With the updated 2024 legislation (as of August 2024) on self-contained motor vehicles in New Zealand, it's important to ensure your campervan or motorhome toilet complies with the updated requirements. This guide will walk you through the different types of toilets available for self-contained vehicles, helping you choose the best option for your needs while complying with the new laws.
Understanding the New Self-Containment Rules in New Zealand
As of September 2023, New Zealand's self-containment legislation has been updated to require fixed, permanently plumbed toilets for vehicles wanting to receive a self-containment certification. Portable toilets no longer meet the certification criteria, and all new certifications must comply with the new standards.
The key aspects of the updated rules include:
- Toilets must be accessible from within the vehicle at all times.
- Portable or chemical cassette toilets are no longer valid for new certifications.
- Waste must be contained in a fixed tank that can hold waste for at least three days of use.
Existing vehicles with a portable toilet that are already certified can continue using their current certification until it expires. However, for new or renewing certifications, the vehicle must comply with the fixed toilet requirement. This change is designed to minimise the environmental impact of waste disposal and improve public health and sanitation.
Note there was an amendment to the regulations in August 2024 mainly around venting requirements, which you can read more about here.
NOTE: The Dry Flush does not require venting since the waste compartment is fully sealed and contained.
Types of Campervan Toilets: Which is Right for You?
When choosing a self-contained toilet for your campervan, there are several options to consider. Each type of toilet offers different features, costs, and maintenance requirements.
Below, we explore seven common toilet types available for campervans, along with a breakdown of their costs and functionality in the New Zealand context.
| Toilet Type | Cost (NZD) | Waste Capacity (L) | Water Per Flush | Disposal | Odour | Self-containment | Day-to-Day Use |
| Portable Bucket Toilet | $20–$100 | 1–10 | None | Pouring waste into sewer | High | Not possible | Simple but not very pleasant and regular disposal (every use). |
| Chemical Cassette Toilet | $150–$600 | 15–20 | 0.5–1L | Pouring waste into sewer | Medium (chemicals needed) | Needs to permanently mounted and ventilation installed. No additional tanks needed. | Adding of chemicals and manual disposal of waste makes this option unpleasant and difficult for some. |
| Composting Toilet | $1,000–$2,500 | 30–60 uses (solid waste) | None | Waste removed and disposed of on private property or at a dump station. | Medium (ventilation needed) | Needs to permanently mounted and ventilation installed. No additional tanks needed. | As composting takes around 12 months to occur, it requires access to private location to compost waste or manual dumping of waste. |
| Dry Flush Toilet | $2,000–$2,800 | 15–17 flushes | None | Sealed waste bag can be stored or disposed in trash or landfill as needed (similar to nappies or dog-waste). | None (fully sealed and contained waste), no ventilation needed, good for confined spaces. | No ventilation, plumbing or tanks needed. Needs to be fixed in place using mounting bracket. | Cartridge required to be changed every 15-17 flushes. Sealed waste bag needs to be disposed in trash or landfill. (No Dump Station needed) |
| Incinerating Toilet | $3,000–$6,000 | N/A (IF incinerated) | None | Waste incinerated, ash disposed of. | Low (ventilation needed) | Propane or electric. Needs to be fixed in place and supply of electricity or propane installed. | Propane required to be managed and filled (or electrical supply). Regular maintenance. Minimal waste (ash) to dispose of when it operates correctly. |
| Vacuum Flush Toilet | $2,000–$4,000 | 20–30 | 1.9–3.8L | Waste vacuumed into a tank, tank emptied at a dump station. | Low (sealed tank and ventilation needed) | Requires vacuum pump and holding tank installed with ventilation. | Tanks required to be pumped or unloaded at the dump station. |
| Black Tank Toilet | $400–$2,000 | Varies by tank size | 3–6L | Tank pumped or emptied at a dump station | Low (sealed tank and ventilation needed) | Requires plumbing and black water holding tank installed with ventilation. | Tanks required to be pumped or unloaded at the dump station. |
Each of these toilets has its pros and cons, so let's dive deeper into some of the most popular options.
1. Portable Bucket Toilets
A budget-friendly solution, these toilets are simple and easy to use, but they don’t meet the self-containment requirements under New Zealand's new laws. They're best for occasional use or emergency situations rather than long-term, self-contained camping.
❌Not Self-contained Certified
❌Direct handling of waste
✅Budget friendly
2. Chemical Cassette Toilets
While chemical cassette toilets are still popular, they no longer qualify for new self-containment certification in New Zealand. They require chemicals to break down waste and offer a moderate level of convenience.
