Eco-friendly septic system treatments for 16' Sport

[Texasglamper]

We purchased a 16' Sport last weekend (still waiting to take delivery pending hitch issues) and the dealer recommended Rid-X for the grey/black water tank. After reading more about Rid-X, that is not for us. I need an environmentally friendly, totally non-toxic alternative. At home we only clean with water, vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, etc. In other words, if a human or a pet cannot ingest it (in limited quantities) or inhale it, then I don't use it. I don't want my dogs inhaling any potentially toxic fumes. Any suggestions for eco, animal and human friendly alternatives? One article mentioned yeast, but that seemed to take a while to activate, and we will only be using the trailer sporadically during the year. Thanks for any advice!

Also, what are the recycling capabilities of most campgrounds? Do I need to plan on bringing my recyclable items home?

[CRH]

All you need is water for your tanks.

[Hans627]

Regarding recycling...it all depends on where you are camping. Some have recycling but many do not. We plan on bringing recyclables home with us and plan accordingly.

[xrvr]

There are dozens of enviro friendly products available anywhere camp supplies are sold. We used a liguid with a scent we could stand.

[mimiandrews]

I use an orange oil based powder that comes in small packets. You can get it at Walmart (RV sub-section of the automotive department).

[Iansk]

I like Unique Digest It.
Works really well and claims to be all natural.

We clean the same/similar way at home.

Ian

[Minno]

Look up "Geo method" for your tanks.
Clean out and rinse your tanks well between trips.
Most campgrounds now have recycling areas, we bring ours home if they don't.

Kay

[KJRitchie]

We use Happy Camper a powdered treatment. Purchased from Amazon.

[Nightmare67]

I’ve been using Tank tech Rx for several years now. It basically live enzymes.
I have an rv pad by my house with full hookups but we have a septic tank so I needed to find a tank treatment that wouldn’t mess up the septic system.

This stuf is perfect. Watch the videos on YouTube.

Good luck!

[JCWDCW]

You simply need to look for an enzyme based treatment. Usually comes as a packet in a 'plasticy' wrap )like gel dishwasher soap) that dissolves, or as a powder or flakes with a scoop. I have used all the smelly liquid stuff over the years, but I am always happy with the powder/flakes material. There is no typical RV smell which is usually formaldehyde or perfume. Plus you can adjust the amount based on number of people and hot weather to correct the treatment level.
JCW

[JohnTF]

Composting toilets !

[xrvr]

Originally Posted by JohnTF

Composting toilets !

Live and learn. Dispose of your pile of partially digested poop properly please.

[PKI]

You might consider the use of water for your system when traveling. Flush well when dumping. Add a few gallons after dumping. Use the non-formaldehyde treatments for waste and grey water tanks when storing the rig.

Good luck with your investigation. Pat

[tbashin]

Just water unless you are prevented from dumping for some time. (I'd make it a point not to let that happen.) Chemicals are useful after a few days or so without dumping. If you know you cant dump for a duration, add the chemicals before hand while the tank just has water. They work better that way IMO. Check the reviews on chemicals as well. Rid-X does work better than most we have tried. We use it in our septic at home too. I recommend checking the SDS sheets for the various products. You would be surprised how much more dangerous some of the "natural" cleaners you listed really are compared to some of the RV tank chemicals on the shelf at camping stores.

[Johnnyooo]

Your waste should not be in the tanks that long. Most likely you will use a dump station when you want to empty it, and the station takes care of the waste. .Ridx is for home septic tanks ..You just need something to keep it clean smelling....

[Asherstanton]

Check out “Happy Camper” treatment on Amazon. Works. See if it fits your lifestyle. I think it’s great.

[cazual6]

Short Answer: Happy Camper

[dznf0g]

Rid-x makes a liquid rv digester. It's not the home septic dry stuff. It works very well. All I will use now.

[Piggy Bank]

OK Here is my recommendation for you. See what you think.

1-you have a 16 so a combined gray/black tank, and only 1 waste tank in total. You will need to be mindful to not fill it too quickly no matter what you decide.

2-you are in Texas so I assume it will be warm most of the time you are camping.

3-you sound as though you are OK with a bit more work to have things the way you like them.

Would you consider a #1 only rule for your toilet? No paper, no #2. This means only #1, and hand washing and bathing water is in your waste tank. That should be OK on its own for 2-3 days unless it's terribly hot with no treatment products used. If it sounds like it may work for you, then here are the work-arounds.

A-use the campground bathroom for major events when possible.
B-line the toilet bowl with a toddler diaper or trash bag with shredded newspaper for major events, and then dispose in the dumpster This would be the same difference as throwing out a used baby diaper.

We have a larger trailer, but don't want the smell of chemicals, or the additional time at the dump station on Sunday mornings, and this is what we do. In 3 years we have only needed to use method B twice.

I do add a small amount of powdered enzyme (be sure its fragrance free) if we will be in the same place 3-4 days and really other than that we don't use any treatments.

We use Ecover dish soap, and natural products to shower and shampoo, and we take care to not put food scraps down the drain.

We always store our unit clean and dry.

[JohnTF]

Originally Posted by xrvr

Live and learn. Dispose of your pile of partially digested poop properly please.

What , you do not anything about composting toilets .
So you a comment that does not apply .