Dump Points Near Me

How to Use a Dump Point

If you are new to caravanning or have just bought a rig with a cassette toilet or black water tank, using a dump point for the first time can feel a bit daunting. It doesn't need to be. This guide covers everything you need to know - what to bring, how to empty your waste, and how to leave the site correctly.

What You Need

You don't need much, but having the right gear makes the job quick and clean.

Gloves. Disposable nitrile gloves are ideal - keep a box in the van. Put them on before you handle anything and dispose of them before getting back in the cab.

Your cassette or tank hose. If you have a cassette toilet, you'll carry the cassette to the dump point. If you have a black water tank, you'll need a drain hose long enough to reach the inlet from your outlet valve.

A bucket or container. Useful for adding a little water to rinse the cassette after emptying, and for carrying the cassette if your van is parked some distance from the inlet.

Hose fittings. Most Australian dump points have a standard inlet that works with both cassettes and hoses. If your tank hose has an unusual fitting, carry a reducer or universal connector as a backup.

Some dump points require an access key. If a listing shows "key required", it will generally be an MLAK key.

For a full rundown of everything worth carrying, see our guide to what to pack in your dump kit.

Emptying a Cassette Toilet

Cassette toilets are the most common setup in Australian caravans. The cassette is a self-contained waste tank that slides out from an external hatch on the side of the van.

  1. Put on your gloves before removing the cassette.
  2. Remove the cassette from the external hatch. Most have a carry handle. Keep it upright.
  3. Locate the dump point inlet - it is usually a covered opening flush with the ground, or a low pedestal. Lift the cover.
  4. Open the cassette spout - twist or slide it open depending on your model - and pour the contents in slowly. Don't rush it or you'll get splashback.
  5. Rinse the cassette. Add a small amount of water, swirl it around, and pour that in too. Repeat if needed. Where a washout hose is available, use it to rinse the inside of the cassette and the spout.
  6. Close the spout and replace the lid on the inlet before walking away.
  7. Return the cassette to the van and slide it back into place.
  8. Remove your gloves and wash your hands.

Emptying a Black Water Tank

Motorhomes and larger caravans often have a fixed black water tank that drains via a hose connection rather than a removable cassette.

  1. Position your rig so your tank outlet is close to the dump point inlet. You want your hose to reach comfortably without being stretched tight.
  2. Put on your gloves before connecting anything.
  3. Connect your drain hose to the tank outlet, then place the other end into the dump point inlet. Make sure it is seated securely before opening any valves.
  4. Open the black water valve and allow the tank to drain fully. This can take a few minutes depending on tank size.
  5. Flush the tank if your rig has a tank rinser. If not, add water via your toilet and drain again to rinse through.
  6. Close the valve before disconnecting the hose. Remove the hose from the inlet end first, then disconnect from the tank.
  7. Rinse your hose using the washout hose where available, and store it in a sealed bag or container - never loose in a storage bay.
  8. Remove your gloves and wash your hands.

Grey Water

Grey water is wastewater from your sink, shower, and kitchen - anything that is not toilet waste. Most dump points accept grey water as well as black water, and you can drain your grey water tank into the same inlet.

Grey water disposal rules vary by state and location. In some areas you can release grey water onto ground well away from waterways and sealed surfaces; in others it must go into a dump point or grey water outlet. When in doubt, use the dump point. Never release grey water into stormwater drains or onto a beach.

For more detail on the rules around each type of waste, see our guide to grey water and black water for caravanners.

Leaving the Site

Dump points are a shared resource, and a lot of them are provided free of charge by local councils. How you leave the site affects the experience for everyone who comes after you - and a consistently dirty or misused dump point is at risk of being shut down.

  • Replace the cover on the inlet before you leave
  • Rinse any spills around the inlet using the washout hose
  • Don't leave equipment, bags, or rubbish at the site
  • If the site has a bin, use it for your gloves and any disposable items

If the site is in poor condition or the details on the listing are out of date, use the report function on the listing page to let us know. It takes 30 seconds and helps other travellers.

For a broader look at considerate dump point use, see our guide to dump point etiquette.

Common Questions

Can I use dump point chemicals?

Yes. Most cassette toilet chemicals and tank treatments are safe for dump points. Avoid anything labelled for septic systems only, as dump points connect to sewer mains, not septic tanks.

What if there is no washout hose?

Bring a small container of water and rinse the cassette manually. For black water tanks, a portable tank rinser that connects to a garden tap works well if the site has a tap available.

What if the dump point is locked?

Some sites require an MLAK key. Check the listing before you arrive - each page shows whether a key is required. MLAK keys are available through motoring organisations such as the NRMA and RACQ.

How often should I empty my tank or cassette?

Empty when you have the opportunity, not when you are full. In remote areas, dump points can be a long way apart. A good rule of thumb is to empty whenever you pass a dump point and have more than a third of your capacity used.

Can I use a dump point for my composting toilet?

No. Composting toilet waste is solid material and is not suitable for dump points. It should be disposed of in general waste, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Find a Dump Point

Use the interactive map to find dump points near your current location, or browse by state:

For a broader overview of dump points in Australia, see our caravan dump points guide.