What happens after the sink, and why it matters.

“I used to think the sink was the end of the story. Then I smelled the greywater tank on a hot day in July…”

You rinse the dishes. You wash your hands.
The soapy swirl disappears down the drain—and out of mind.

But in a campervan, there is no “away.” What goes down must go somewhere. That somewhere is your greywater tank—and how you handle it shapes your impact more than most realise.

So, what is greywater?
It’s all the used water from your sink and shower (if you have one), minus the toilet. It’s usually tainted with food residue, soap, and oils—not toxic, but not quite clean either.

Why does it matter?
Dumped irresponsibly, greywater can damage soil health, pollute waterways, attract pests, or spread bacteria. What feels harmless can, over time, degrade the very nature we travel to admire.

Let’s keep it simple:

Contain It
Use a sealed greywater tank or portable container. Even if it’s basic, containment prevents spills and discourages casual dumping “just this once.”

Clean Consciously
Choose biodegradable soaps, minimal chemicals, and low-foam products. What’s gentle on your hands should be gentle on the land.

Empty Responsibly
Only dispose of greywater at designated points—found at many campsites, service areas, or motorhome hubs. If truly off-grid, dig deep into local guidance. Some remote areas tolerate filtered, biodegradable-only waste over soil—but never near water or vegetation.

Stay Informed
Different regions have different laws. What’s fine in one district might harm a protected ecosystem in the next. When in doubt, seek out local signage or use resources like The Sustainable Stop to check regional guidance.

Greywater’s not glamorous. But it’s a mirror.
It reflects how well we understand the full arc of our actions—not just what we consume, but what we discard.

At The Sustainable Stop, we believe the water we carry is part of our footprint. And how we release it tells the story of the respect we hold for the land beneath our wheels.

Helpful resources:

• Wandering Bird’s guide to greywater disposal – practical UK-based tips for vanlifers
• Campwerk’s overview of greywater tank use and rules – great for beginners
• Centre for Alternative Technology on greywater reuse – thoughtful, low-impact approaches

For gear reviews, drainage hacks, and region-specific disposal tips, explore The Sustainable Stop—where cleaner travel begins at the sink.

What’s your greywater setup like?
Have you found any clever hacks, or made any mistakes you learned from?