Commando now available in recyclable packaging

After debuting recyclable packaging for Bio-Active Septic Tank Treatment in 2021, Walex is now packaging its black holding tank cleaner, Commando, in the same eco-friendly material.

Walex plans to transition several more of its RV/Marine product line to recyclable material in the coming years. The effort is part of an eco-friendly initiative extending to the product formulas; all of Walex's RV/Marine products comply with the country's most stringent environmental standards.

Recycle your Commando bag in a plastic bag recycling bin located at many retail stores, including Lidl, Target, Walmart, and Wegmans. To recycle, ensure the package is clean and dry before placing it in the bin.

The new recyclable bags are stamped with a seal from How2Recycle, an organization that aims to clarify the recycling process by standardizing instructions and labels. According to How2Recycle.info, the bag material can be made into synthetic lumber for decking, park benches, or recycled directly into another bag.

by Tony Butler

Can I use regular toilet paper in my RV toilet?

Do You Really Need Special RV Toilet Paper?

Quick Answer: RV toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly in holding tanks, but it is not always necessary if you use an enzyme-based RV tank treatment that breaks down regular toilet paper effectively.

Why Is RV Toilet Paper Different?

Unlike home plumbing systems that move waste directly into municipal sewer lines, RV toilets flush into a holding tank where waste and paper remain stored until dumping. RV and marine toilet paper is manufactured to dissolve rapidly to reduce solid buildup inside the tank.

The goal is to minimize clogs and make dumping easier at campground stations.

Is RV Toilet Paper Required?

No. While RV toilet paper can help reduce buildup, it is not mandatory if your holding tank is properly maintained. The key is ensuring that waste and paper break down efficiently inside the tank.

How Can You Use Regular Toilet Paper in an RV?

Using a high-quality enzyme tank treatment allows many RV owners to use standard household toilet paper without issues. Enzyme formulas are designed to digest paper and organic waste, reducing the risk of clogs and buildup.

Which RV Tank Treatments Break Down Toilet Paper?

Bio-Pak is a weekly drop-in deodorizer that uses enzymes to digest waste and paper while controlling odors. It is available in Alpine Fresh and Tropical Breeze fragrances.

Commando is a deep-clean black tank treatment designed for periodic use. It helps remove hardened buildup from tank walls and sensors, which can interfere with level readings and valve performance.

What Happens If Toilet Paper Builds Up in Your Tank?

  • False sensor readings
  • Persistent odors
  • Slower drainage
  • Potential clogs
  • Difficulty emptying completely

Routine enzyme treatments help prevent these issues by keeping solids liquefied and tanks flowing freely.

Best Practices for Healthy RV Holding Tanks

  • Use plenty of water with each flush
  • Dump when the tank is about 2/3 full
  • Use enzyme-based tank treatments regularly
  • Perform occasional deep cleanings

Bottom Line: RV toilet paper can help, but consistent tank maintenance with enzyme-based treatments plays a much larger role in preventing buildup and keeping your system operating smoothly.

Need Help Choosing a Product? Call 800-338-3155 for expert guidance.

by Tony Butler

Are holding tank treatments safe for septic tanks?

Are RV Holding Tank Treatments Safe for Septic Systems?

Quick Answer: Some RV holding tank treatments are septic-safe, while others can harm your septic system. If you dump your RV black tank into a home septic system, you should use an enzyme-based, biocide-free treatment that supports healthy bacteria instead of killing it.

Why Does Septic Compatibility Matter?

Septic systems rely on naturally occurring bacteria to break down and digest waste. These beneficial bacteria are essential for proper system function. If you introduce harsh chemicals that kill bacteria, your septic system may struggle to process waste efficiently, potentially leading to backups, odors, or long-term damage.

Do Some RV Tank Treatments Harm Septic Systems?

Yes. Certain sanitation products control odor by suppressing or killing bacteria inside the holding tank. While this may reduce smells temporarily, it can disrupt the biological balance inside a septic system if you dump treated wastewater at home.

Repeated exposure to bacteria-killing chemicals can weaken septic performance over time.

What Makes an RV Tank Treatment Septic-Safe?

Septic-safe treatments typically use natural enzymes or beneficial biological agents rather than harsh biocides. Enzymes act as catalysts that help break down waste and toilet paper without harming the beneficial bacteria your septic system depends on.

How Does Bio-Pak Support Septic Systems?

Bio-Pak controls odor using natural enzymes that digest waste and paper inside the holding tank. Instead of disrupting bacterial activity, these enzymes are compatible with existing septic microflora and help promote healthy digestion within the system.

The formula is designed to address common malodors caused by sulfides, amines, and ammonia while remaining free of harsh biocides and formaldehyde.

Who Should Use Septic-Safe RV Treatments?

  • RV owners who dump into home septic systems
  • Campers staying on private property
  • Travelers who alternate between dump stations and home disposal
  • Anyone concerned about protecting septic health

How to Choose the Right RV Tank Treatment

If you frequently dump into a septic system, look for products labeled:

  • Biocide-free
  • Formaldehyde-free
  • Enzyme-based
  • Septic-safe

Choosing the correct formula protects both your RV holding tank and your home wastewater system.

Need Help Deciding? Call 800-338-3155 for guidance on selecting the right holding tank treatment for your dumping setup.

by Tony Butler