Not every campsite has proper waste facilities, and if you've ever camped without a decent bin setup, you'll know how quickly things get messy.
Over the years, I've used everything from simple bags to collapsible camping bins and caravan bins. The right option depends on how you camp, whether that's a tent, campervan, or caravan.
Jump to:
Camping Bins for Tents & Campsites
Camping bins are a practical choice for tents, family camping trips, and general campsite use, helping keep rubbish contained and your setup more organised.
Folding Camping Bin with Bag Holder (Grizzly Sack Holder)
This style of folding bin is designed to hold a standard bin bag in place, keeping everything contained and off the ground. It's a good option for longer stays or group camping where you need a bit more capacity.
Pros
Folds flat: Easy to pack and transport
Large capacity: Works well with standard bin liners
Adjustable height: Useful for different setups
Keeps waste off the ground: Helps keep your pitch tidy
Cons
Not the most stable in wind: Needs pegging down
Can be awkward when full: Removing bags takes a bit of care
This type of bin works best on longer camping trips or when you're staying in one place for a few days. It's much easier than dealing with loose bags, and the foldable design means it doesn't take up much space when packed away.
If you're planning a tent-based trip, you can also browse our tent campsites across the UKto find pitches that suit your setup.
Pop-Up Collapsible Camping Bin
This pop-up bin is a simple, lightweight option that works well for general campsite use.
Pros
Space-saving design: Folds / collapses down flat for easy transport
Secure zipped lid: Helps keep smells in and pests out
Lightweight but holds shape: Stands up well once opened
Cons
Limited colour choice: Only available in green
No bag fixing: Bags can slip without clips
With an around 53L capacity, it's a good size for general camping and easily fits a standard bin bag. The zipped lid helps keep contents contained and pests out.
Folding Camping Bin (Brunner Splitter)
This folding camping bin is a great middle ground between a soft collapsible bin and a fixed caravan bin. It folds down flat for storage but opens into a solid 30L bin with a lid, making it ideal for keeping your campsite or campervan tidy.
Unlike softer pop-up bins, this has a more rigid structure, so it holds its shape well and feels more like a proper bin when in use.
Pros
Folding design: Packs down flat for easy storage
Solid structure: More stable than soft collapsible bins
30L capacity: Good size for short trips or campervan use
Lid helps contain waste: Keeps smells in and pests out
Easy to clean: Wipes down quickly after use
Cons
Folding hinges need care: Not ideal for rough handling in transit
Can tear bags when overfilled: Best not to overpack
Campervan & Caravan Bins: My Top 3
If you've spent any time in a caravan or campervan, you'll know how important it is to save space. These bins are designed to fit neatly inside cupboards or doors, keeping waste contained without getting in the way.
Cupboard Door-Mounted Bin
These are bins that can be easily attached to the inside of a cupboard door. When you open the cupboard, you have easy access to the bin, but when the cupboard is closed, the bin is out of sight.
Pros
Easy Installation: This caravan bin is praised for being simple to install, which can save you time and hassle.
Robust Construction: I noticed that the BRUNNER XL Compact Caravan Bin feels sturdy and durable, suggesting it can withstand the rigours of mobile living.
Versatile Mounting Options: This product offers flexibility in where it can be placed, with customers successfully attaching it to doors and inside cupboards in their motorhomes or caravans.
Cons
Size Discrepancies: There seem to be conflicting views about the size of this bin, with some users finding it smaller than expected, I would say it's a medium-sized bin capable of holding average waste.
Plastic Mounts: One downside is the bin's plastic hooks, which seem a bit flimsy and prone to breaking if the bin was accidentally knocked off.
Overall, the BRUNNER XL Compact Door-Mounted Caravan Bin offers a practical waste disposal solution for caravans and motorhomes. Its easy installation, ample capacity, and versatile mounting options are definite positives. However, addressing some of the design concerns, like providing robust mounting hardware and clear product dimensions, could further enhance its appeal to campers.
Hanging Campervan Bin
Consider a hanging bin that can be attached to the inside of a cupboard door or on the back of a seat. These bins take up minimal floor space and are easily accessible.
This is a simple, space-saving door bin that works well inside caravans and campervans.
Pros
Perfect Fit: The Xtremeauto Caravan Door Bin is highly appreciated for its perfect size, making it an excellent fit for motorhomes and caravans.
Good Quality and Price: The product has garnered compliments for being of good quality while still being reasonably priced. This balance gives it excellent value for money.
