and you’re done.
You can see how the cassette ends up with calcium build-up over time, so it’ll need a good scrub and wipe over every few months or so to keep it nice and clean.
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Caravan Toilet Tips & Tricks
Which toilet paper to use in a caravan toilet
You can most definitely use normal toilet paper in your caravan toilet. In fact, the cheaper, the better!
That super, soft Kleenex tissue will only fill up your cassette twice as quick and make emptying it much harder. It’s just too robust to break down as quickly and easily as you need it to.
The $3.60 homebrand toilet rolls are perfect.
I mean, you can go spend $13 on a 6-pack of Thetford toilet paper if you want, but the general consensus in caravanning circles is that it’s not worth spending the money.
Can you poop in a caravan toilet?
Yes, you can absolutely poo in a caravan toilet! Some people are dead against using their caravan toilets for number twos because they don’t want to dirty it up.
Let me tell you, that toilet is going to get dirty anyways, even if you only use it for wees. Regardless of what’s been done in there, you still clean it the same way (I hope), so what difference does it make?
Things to consider with pooping in the caravan toilet:
- Extra smell in the van. If you’ve got an exhaust fan in the bathroom, turn it on. Keep the door closed and use some spray afterwards. Keep the other windows open in the van to clear out any smells quickly.
- If the cassette hasn’t been agitated enough to help break down the poo, it can clog up the spout when emptying. Lots of shaking required!
- Poos and paper will fill up the cassette much quicker if done on the regular.
I reckon if you’ve got a toilet onboard and you need to go, then go!
How can you make the cassette space last longer?
When you’re free camping or off grid for a few days or more, you’ll want that toilet cassette to last as long as possible. For four of us, we could get about three days out of the cassette by being smart with the space.
Tips to help the caravan cassette last longer:
- Males pee outside (and females can as well if there is a nice, private tree or bush to go behind)
- Use public restrooms and campground toilets as much as possible
- Agitate the cassette once a day to help break up the contents and level it out
- Instead of flushing every time, you can use a spray bottle to give the bowl a quick clean
- Instead of flushing toilet paper into the cassette, put it into a plastic bag that gets disposed of daily (can put the bag into a bucket with a lid in the bathroom)
Do you need to carry a spare caravan toilet cassette?
There is no requirement to carry a spare caravan toilet cassette, but some people do choose to. It’s common for families who are travelling for extended periods of time to carry a spare cassette so that they have the ability to camp off grid for longer.
It really depends on your camping style and how many people are using the toilet.
Remember that you have to have somewhere to store that full cassette for a few days until you can get to the dump point.
How do you know when the cassette is full?
Generally there will be an indicator light on the toilet somewhere near the flush button. It’s not uncommon for the float in the cassette to get stuck, which means that indicator light won’t work. However, don’t stress, it’s pretty easy to open the flap and have a look in the cassette to see how full it is. You’ll know!
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I’m having real trouble unlocking porta loo bottom waste from the top section so we can empty..getting desperate …I don’t want to discard as very new. HELP
That’s super frustrating! What type of portaloo have you got? Is it the cassette style like in the article? If so, the handle will need to be clicked ‘up’ so that the cassette can be pulled out.
Just wondering how you store the cassette when the van is parked up at home? Do you leave it empty or with a cleaner in it or just prepped to go for next time?
I just give it a really good clean out, then leave it ready to go in the van for next time. So, I add the cup or two of water, mixed with a spoonful of napisan and leave that in the cassette.
I bought one of those Shewee type products. It’s like a detachable penis lol .. a urination device for ladies and you can pee inside your van or tent into a container so it’s nice and private. I don’t use it usually but some times it’s handy.
They’re meant to be pretty good. I’ve got a friend who bought one for a Cape York trip and said it was handy.
my wife will not empty the cassette ,she says it is above her pay grade
Haha the task is above her pay grade, or she’s above the task?
Anytime we’ve traveled in an RV with a toilet we never use it because of the cleaning process lol We are usually tent campers and are looking into stepping into the RV world as the fur babies get older and can’t come on as many adventures.
Haha I can understand that. Especially if it’s a rental. Once you get in the swing of it though, it’s easy.
I guess this is an important thing to learn, and a job that you’re likely not fighting over to do! You likely have to take your travel itinerary into consideration so that you can ensure you are able to find the dumping zones to avoid any flooding issues.
Haha nope, no one’s fighting over this job, that’s for sure. We’ve never had any flooding issues, as you’ve always got to be onto it, when it comes to emptying the cassette.
I agree: it has to be done and carefully! The last thing you need is a splash back when emptying the cassette or to flood your shoes (I know folk who have managed this). The cassette system you describe here is exactly what we use in the UK, but when we have been in an RV in the US we have a black tank (in addition to the grey tank) and all the waste goes in there to be drained into a sewer via a detachable hose. Is this system available in Australia?
Oh my god, flooding your shoes with that – how awful! We also have a black tank system, which is fitted into some vans, but the cassette seems to be more common.
I am sure that there is a lot to learn when you first start out with a caravan. And things like learning to empty the toilet is an important one to learn early. It was interesting to read that most towns in Australia provide a free Dump Point. Easier if you are not staying in parks!
There is so much to learn about caravans! Things you haven’t even thought of until you find yourself in the situation. Yes, dump points are common, thank goodness. Makes travelling off grid much easier around the country.
When we went on our first RV trip we were so scared to do number 2 in the rig. We used public restrooms whenever we could.
You’re not alone, most people feel the same.