❌Ventilation Required
❌Direct handling of waste
✅Self-contained Certified
✅Budget friendly
3. Composting Toilets
These eco-friendly options separate liquid and solid waste, turning the solid waste into compost. They require ventilation but have low water use, making them ideal for off-grid setups. However, they tend to be on the more expensive side.
❌Ventilation Required
❌Direct handling of waste
✅Self-contained Certified
✅Environmentally friendly (if you have a composting location available)
4. Dry Flush Toilets
A standout option, dry flush toilets don't require water or chemicals, making them highly convenient for self-contained vehicles. Each use is sealed in a cartridge, and once the cartridge is full, it can be easily disposed of. While maintenance is higher due to the need for replacing cartridges, the lack of water and power use makes them an appealing, eco-friendly option. Plus, they don’t require permanent plumbing, offering flexibility for van conversions. The Dry Flush Toilet also operates on battery power, adding to its convenience for off-grid camping.
✅No direct handling of waste
✅Ventilation and tanks not required
✅Self-Contained Certified
❌More expensive
5. Incinerating Toilets
Incinerating toilets burn waste into ash using propane or electricity, making them generally low-fuss disposal and great for long-term camping. However, they come with a high upfront cost, upkeep of the toilet and require a significant power source.
✅No direct handling of waste
❌Ventilation or gas supply required
✅Self-contained Certified
❌More expensive
6. Vacuum Flush Toilets
Vacuum flush toilets use minimal water and require a vacuum pump, making them efficient but more complex to install and maintain. They're popular in larger motorhomes with more power capacity.
✅Less direct handling of waste (except during pumping of tanks - infrequent)
❌Ventilation and tanks required
✅Self-contained Certified
❌More expensive
7. Black Tank Toilets
These toilets are commonly found in large motorhomes. Waste is stored in a large holding tank, which must be regularly emptied at dump stations. While they offer a familiar, household-style experience, they come with higher maintenance requirements.
✅Less direct handling of waste (except during pumping of tanks - infrequent)
❌Ventilation and tanks required
✅Self-contained Certified
❌More expensive
Freedom Camping in New Zealand: What You Need to Know
Freedom camping in New Zealand remains a popular option for those wanting to explore the country’s stunning landscapes, but the new legislation places a greater emphasis on responsible waste disposal. To camp in designated freedom camping areas, you must now have a certified self-contained vehicle with a fixed toilet that meets the new requirements.
Vehicles must display their green (previously blue) "Certified Self-Contained" sticker to show they meet the standards. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines, so ensuring your campervan is up to date with its certification is critical.
Key Points to Consider for Freedom Camping:
- Ensure your toilet system complies with the fixed toilet requirement for certification.
- Choose a toilet option that suits your vehicle size and power supply, as well as your camping needs.
- Plan ahead by knowing where dump stations are located for proper waste disposal.
- Choose a system that considers the upfront setup costs, on-going use and maintenance, suits the vehicle type and available space, and accommodates all the people's comfort and experience levels you intend to have on board.
When could a Dry Flush Toilet be your best alternative?
The Dry Flush Toilet has many advantages for campervans in New Zealand, especially under the new self-containment laws. Here’s why:
- No Water or Chemicals Needed: The dry flush system means no need for water, making it perfect for off-grid adventures.
- No Tanks, Plumbing or Ventilation: as these units are fully contained and seal the waste, no tanks or ventilation is required to be setup for self-contained. Which can save setup and maintenance costs.
- Battery-Powered: Operates on battery power, so you don’t need to setup, run and rely on a constant power source.
- Hygiene (or no direct contact with waste): Because the unit fully seals waste and is disposed of within the bagging cartridge, users don't need to come in direct contact with waste. This helps with hygiene and also comfort levels for operators, which means more enjoyment and ability for all users to easily dispose of waste.
- Easy Maintenance: While cartridge replacement is required, there’s no need for frequent dumping at public facilities. No chemicals or water waste makes it a simple and hygienic choice, ideal for those conscious of handling waste or complex waste systems.
- Quick Setup: The unit comes setup and can also be ordered with amounting plate to permanently fix in place. Just connect the battery and you're ready to go.
- Waste Bags: Waste bags come in various size packs, with the more economical larger packs coming out at approximately $3/flush or $1/ per use when combined with pee powder.
The Dry Flush Toilet is the easiest and most convenient option on the market, a top contender for those looking to comply with New Zealand’s self-containment laws while enjoying a flexible and comfortable experience. As below it is endorsed and recommended for certified self-containment by NZ Lifestyle Camping Ltd.
By understanding the new self-containment rules and exploring your toilet options, you can make an informed decision that suits your campervan setup and adventure needs in New Zealand. If you have any questions give us a call or send us an email!
Email: info@dryflush.co.nz