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Grey Water Disposal

Legal disposal of grey water (sink and shower drain water) outside developed dump stations. Rules vary widely by location.

Also called: grey water disposal, graywater disposal, wastewater disposal

Grey water disposal is the legal disposal of grey water (sink and shower drain water) outside of developed dump stations. Rules vary widely by location, and many renters get this wrong.

What grey water includes

  • Kitchen sink water (with food particles, soap)
  • Bathroom sink water (toothpaste, soap, hair)
  • Shower water (soap, body oils)
  • Dishwashing water

What it doesn’t include:

  • Black water (toilet contents) — never disposed outside dump stations
  • Bleach or harsh chemicals
  • Public BLM and USFS land: most states allow grey water disposal on the ground 200+ ft from water sources, away from designated campsites
  • Some forest service campgrounds: have ground-soak areas designed for grey water
  • Private property: with owner permission

Illegal in most developed areas

  • National park campgrounds: must use dump station only
  • Most state park campgrounds: must use dump station only
  • Most private RV parks: must use dump station only
  • Within 200 ft of any water source: never legal
  • City and county parks: usually prohibited

Responsible disposal techniques

For legal dispersed camping locations:

  1. Strain food particles first through a mesh strainer; pack out solids
  2. Use biodegradable, plant-safe soaps (Dr. Bronner’s, Campsuds)
  3. Disperse widely — don’t concentrate in one spot
  4. Stay 200+ ft from water sources (federal standard)
  5. Don’t drain near campsites — yours or others

The “drainage hose” method

Some renters use a long drainage hose to direct grey water to:

  • Ground absorbing area (where legal)
  • Roadside drainage (rarely legal)
  • Direct ground (when legal)

This is convenient but most rental contracts prohibit it. Verify with rental company before using.

What about urinating outside?

Different rules. In many backcountry areas, urination on durable surfaces is allowed. In developed campgrounds, use restrooms.

Greywater diversion to plants

In some legal dispersed camping locations, grey water can be diverted to nourish plants. Use only:

  • Biodegradable soaps
  • Non-toxic dishwashing liquids
  • Food-safe ingredients

This is the most ecologically responsible approach where legal.

Smell management

Grey water tanks that fill quickly cause odor. Solutions:

  • Add small amount of holding tank treatment to grey tank too
  • Don’t pour cooking grease down the sink (congeals in tank)
  • Drain at hookup sites (where you can keep grey valve open at hookup)
  • Dump frequently — don’t let grey tank sit full

Common rental mistakes

  • Draining grey water in private RV park: Even with hookups, most parks require closed valves except during dump
  • Draining in developed campground: Almost universally prohibited
  • Adding bleach to grey water: damages bio-enzymes in tank
  • Letting grey tank sit full overnight: causes odor and bacteria buildup

In rental walkthroughs

Ask:

  • What grey water disposal policy does the rental allow?
  • Where on my route are legal grey water disposal locations?
  • What chemicals are allowed/prohibited?

Most rental contracts default to “dump station only” for both grey and black. Verify with owner before relying on alternative disposal.