Where to Dump RV Waste? (9 Best Place to Dump RV Waste)

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Last Updated on April 1, 2022 by Ted Mosby

RVing is all about fun, sightseeing, exploring the world, and staying at your favorite campground or RV park to spend an unforgettable outdoor time with your dear ones.

While camping, you leave all the worries behind and just want to relax to rest your mind, soothe your soul, and introduce yourself to nature.

All the good things aside, one dirty fact about RVing that you find an arduous task to do, but necessary one is dumping waste in your RV tanks. Although it is not something you want to do, you have to do it either way or another.

If you are new and just getting started with RVing, you might be wondering where you should dump your RV wastewater tanks?

You cannot just dump your RV wastewater tank anywhere you want when it is full or nearly full. You have to find an appropriate place where you can safely and properly dump RV black water tank waste.

Moreover, before hitting the road, it is necessary to locate RV dump stations throughout your traveling.

This article is all about How to Find an RV dump station? Where to dump RV waste? RV dump station tips and how to dump RV black water tank.

So, let’s get started!

What is an RV Dump Station?

If you have a recreational vehicle, you might have heard about dump stations. But what exactly a dump stations are? Well, a dump station is a location designed specifically for RVers where they can safely dump the RV black water tank waste.

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All the dump stations have a communal septic tank where the waste is disposed of using a hose. However, it is important to use a designated dump spot only and consider necessary precautions before dumping RV black water tank to make sure it doesn’t cause any environmental harm.

How to Find RV Dump Station?

You have to find an appropriate place for dumping your RV black and water tanks, such as an RV dump station. There are plenty of options to find an RV dump station when you are traveling.

However, the best one is to find an RV dump station along your way is to search online. Moreover, you can also use dump websites to get more information about where to dump RV black tank waste.

Just Search in Google “Dump Stations Near Me”

Where to Dump RV Waste?

As I have mentioned earlier, dumping your RV black water tank waste is such an arduous task that you don’t want to do, but you have to. Determining where to dump RV black tank waste could also be a tough task if you don’t have information about appropriate places.

Below I have listed the Best places to Dump RV Waste intended to provide convenience to RVers to safely dump RV black tank waste.

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1. RV Parks and Campgrounds

Parc D’Orleans RV Park & Campground

RV parks and campgrounds are great for camping. They provide almost all the facilities that you can expect during your camping. These RV parks and campgrounds are big enough and have different areas to provide you with comfort.

If you are at a campground and want to dump RV tank waste, you will easily find an area there designated for dumping waste only.

Moreover, dump station service is usually included in nightly rent, so you don’t have to pay extra to dump RV black water tank waste.

2. Provincial and National Parks

National Park RV Parking

Although there are numerous national parks that you can easily find for camping, not all of them offer all the amenities that you want. Some national parks have an area designated for dumping RV black water tanks, but not all.

So I highly recommend getting complete information regarding amenities and facilities of the National Park you can go camping.

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3. Gas Stations

Gas Stations

Gas Stations are great places to dump RV Waste. Some Areas located near recreational locations or truck stops also offer dumping facilities. However, I also suggest calling ahead to get details about the facilities available there.

4. RV Dealerships

RV Dealerships

Even if you don’t have an RV and want to camp with your family, the best option that you can use is to rent out one from an RV dealership. Moreover, RV dealerships that offer RV rentals also provide dumping facilities that you can use to dump RV black water tank waste.

However, they might have charged you some money to dump your RV black tank waste.

5. Wastewater Treatment Plants

Wastewater Treatment Plants

Another best place to dump RV black water tanks is wastewater treatment plants. Although they aren’t always available, you can easily dispose of black water tank waste if you are lucky enough.

6. Sporting Goods Stores

Sporting Goods Stores is yet another place that often comes equipped with a dump station. Some Goods Stores, such as Canadian Tire, occasionally allow you to dump your RV black tank.

7. Recycling Centers

Don’t you think we are actually performing a recycling process when we are dumping our RV black water tank waste? That is what recycling centers exactly do. This is another option where you can dump RV black water tank waste.

8. Marinas

Just like RVers, people with boats also need an appropriate place to dump black water. So, another option for both boaters and RVers where you can dump RV black water tank waste is marinas.

9. Septic Tank

Having a septic tank means you can make things a whole lot easier when it comes to where to dump RV black water tank waste. You just have to purchase a macerator pump to make sure things go smoothly.

