Where can I empty my black holding tank?

Emptying, or dumping, the black holding tank is an unpleasant but necessary part of RV life. But because the black tank contains a mix of waste, toilet paper, and, often, deodorizing chemicals, laws exist regulating where you can dump.

Dumping laws vary from state to state. Because black water contains a wide variety of bacteria, you should not empty your tank into a public toilet, a river, or the ground. Doing so could earn you a hefty fine, depending on your location.

If you’re stationed at home, you can empty the tank into your septic system, but only if you use septic-system safe deodorizers like Bio-Pak in your wastewater. Bio-Pak is a biocide-free, formaldehyde-free formula that uses natural enzymes to break down waste and paper in the tank.

Other deodorizers work by killing bacteria, which septic systems require to function correctly. If you’re using one of these products, you’re better off dumping your tank in the municipal sewer system.

If you’re on the road, you can empty your tank at a public dumping site. These are located at campgrounds, and some truck stops (call ahead to make sure). These dumping sites often have less stringent rules about what chemicals you can dump. These laws vary from state to state, so again, call ahead to make sure you don’t violate them.

These laws regulating chemicals allowed in dumping sites can be confusing, so give us a call if you have any questions. We offer several deodorizing formulas in both drop-in packets and liquids, and we can help you figure out what product is best your needs.