Using a dump point is straightforward once you have the right equipment. The basics do not take up much space and most of it is a one-off purchase. The goal is to be able to pull up at any dump point in Australia, empty efficiently, and leave the site clean - without improvising or making a mess.
What you need depends on whether you have a cassette toilet or a fixed black water tank. Both are covered below.
Cassette Toilet vs Black Water Tank
The type of toilet system in your caravan determines what equipment you need at a dump point.
Cassette toilet - the waste cassette is a self-contained removable unit, typically holding 15-20 litres. You remove it from the outside of the van, carry it to the dump point inlet, and pour the contents in directly. No hose is needed. Most cassette toilets use a rotating spout or nozzle on the cassette to control the pour.
Fixed black water tank - the tank is built into the van and empties via a drain valve and hose connection. You connect a flexible sewer hose from the tank outlet to the dump point inlet, open the valve, and let it drain. The hose stays in your kit and does not touch the inlet directly.
Some larger motorhomes and fifth wheelers have both systems, or have grey water tanks alongside the black water tank. Both can be emptied at the same dump point in the same visit.
The Essentials
These are the items you need regardless of your toilet system:
Disposable gloves. Nitrile gloves are the best option - they are more resistant to chemicals and punctures than latex, and less likely to cause reactions. Keep a full box in your rig. Put them on before you touch anything and dispose of them at the site bin or take them with you in a bag.
Hand sanitiser or soap. Wash your hands after removing your gloves - do not assume gloves alone are sufficient. A small bottle of hand sanitiser stored with your dump kit means you can clean up immediately rather than waiting until you reach a tap.
A dedicated rinse bottle or small spray bottle. Useful for rinsing around the inlet after you have emptied, particularly if there is no washout hose at the site. Fill it from your fresh water tank before you start. Keep it clearly labelled and separate from your drinking water equipment.
Waste bags. For used gloves and anything else that needs to go in a bin. Not all dump points have bins on site, so having a small bag means you can take rubbish with you rather than leaving it at the site.
Hoses and Fittings
If you have a cassette toilet, you do not need a dump hose - skip to the chemicals section below.
If you have a fixed black water tank, a dump hose is essential.
Dump hose. Also called a sewer hose or waste hose. These are flexible corrugated hoses designed specifically for black water. They typically come in 3 metre sections and can be joined with extension couplers. A single 3 metre section is enough for most setups. Buy a hose designed for grey and black water use - do not use a garden hose or fresh water hose for this purpose.
Hose adaptors and reducer fittings. Dump point inlets vary across Australia. Some are wide open, others have a narrower fitting or a specific connection type. Carrying a set of reducer fittings - available from caravan accessory stores - means you can connect to almost any inlet you encounter. This is particularly useful in remote areas where improvising is not an option.
Hose cap and plug. Caps for both ends of your dump hose keep waste residue contained during storage and prevent the hose from smelling up your storage compartment. Most hoses come with end caps - if yours did not, buy some separately.
Hose support or sewer hose stand. Optional but useful if your drain outlet is low and the inlet is at ground level. A curved support stand holds the hose off the ground, prevents kinking, and makes for a cleaner setup. Not essential, but experienced travellers often consider it worth carrying.
Chemicals
The right chemicals keep your toilet smelling acceptable, break down waste so it drains easily, and are safe for the dump point's sewer connection.
Cassette toilet fluid. Products like Thetford Aqua Kem Blue or equivalent are designed for the lower tank of a cassette toilet. They suppress odour, break down waste, and are safe for dump points. Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle - more is not better and wastes product.
Bowl cleaner or flush additive. Some cassette toilet users also add a small amount of rinse fluid to the upper flush tank to keep the bowl clean and lubricate the blade seal. Thetford Aqua Rinse or equivalent is designed for this purpose. Do not use regular household cleaning products in a cassette toilet.
Tank treatment for fixed tanks. Enzyme-based treatments are the most common choice for black water holding tanks. They introduce bacteria that break down waste and control odour without harsh chemicals. Most brands are safe for the sewer system that dump points connect to. Check the label to confirm sewer compatibility - avoid products designed only for septic systems.
A note on chemicals and the environment. When you empty at a dump point, the waste goes into the sewer system and is treated at a sewage treatment plant. Standard cassette and tank chemicals are designed for this. Grey water disposal rules vary by state and location - in areas where ground release is permitted, using biodegradable, phosphate-free soaps and cleaning products in your kitchen and shower reduces the environmental impact. See the guide to grey water and black water for the rules that apply where you are travelling.
Useful Extras
These are not strictly necessary but most experienced caravanners end up carrying them.
A dedicated bucket. Useful for pre-rinsing a cassette before carrying it to the inlet, catching drips during hose disconnection, or carrying rinse water to the inlet at sites without a washout hose. Keep it clearly marked as dump kit equipment and store it separately from your kitchen gear.
Paper towels or old cloths. For wiping down connections and the area around the inlet after rinsing. Do not put paper towels into the dump point - put them in your waste bag.
A small brush. A dedicated toilet brush for cleaning the cassette after emptying. Store it in a sealed bag or container.
Deodorant blocks or drops. Some travellers use hanging deodorant blocks or drop-in treatments between dump point visits to manage odour in the bowl or tank. These are optional and a matter of preference.
Storing Your Kit
How you store your dump kit matters. Everything that has contact with waste - hoses, caps, gloves, cloths, bucket - needs to be stored separately from your fresh water and kitchen equipment.
A dedicated storage bag or small plastic crate works well. Seal hose ends with their caps before storing. Let hoses dry before packing them away if possible, to prevent mould and odour buildup.
Label your dump kit container clearly. If multiple people use the van, everyone should know which items are dump kit and which are not.
Store chemicals upright and check caps are tight before travel - a spilled bottle of toilet fluid in your storage compartment is unpleasant to deal with.
Common Questions
How long does a cassette toilet last between empties?
It depends on the cassette size and how many people are using the toilet. A standard 17-20 litre cassette lasts two to four days for two people with moderate use. Keep an eye on the level indicator and do not overfill - a full cassette is heavy and awkward to carry.
Can I use my dump hose for grey water as well?
Technically yes, but most caravanners keep separate hoses for black water and grey water to avoid cross-contamination. Grey water hoses are typically lighter and more flexible. If you only have one hose, rinse it thoroughly after black water use before connecting to a grey water outlet.
My dump point has no washout hose - what do I do?
Use your rinse bottle or bucket to pour clean water into the inlet after emptying. This rinses the immediate area and your cassette or hose. It is not as thorough as a site washout hose, but it is sufficient. Always carry some rinse water with you for exactly this situation.
Where can I buy dump kit equipment in Australia?
Caravan accessory stores, large camping retailers, and online stores all stock dump kits and components. Brands like Thetford, Camec, and Dometic are widely available. Service stations and some hardware stores in regional areas sometimes carry basic supplies if you are caught short on the road.
Last reviewed April 2026.