Ease of Installation: Customers found it easy to install, which is a crucial benefit when dealing with the space and tool constraints of a caravan or motorhome.
Cons
Lid Catching Issue: Sometimes I found the bin's opening and closing mechanism problematic, with the lid often catching and staying open, a potential annoyance in a small space.
In summary, the Xtremeauto Caravan Door Bin has some commendable advantages like perfect size, space efficiency, reasonable price, and easy installation.
Swing-out Bin for Caravan
Small pedal bins, similar to those used in bathrooms, can be a good option for caravans. They can be stowed away in a corner, are hygienic as they can be opened hands-free, and their lids prevent unpleasant odours from spreading.
Pros
Better Quality: I noticed that the bin's quality is superior to similar products on the market, including a smoother lid operation and more robust materials used in its construction.
Efficient Design: Despite its simplicity, the bin's design is effective, it's more reliable than more complex models. The swing-out mechanism is a handy feature for campers looking to maximise space.
Left or Right Door Compatibility: This bin can be installed on either left or right-hand doors, providing flexibility for a range of caravan or motorhome layouts.
Cons
Awkward Bin Removal: If installed inside cupboards, the inner bucket of the bin can be challenging to remove, which can make changing the bag a bit of a hassle.
Assembly Difficulties: Despite being simple to install for some, others found the assembly process awkward.
This type of bin is a practical option for keeping waste contained in smaller spaces.
Camping & Campervan Waste Management Tips
Once you've got the right bin setup, it's just as important to dispose of waste properly. For more detailed advice, see the official government guidance on waste disposal.
Bring your own bins
As mentioned, collapsible bins for camping and caravanning are invaluable. They're easy to transport, lightweight, and make waste collection a breeze.
Adopt the Leave No Trace principle
Anything you bring to a campsite, including waste, should be taken away with you when you leave. This ensures that these natural areas remain clean and undisturbed for the next visitors and the local wildlife.
Recycle
If possible, separate your recyclables from non-recyclables. Many campsites have recycling facilities, but if not, take them home and recycle them there.
Compostable Waste
If you have compostable waste, such as fruit peels or vegetable scraps, consider bringing a small compostable waste bag. Avoid leaving these in the wild as they can attract animals and disrupt the local ecosystem.
Dispose of Toilet Waste Properly
Some campsites have toilet facilities, but if you're wild camping in Scotland or Dartmoor, you might need to dig a small hole at least 30 meters from water sources and bury human waste. Read the government guidelines on disposing of toilet waste from a portable sanitary for more information
Alternatively, use biodegradable toilet paper or, if possible, take used toilet paper away with you in a sealed bag.
Chemicals for toilet waste should never be disposed of anywhere other than a designated place at the campsite, motorhome service point, or your own sewage system at home. Never dispose of toilet waste into nearby streams, rivers, lakes, or undergrowth. For more information on campervan waste disposal, you can visit the CAMPA website.
Check out my guide to portable camping toilets for managing waste on longer trips.
Hazardous Waste
Dispose of hazardous waste, such as batteries or camping gas canisters, responsibly. These should not be left on the campsite or placed in regular bins. Instead, take them to a local recycling center that can handle hazardous materials.
The Government guidelines here explain how to dispose of hazardous waste.
Different areas of the UK may have specific laws or regulations regarding the disposal of rubbish on campsites. It is important to familiarise yourself with these laws and follow them to avoid any fines or penalties.
Remember, the goal is to minimise your impact on the environment and leave your camping site just as you found it, or even cleaner!
How do I clean my camping bin?
To keep your camping or campervan bin clean:
- Empty the bin of all its contents.
- Wipe down the inside and outside of the bin with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any dirt or debris.
- If the bin is particularly dirty or has been storing wet or smelly items, you may want to use a mild detergent to help remove any lingering odours or stains. Simply mix a small amount of detergent with warm water and use it to scrub the inside and outside of the bin.
- Rinse the bin with clean water to remove any soap or cleaning solution.
- Dry the bin thoroughly. If the bin is made of a material that can't be left wet, such as canvas, you may want to stuff it with newspaper or a towel to help absorb any remaining moisture.
- Once the bin is dry, you can replace the contents and store them in a dry, ventilated area.
Colin Noble
Editor & Founder @ www.smallcampsites.co.uk
Colin (or Colly) is a UK camper and the founder of Small Campsites. He reviews camping gear and small campsites based on real tent and campervan trips across the UK.