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RV Waste Dumping Tips

Below, I have outlined some best dump station tips that you should take into consideration when dumping your RV black water tank,

1. Dump Black Water Before Gray Water

The very first factor that you should always keep in mind is that when emptying both the gray and black water tanks at a dump station, make sure to dump the black water tank. It is because the gray water tank’s soapy water will clean and can eliminate the residue from the hose.

2. Don’t Empty Black Water Tank Until It is at least 2/3 Full

Make sure that your RV black water tank is at least 2/3 full before you empty it. Moreover, when hooked up at a campsite, do not ever keep the black water tank valve open. In doing so, the liquid will start draining, leaving the solid waste behind on the bottom of the black tank.

3. Use Heavy-Duty Sewer Hose

 

You should also ensure to use a heavy-duty sewer hose when dumping RV black water tank, and it should be at least 6-8 feet long as it will make handling easier. This is especially helpful if you are dumping your RV black tank for the first time.

4. Use a Garden Hose for Rinsing

 

Although most of the RV dump stations are equipped with a garden hose but not, you should carry a garden hose with you for rinsing that will help when you are dumping RV black tank at a dump station with no garden hose.

5. Don’t Use Fresh Water Hose for Rinsing

Make sure not to use your RV fresh water hose when rinsing the sewer hoses or dump station area.

6. Keep Yourself Protected

 

Before you start dumping your RV black water tank, you should also make sure to consider the necessary safety measurements. Wearing gloves is necessary. Do not touch without gloves.

7. Keep the Dump Station Available for Others

If you are at a dump station to empty your RV tanks, make sure not to waste time when others are waiting to use the dump station. It can be achieved by skipping the tank flushing and hose the rinsing process.

8. Do not Misuse the Dump Station.

You should avoid putting anything else into the dump station to expect your RV’s black or grey water tank content.

9. Keep it Clean

You will find a lot of dump stations that are free and intended to provide convenience to RVers. When you are dumping your RV black water tank at a dump station, make sure to leave the place clean when you are done.

How to Dump RV Waste?

If you have never dumped an RV black water tank waste before, you might be wondering how to do that.

Below I have outlined steps that you can consider in this regard.

  1. Step One: Firstly, remove the black water holding tank outlet cover and connect the sewer hose to the outlet of the RV’s black water holding tank. Now stretch your RV hose to the dump station, which will be larger than your RV hose.
  2. Step Two: Secondly, insert the sewer hose into the dump station up to six-inch deeper. You should use the hole cover or brick to make sure the sewer hose doesn’t come out of the hole.
  3. Step Three: Once you are done connecting everything properly, open the RV black water tank valve. Leave it until the water stops flowing and then close the valve. Repeat the same for your RV’s gray water tank.
  4. Step Four: Now you have dumped your RV’s black and gray water tanks. If you want to rinse and flush the tanks again, fill your RV tanks with at least 2/3 of water and repeat Step Three again. However, if others are waiting to use the dump station, you should skip this step.
  5. Step Five: Make sure that both the valves of black and gray water tanks are closed. Now, disconnect the sewer from your RV tank outlet. Lift the sewer end of your RV tank hose to make sure it is drained completely. If there is a non-potable water hose available, you may want to run water through the sewer hose for the rinsing process. Now remove the sewer hose from the dump station and start rinsing from outside.
  6. Step Six: Now add at least five gallons of water to your RV’s black tank and tank treatment. You can also use treatment for your RV’s gray water tank.
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Wrapping Up

RVs are great to have, but what about their black water tanks when it comes to dumping them? It is a task that you have to do even if you don’t want to.

Moreover, finding a suitable place where you can dump RV black water tanks could be hard if you don’t know where to dump RV black tank waste, especially if you are new.

However, if you have never done that before, the guidelines that I have outlined above will surely help you to make sure things go smoothly.

I have described everything in detail, but still, if you have any queries, you are always welcome to write a comment below.

FAQ

How to find an RV dump station to dump RV black water tank?

Although RV dump stations are located throughout the county, and if you are camping at a campground, they will likely also have one. But if they don’t, or you are on the road, you can use online resources to find the one near you. To find an RV dump station online, I recommend using SaniDums or RVDumps.

When should you dump the RV black water tank waste?

It is recommended to dump your RV black water tank when it is almost full (at least 2/3 full).

Do gas stations offer RV black water tank dump facilities?

Yes, although gas stations also have a designated place to dump RV black water tanks but not all. So, it wouldn’t be wise to rely on them.

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About Ted Mosby

I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. I am a Freelance Architect. I live in New Jersey, USA right now and I take my RV every alternate weekend. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. As I am a Freelancer I can work anywhere so most of my work is done inside my camper remotely.