How to dispose of dishwater when camping: 4 tips to get rid of dirty dishwater safely in 2023

Summer is the perfect time for camping.

There’s nothing like spending a few days or even weeks communing with nature, sleeping under the stars, and cooking your food over an open flame.

However, one thing that can really put a damper on your camping trip is having to deal with dishwater.

We’ve compiled our best tips on how to dispose of dishwater when camping.

Ready to find out?

Read on…

How to dispose of dishwater when camping

There are many ways to dispose of dishwater when camping, but each method has its own set of pros and cons.

So, what do you do with dishwater when camping?

Here are four of the most popular methods:

1. Dumping your dishwater on the ground: This is the easiest way to dispose of dishwater, but it can also be the most harmful to the environment. If you choose to dump your dishwater on the ground, make sure to do so at least 100 feet away from any water sources.

2. Flushing your dishwater down the toilet: This is a more environmentally-friendly option than dumping your dishwater on the ground, but it can be more complicated and expensive. You’ll need to bring a portable toilet with you camping, and you’ll also need to purchase a special adapter that allows you to flush your dishwater down the toilet.

3. Using a dishwashing station: A dishwashing station is a great option if you have access to running water. All you need to do is set up the station near your campsite and use a bit of dish soap to wash your dishes. If you have access to a hose, you can rinse your dishes by using the hose as well.

4. Create a strainer using a plastic bag: To ensure that you create as little damage as possible to the environment, you can poke holes in the bottom of a plastic bag, add leaves and needles and pour your dirty dishwater through. This will filter out all the debris that you can dispose of at your nearest bin.

Other tips to consider when doing your dishes while camping

Use biodegradable soap: Some soaps will degrade quickly when exposed to the elements, but there are other options that can be just as effective. Look for soaps that are made of natural materials, like coconut oil, for best results. Our favorite is Campsuds, it’s a multi-purpose cleaner (you can wash basically anything with it, including yourself, without damaging your environment)

You may also want to bring a small shovel or trowel with you. This will help you dispose of any debris that comes through the strainer that you’ve created using a plastic bag if you don’t have access to a bin.

If possible, try to do your dishes away from where you’ll be cooking and dining so as not to create further environmental damage. For example, use a picnic table or other temporary surface to do your dishes on.

Disposing of dishwater when camping can seem like a daunting task, but by following these simple tips, you can make sure that you’re doing your part to protect the environment.

Is Castile soap biodegradable for camping?

Castile soap is a very popular choice when washing dishes while camping.

Castile soap has been used for centuries and is known for its cleansing properties.

It can be used to clean dishes, clothes, and your body.

But if you’re concerned about its environmental impact, read on to check whether it is okay to dump on the ground or elsewhere when camping.

Castile soap is a biodegradable soap that is made of vegetable oils. It is said to be environmentally friendly and safe for camping because it is easily broken down by nature.

However, there is limited research on whether Castile soap is truly biodegradable in nature.

One study found that there is a possibility that this soap contains sodium hydroxide, which can increase its pH.

This would then render it non-biodegradable and create more environmental problems instead of solving them.