How to empty a campervan toilet

Most campervans in New Zealand – including maui campervans – use a cassette toilet system. It’s a simple, self-contained setup designed to be easy to use and maintain while you’re on the road. 

What is a cassette toilet?

A cassette toilet looks and functions much like a standard toilet, but instead of flushing waste into a fixed tank, it collects everything in a removable collection tank or ‘cassette’.  

This cassette is securely sealed to prevent leaks and odours and can be easily emptied at designated dump stations. 

Key components of a campervan toilet

A typical cassette toilet has three main parts, each playing a role in keeping the system clean and easy to manage: 

• Toilet bowl – Similar to a regular toilet, the bowl is where waste is collected before being flushed into the cassette below. Most campervan toilets use a small amount of water for flushing, helping to minimise odours and keep the system efficient. 

• Cassette (waste tank) – This is the removable tank that stores waste until it can be emptied at a dump station. It’s designed to be leak-proof and often has a built-in handle and wheels for easy transport. 

• Seal and blade valve – Located between the toilet bowl and the cassette, this sliding valve opens when you flush and closes tightly after use to contain odours. Keeping this seal clean and lubricated helps maintain a smooth operation. 

The cassette is usually accessed from outside the camper, behind a small, lockable panel. If you’re unsure where to find it in your campervan, check the maui instruction video in the thl Roadtrip app – it’s a handy step-by-step guide to make the process even easier. 

Using your campervan toilet for the first time

Before using your campervan toilet, you’ll need to set it up properly. This involves adding toilet chemicals to the cassette to help break down waste and control odours. When you collect your maui campervan hire, the branch team will show you how to do this.  

In a nutshell, to set up you simply need to open the toilet bowl flap, pour the recommended amount of chemicals directly into the bowl, and add a small amount of water. Once that’s done, your toilet is ready to use.  

READ MORE: How to plan a relaxing campervan trip in NZ. 

Where do you empty a camper toilet?

Campervan toilet waste must be emptied at designated dump stations – never in public toilets, drains, or natural waterways. This is a legal requirement in New Zealand to protect the environment and keep public spaces clean. 

You’ll find dump stations at holiday parks, campgrounds, and council-run public stations across New Zealand. While many are free, some may require a small fee or be available only to guests staying at a particular site. Always check signage or ask staff if you’re unsure. 

To make things easy, the thl Roadtrip app can help you locate nearby dump stations, so you’ll always know where to go when it’s time to empty the cassette. 

How often do you need to empty a campervan toilet?

It’s best to empty the toilet cassette every two days, even if it’s not completely full. Regular emptying helps prevent odours and makes handling the cassette easier. It also ensures you’re never caught out with a full tank when there’s no dump station nearby. 

The frequency can vary depending on how many people are using the toilet and how often. If you're travelling with a group or using the toilet more frequently, you may need to empty it daily. Keeping an eye on the waste level indicator (if your campervan has one) is a good habit to get into. 

READ MORE : Power up your adventure – the ultimate guide to powered camping sites and holiday parks in New Zealand. 

How do you empty the toilet in a campervan?

Emptying your campervan toilet might not be the highlight of your trip, but it’s a quick and simple task when done correctly. Keeping your cassette toilet clean and well-maintained ensures a more comfortable experience and helps protect New Zealand’s environment. 

Whether you're new to campervanning or just need a refresher, here’s a quick overview: 

Tools and supplies you’ll need

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools and supplies to make the job as easy and hygienic as possible. 

• Gloves – Wearing disposable or reusable gloves keeps things sanitary. Even though the process is straightforward, it’s best to avoid direct contact with the cassette. 

• Toilet chemicals – These are essential for breaking down waste, reducing odours, and keeping the system clean. Make sure you use biodegradable chemicals that comply with New Zealand’s environmental regulations. Every maui hire includes one toilet chemical to get you started, and additional sachets can be purchased at the branch before you set off. 

• A hose – Most dump stations provide rinse hoses for flushing out the cassette.  

READ MORE: What’s included with your maui campervan hire. 

A step-by-step guide to emptying your campervan toilet

Emptying your cassette toilet is a quick and straightforward process, and the more often you do it, the easier it becomes. Follow these steps to get it done efficiently: 

1. Park at a designated dump station – Always empty your cassette at an approved dump station. These are commonly found at holiday parks, public dump stations, and some service stations. Use the thl Roadtrip app to find the nearest one. 

2. Put on gloves – This helps keep things hygienic. Disposable or reusable gloves are a good idea. 

3. Locate the external access hatch – The toilet cassette is stored in a compartment on the outside of your campervan, behind a small, lockable panel. 

4. Unlock and open the hatch – Use the key provided with your campervan hire to unlock and open the hatch. 

5. Carefully slide out the cassette – The cassette has a handle and, in some models, wheels to make carrying easier. Keep it level to avoid spills. 

6. Remove the spout cap and empty the contents – Position the cassette over the dump station opening, then slowly tilt it to pour out the waste. Press the air release button (if your cassette has one) to help it empty smoothly. 

7. Rinse the cassette – Use the dump station’s rinse hose to flush out the tank. Swirl the water around before emptying it again. Repeat if needed. 

Once the cassette is empty and rinsed, it’s ready to be cleaned and prepped for reuse. 

Cleaning and preparing the cassette for reuse

Once emptied, the cassette needs to be cleaned and prepped for the next use. 

1. Rinse – Pour a small amount of clean water into the cassette and give it a final rinse before emptying again. 

2. Add toilet chemicals – Pour or drop in the recommended amount of toilet chemicals, following the instructions on the bottle or sachet. This helps break down waste and control odours. 

3. Close and secure the spout – Ensure the cap is tightly closed before reinstalling the cassette. 

Safely reinstalling the cassette

Once your cassette is emptied, cleaned, and prepared, it’s time to put it back in place. 

1. Slide the cassette back into the compartment – Make sure it’s positioned correctly and slots in smoothly. 

2. Check that it’s securely locked – You should feel or hear a click when it’s fully in place. 

3. Add toilet chemicals again if needed – If you haven’t already added the chemical, open the toilet inside the campervan and pour it directly into the bowl with a small amount of water. 

4. Close and lock the external hatch – Secure the hatch with the key to keep everything in place. 

Your campervan toilet is now ready to use again. 

Additional tips and best practices 

• Always wear gloves – This keeps things hygienic and makes cleanup easier. 

• Wash your hands afterward – Even if you wear gloves, it’s good practice to wash your hands or use hand sanitiser.