Dump points: How to find them and the all important dump point etiquette

We show you how to find dump points in Australia and discuss the all important dump point etiquette. Learn more here.

We discuss dump point etiquette and, more importantly, show you how to find dump points in Australia.

This job is definitely not the most enjoyable part of camping. In fact, I would go as far as to say it’s officially the least enjoyable part. Yes, we’re talking about emptying your portable toilet.

However, there’s no point complaining about it as properly disposing of our caravan toilet contents is a job that just has to be done. And like most jobs, there are guidelines that need to be followed to make the system work well for you and others.

Here’s how to find dump points in Australia and how to use them without pi***ng people off.

How to find dump points in Australia

There are quite a few ways to find dump points in Australia and we’ll show you three.

Option 1 – Download the National Public Toilet Map app

The easiest way to find a dump point is to download the National Public Toilet Map app for Australia. Here are the links:

• National Public Toilet Map Australia app for Android
• National Public Toilet Map Australia app for Apple

Once you have downloaded it and opened the map, press ‘preferences’ and ensure ‘dump point’ is selected before you press ‘find’. This app is really cool because it obviously also finds public toilets for you, allowing you to minimise the use of your caravan toilet when you’re on the road.

The apps will look like either of these in the app stores:

Option 2 – Head to dumppoints.com

This website option works but is probably our least favourite. Why? The site has annoying pop-up ads, and it basically just directs you to another website that shows you a list of Sanidump RV Dump Stations in each state of Australia. So, while the webpage works, it’s just a little clunky.

Option 3 – Invest in a Camps Australia-Wide book

Even if you’re not a fan of books, investing in a Camps Australia Wide book is a great option for those who plan to spend a decent amount of time on the road. This Aussie-owned publication is easy to navigate and not only shows you public dump points, but serves as a camping bible for free and lost-cost camping sites in Australia.

Besides, much of rural Australia has poor internet connection, rendering apps and webpages useless when you need them. If you are super organised and pre-plan your dump points while you have reception, good on you! But for those of you who aren’t that organised, go ahead and get the book.

The all-important dump point etiquette

Here are a few tips on etiquette to ensure you can remain friends with everyone in the campground.

Don’t get rid of other waste at the dump point

Trying to dispose of your other waste at the dump point is a big no-no when it comes to etiquette. Why? Placing disposable nappies, disposable wipes (even if they claim they are flushable) and sanitary pads, either in your cassette or down the dump point will clog up the system. This makes the whole dump point unusable for everyone when it backs up. Many councils offer them free of charge to travellers and don’t have the funds to keep repairing blocked sewerage systems.

Keep your distance

By now, we’re all familiar with the term ‘social distancing’. However, when it comes to dump points, you really need to at least double that space. Triple or quadruple it even. Tipping out your poop into a small hole is kind of personal and not a communal activity. Also, do you really want to get accidentally splashed by someone else’s sewerage?

So give people space while they’re using the dump point. If there’s a queue, go ahead and socialise with those waiting their turn but leave the person whose turn it is alone to get the job done. See the image below for a great example of what we mean.

Clean up after yourself

Don’t make a mess of the dump point. It’s gross enough as it is! Hold the cassette outlet as close as possible to the hole, or even into the neck of the hole to minimise mess and spatter. Most dump points provide a tap and hose to rinse out your toilet cassette and wash down the dump point after you have used it. Make sure you do this, it is not an optional extra.

A dump point that is left clean and tidy is much more hygienic for the next person in line. It’s important to remember that this water is never for drinking because the hose and nozzle are contaminated for obvious reasons.

Be patient

If there is a line-up at the dump point, just be patient and don’t be tempted to empty your cassette somewhere sneaky. Obviously, dumping it in the bush is incredibly unhygienic and bad for the environment. Pouring it down a septic system is also a terrible idea. Why? Your thoughtless disposal of chemicals can and will eliminate the bacteria required to make these systems work and render them useless.

So, now that you’ve found a dump point and have disposed of it properly following these etiquette guidelines, you have made an otherwise unpleasant chore just that little bit more pleasant for other campers. Now you can get on with your holiday!

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