Vanlife Tips - Waste and Environment

Living the vanlife is an incredible way to experience the world, but it comes with a responsibility to minimize your impact on the environment. Proper waste disposal and adherence to environmental best practices are crucial for sustainable travel.

Leave No Trace Principles

The cornerstone of environmentally conscious vanlife is following the seven "Leave No Trace" principles. These guidelines help to protect the outdoor spaces you enjoy.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Research the areas you plan to visit. Know the local regulations for camping, campfires, and waste disposal before you arrive. This includes understanding the availability of public dump stations for grey and black water.
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to established roads, trails, and campsites. Avoid driving or camping on vegetation or sensitive ecosystems. This minimizes erosion and damage to the natural landscape.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash, food scraps, and toilet paper. This is the most critical principle for vanlifers.
• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Use established fire rings where allowed. Keep fires small and use local, dead wood. Ensure fires are completely extinguished before leaving. In many areas, it is safer and required to use a small propane fire pit.
• Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed wildlife, and secure all food and trash to prevent attracting animals.
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors: Respect their privacy and the quality of their experience. Keep noise levels down and camp away from others.
• Leave What You Find: Preserve the past by leaving artifacts and natural objects as you find them. Do not build structures, dig trenches, or collect souvenirs.

Managing Waste in Your Van

Effective waste management involves minimizing what you bring in and properly dealing with what you generate.

Solid Waste (Trash)

All trash must be "packed out," meaning it is taken with you until you can dispose of it properly in a designated trash receptacle or recycling center.

• Reduce: Choose items with minimal packaging when shopping. Use reusable containers for food storage.
• Separate: Carry separate, clearly labeled bins for trash, recycling (glass, plastic, metal), and compostable materials.
• Contain Odor: Use airtight bags or containers for trash to prevent odors and discourage pests.

Water Waste (Grey and Black Water)

Grey water is water from sinks and showers. Black water is from the toilet. It is illegal and unethical to dump either onto the ground.

• Grey Water:
  • Use biodegradable soap and cleaning products to minimize environmental harm when using public dump stations.
  • Monitor your tank levels and plan your route to include regular stops at designated RV dump stations.
• Black Water:
  • This waste must be disposed of only at approved dump stations, which are often found at campgrounds, RV parks, and rest stops.
  • If using a cassette toilet, research locations that accept cassette waste, as not all dump stations are equipped for this type of disposal.

Human Waste (If no permanent toilet)

If your van does not have a black water system, proper disposal of human waste is essential.

Type of Waste	Method of Disposal	Location Considerations
Urine	Can be scattered away from water sources and campsites.	Avoid high-traffic areas and sensitive zones.
Feces (remote areas)	Must be buried in a 6- to 8-inch deep cat hole at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites.	Pack out all toilet paper, do not bury it.
Feces (non-remote areas)	Use public restrooms or a portable waste system that can be dumped at a proper station.	Never leave waste exposed on the ground.

Energy and Resource Conservation

Reducing your consumption of water and energy also contributes to a lower environmental footprint.

• Water Conservation:
  • Use a spray nozzle on your shower head to conserve water while rinsing.
  • Wash dishes using minimal water, scraping food off first, and using biodegradable soap.
• Energy Use:
  • Install solar panels to charge house batteries, making your energy consumption more sustainable.
  • Use energy-efficient appliances, such as LED lighting and low-power refrigeration.
  • Turn off lights and fans when not in use.