By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, we join Sean and Kristy of the Long Long Honeymoon for a campfire discussion of dealing with trash while RVing.
Certainly, most problems related to disposing of trash while RVing are going to affect boondockers. Otherwise, you can use receptacles at the RV park or campground where you are staying.
But boondockers will need to come up with other plans, or else cart the trash home with them and dispose of it there.
Whatever you do, don’t be a rude and inconsiderate camper who leaves trash behind!
The couple have been noticing an uptick in the number of people who don’t bother to pick up their camping areas, even when dumpsters are available. They’ve also noticed more people burning trash in campfire rings. This is BAD camping etiquette as the fire rings are not made to be trash incinerators. Furthermore, it is not fair to the next campers to have to deal with the remnants of your trash. They have also noticed trash being left behind in bear boxes, too.
What to do with RV trash when there is no trash disposal around
Sean and Kristy bag it up and keep it in the bed of their truck until they can access a dumpster, usually at the next campground or dump station they come across. It is easier to dispose of smaller bags of trash than huge garbage bags. So if you make smaller trash packages, it’s easy to find places to dispose of them, such as:
• At stores such as Walmart, Target, or grocery stores
• At truck stops
• At gas stations
• At rest areas
Just drop a small bag here and there, where appropriate, and soon you will be RV trash-free without abusing the trash-dumping privileges at any of these spots.
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Many of those places prohibit disposing of household trash, regardless of the size of the bag. However, I do admit, there are times there are few other choices. Dumping it on the roadside is never an option.
Another option is searching online to find a ‘transfer station’ for whatever county you are in. Open to the public, although hours can be odd.