Seen the MLAK badge on a dump point listing and wondered what it means? This page explains what an MLAK key is, how it relates to caravan and RV dump points, and whether you actually need one. For most travellers, the short answer is probably not, but it depends on where you are headed.
What Does MLAK Stand For?
MLAK stands for Master Locksmiths Access Key. It is a national system run by the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia that uses a universal lock and key across public facilities in Australia. It is primarily used on accessible toilets, Changing Places bathrooms and similar amenities designed for people with disability.
Some caravan and RV dump points are located at facilities that use MLAK locks, which is why the key appears in a dump point context at all.
Do Most Dump Points Require An MLAK Key?
No. The vast majority of caravan dump points do not require an MLAK key. Of the almost 1,400 dump points listed on this site, only around 50 are flagged as requiring a key of any kind. That is less than 4%. For most trips around Australia, you will never encounter a locked dump point.
It is also worth knowing that our data comes from the National Public Toilet Map, which was designed primarily to track accessible toilet facilities. When a dump point is located at a facility that has MLAK locked accessible toilets nearby, the MLAK flag may apply to those toilets rather than the dump point itself. In other words, the dump point may actually be open access, it is just co located with facilities that require a key.
If you arrive at a dump point showing the MLAK badge and find it open, that is probably why. If it is locked, you will need to either use an alternative dump point or, if appropriate, request access from the local council or visitor centre.
Who Can Get An MLAK Key?
The MLAK system was created specifically for people with disability, their carers and disability organisations. MLAK keys are not available to the general public, including caravan and RV travellers who do not meet the eligibility criteria.
Under current guidance, MLAK keys are intended for disability related access only. If you come across a dump point that is locked with an MLAK and you do not qualify for a key, you will need to either use an alternative dump point or contact the local council or visitor centre to see if they can provide supervised access.
When Is It Worth Having One?
For most caravan and RV travellers, it is not. Because MLAK keys are restricted to people with disability, the practical approach for other travellers is to plan ahead and choose open access dump points along your route.
This site makes that straightforward by clearly showing which dump points are locked and which are open access. If none of the dump points on your planned route show the MLAK badge, you do not need to think about an MLAK key at all.
How To Get An MLAK Key
If you are eligible, MLAK keys are not sold in regular retail stores. You need to order through an authorised supplier, such as a participating locksmith or an organisation registered with the MLAK program.
- Find an authorised supplier. Search for "MLAK key" plus your state, or order directly through the Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia. Many suppliers offer postal delivery.
- Confirm your eligibility. Suppliers require confirmation that the key is for disability related access, such as use of accessible toilets or Changing Places facilities.
- Pay the fee. As of mid 2025 the price is around $64 through the MLAA directly, although some suppliers may charge slightly less.
Checking Dump Points Before You Travel
The most practical approach is to check dump point listings along your planned route before you leave. Each listing on this site shows whether an MLAK key is required. If none of the dump points on your route show the MLAK badge, you do not need a key. If several do, you can either plan to use nearby open access alternatives or, if you are eligible, consider obtaining an MLAK key.
Because most caravan dump points in Australia are open access, planning ahead for waste disposal is usually as simple as checking the map, looking for the MLAK badge where it appears, and choosing the dump points that best match your route and setup.
Quick FAQ About MLAK And Dump Points
Why is a dump point showing the MLAK badge if it is not locked?
In many cases the MLAK flag comes from the accessible toilets at the same site, not the dump point itself. The dump point may be open access even though the nearby toilets are MLAK locked.
Can non disabled caravan or RV owners buy an MLAK key just for dump points?
No. MLAK keys are restricted to people with disability, their carers and disability organisations. They are not intended as a general access key for caravan dump points.
What should I do if the only nearby dump point is MLAK locked?
Check the map for other dump points in the area, including caravan parks that allow public dump point use for a small fee. If there are no suitable alternatives, contact the local council or visitor centre and ask whether they can provide access or suggest another location.
Do most dump points in Australia require an MLAK key?
No. Only a small number of dump points are locked. Most are open access, and in many cases the MLAK flag refers to nearby accessible toilets rather than the dump point itself.
What does MLAK 24 mean?
MLAK 24 means the accessible toilets at the site are locked at all times with an MLAK key. The dump point may still be open access, but the toilets will require MLAK access.
What does MLAK After Hours mean?
MLAK After Hours means the accessible toilets are unlocked during staffed or daylight hours and locked with an MLAK key after hours. The dump point may remain open access, but toilets will be locked at night.
What does Key Required mean on a dump point listing?
Key Required means a key is needed, but it is not necessarily an MLAK key. Some councils use their own keys, padlocks or caretaker access. Travellers should check the listing notes or contact the council to confirm the type of key needed.
Who can get an MLAK key?
MLAK keys are restricted to people with disability, their carers and disability organisations. They are not available to the general public or to caravan and RV travellers who do not meet the eligibility criteria.