Composting toilets have become increasingly common in Australian caravans and motorhomes, especially among travellers who spend long periods off-grid. No chemicals, no black water tank, and longer intervals between solids emptying are all part of the appeal. But the disposal story is different from a cassette toilet, and it is the part that catches many new owners out - because dump points, the backbone of waste disposal for most RV travellers, only handle one part of a composting toilet's output.
This guide explains what can and cannot go into a dump point, where each waste stream should be disposed of, and the routines that help keep a composting toilet trouble-free while travelling.
How Composting Toilets Differ
A cassette toilet collects all waste in one tank of liquid slurry, which is designed to be emptied at a dump point. A composting toilet (more accurately, a urine-diverting dry toilet in many RV installations) separates waste at the source: urine drains to a front bottle, while solids fall into a rear container mixed with a dry medium such as coco coir or peat, often with an agitator to help distribute material. Separation helps reduce odours and slows the fill rate when the system is used and maintained correctly - the liquids bottle may need emptying every day or two, while the solids container can last weeks depending on usage, climate and the manufacturer's recommendations.
The trade-off is that there are now two different waste streams with two different disposal paths, and only one of them is normally handled through a dump point. It is also worth being clear about the name: despite being called a composting toilet, material removed from an RV solids container after weeks of travel is not finished compost. True composting requires time, controlled conditions and usually a much longer process. What travellers are handling is partially broken-down human waste and should be treated accordingly.
The Liquids Bottle
Urine is the easier half to manage. The liquids bottle can generally be emptied into a dump point or a toilet connected to the sewer system. Both are designed to receive liquid waste, although treatment arrangements vary between locations. Pour carefully to avoid splashing, rinse the bottle with a small amount of water where practical, and use a washout hose if one is available and appropriate.
Some travellers use alternative disposal methods where they are legal and appropriate, but rules vary by state, land manager and location. What may be acceptable on private rural land is not necessarily acceptable in a national park, roadside reserve or town facility. The safest general option remains a dump point or sewer-connected toilet. With a large network of dump points available across Australia, one is often not far from your route. Use the interactive map to see what is ahead.
Do not leave the bottle sitting full for extended periods. Urine develops a strong ammonia smell quickly, and an overfilled bottle is one of the most common composting toilet problems. Empty it regularly where practical.
The Solids Container
This is the part that does not belong in a dump point. Dump points are designed for liquid waste streams and are not designed to accept bags or semi-solid material. A solids container mixed with dry medium will not flow through dump point plumbing; it can accumulate, create blockages and contribute to facility closures. The same principles covered in our dump point etiquette guide apply here: correct disposal helps keep these facilities available.
For travelling use, the usual approach is to bag and bin where permitted. Empty the solids container into a sturdy bag, double-bag if needed, seal it securely and place it in general waste. Always follow your toilet manufacturer's instructions, and where a council or land manager publishes specific guidance, that takes priority.
Choose the right waste bin. A large public bin, transfer station or appropriate general waste facility is preferable; a small street bin outside a business is not. Never place solids into green waste or public compost systems - the material is not finished compost and does not belong in a garden waste stream. Burial is also inappropriate in most public settings and may be prohibited by local rules.
If you are stationary for a long period - months at a home base or an approved long-term site - solids may be managed differently through a dedicated composting setup where appropriate. That is a settled-location solution, not a travelling disposal method. On the road, follow local rules and use the appropriate waste stream.
What Dump Points Offer You
It would be easy to assume dump points are irrelevant for composting toilet owners. In practice, they remain useful stops for several reasons. The liquids bottle still needs regular disposal. Grey water, if your rig has a grey tank, remains another waste stream that needs to be managed responsibly - our grey water guide covers the differences. And washout facilities, where available, can help with cleaning equipment.
Listings in this directory show what each location offers - access details, fees, washout hoses, water availability and other facilities. The advice in our how to use a dump point guide about gloves, rinsing and leaving facilities clean applies to liquids disposal just as it does to cassette toilets.
A Disposal Routine That Works
Travellers who are happy with composting toilets generally settle into similar habits. Empty liquids regularly where practical - at dump points or suitable sewer-connected toilets when available. Plan solids disposal around town stops with appropriate waste facilities rather than waiting until the container is completely full. Carry sturdy bags, gloves and hand sanitiser as a dedicated kit - our dump kit guide covers many of the same essentials, minus the sewer hose.
Keep spare dry medium on board because regional supplies can be limited. Know your own system's capacity and maintenance requirements, and remember that the same traveller courtesy applies everywhere: leave every facility cleaner than you found it.
Common Questions
Can I empty a composting toilet at a dump point?
Liquids can generally be emptied at a dump point, but solids should not be disposed of through dump point plumbing. The solids container should be managed according to manufacturer instructions and local waste rules, usually through general waste where permitted.
Where do composting toilet solids go?
For travelling use, solids are generally sealed and placed into general waste where permitted. They should not go into dump points, green waste bins or public compost systems. Always follow manufacturer instructions and local guidance.
Can I pour the urine bottle into a public toilet?
Generally yes, where the toilet is connected to the sewer system and local rules allow it. Pour carefully, flush afterwards and rinse the bottle when facilities are available.
Is a composting toilet better than a cassette for travelling Australia?
They suit different styles of travel. Composting toilets can work well for travellers spending long periods off-grid, while cassette toilets suit travellers who want to use Australia's extensive dump point network. The best choice depends on travel style, maintenance preferences and disposal habits.
Last reviewed July 2026.