If you're here, it's probably because, like me, you value a clean and tidy campsite. Over the years, I've found that managing waste during camping can be a bit of a hassle, and that's why I'm here to share my experiences and recommendations on the best camping and campervan bins available.
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For all types of camping trips, there's a range of options available. Whether you're solo or with family, whether you prefer a small and compact bin for your caravan or a larger, more robust bin for your campsite, there’s a suitable waste solution out there for everyone.
The beauty of these camping and caravan bins lies in their ease of use, saving you both time and effort. Not only do camping bins contribute to a cleaner campsite, but sturdy lids keep animals away at night. The Grizzly Sack Holder has been a real benefit in my personal experience, making the task of waste management much less daunting.
Folding 120L Grizzly Sack Holder
The ultimate solution to waste management on your camping trips. This versatile collapsible bin is designed to meet the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts and campers.
With three adjustable heights (87cm, 67cm, and 47cm), it caters to your convenience, whether outside your tent or in a caravan.
The Grizzly Sack Holder's foldable feature allows it to pack down small, making it lightweight and effortless to transport. But don't let its portability fool you; once set up and mounted to the ground with pegs provided, it provides a robust and reliable waste solution, even in harsh outdoor environments.
Pros
Compact Folding Design: The ability to pack it down to a compact size makes it highly portable and ideal for transporting.
Adjustable Heights: A standout feature is its adjustability with three different heights, catering to different needs and spaces.
Holds Large Capacities: Accommodating heavy-duty bin liners and handling large volumes makes it a reliable option for bigger groups or extended camping durations.
Cons
Not the Sturdiest: I noticed that the plastic structure is not very robust, especially when dealing with heavier items like bottles. It has a tendency to tip over or get knocked off by the wind so be sure to use the pegs provided.
Difficulty in Removing Full Bags: When the sack holder gets too full, it might become difficult to remove the bag. This might require a bit of caution to avoid any potential spillage or tearing.
Camping & Campervan Waste Management Tips
Camping in the UK is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors. However, proper waste management and disposal during your trips are crucial in order to preserve the beauty and health of these natural areas. Here's what you should do with your waste when camping:
Bring your own bins
As mentioned before, collapsible bins for camping and caravan bins 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 like 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 Dartmoore, you might need to dig a small hole at least 30 metres 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 and undergrowth. For more information on campervan waste disposal, you can visit the CAMPA website.
Check out my buyer's guides on portable camping toilets for easy waste management on your next camping trip.
Hazardous Waste
Dispose of hazardous waste like 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 centre 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!
Camping Rubbish Bin Ideas
One of my top picks is the collapsible bin for camping. This has proven to be an absolute game-changer due to its portability and lightweight design. The fact that it can be compactly folded makes it a convenient choice for any outdoor adventure, from a weekend campsite trip to a long-term caravan holiday.
Pop-Up Collapsible Camping Bin
Experience hassle-free recycling on the move with Coghlan's Pop-Up Rubbish Bin. Perfectly designed for campgrounds, cabins, and RVs, this bin is crafted from heavy-duty, tear-resistant polyethene, ensuring durability and longevity:
Pros
Space-Saving Design: This pop-up trash can is hailed for its compact and foldable design. It flattens down for transportation, making it extremely convenient for camping trips.
Secure Closure: It features a zip to secure the contents, which can help keep flies and animals out. This could be particularly beneficial in outdoor camping environments.
Sturdy Structure: Despite its lightweight and flexible design, I found this collapsible bin sturdy enough to keep its shape, contributing to its overall utility.
Cons
Limited Colour Options: The pup-up trash can comes in a drab green which may not appeal to everyone. More colour options would enhance its appeal.
No Bag Tiedown: As there is no dedicated bag tie-down, You can be creative and clip the bags to the top to stop them from falling in.
With an approximate volume of 53L, it provides ample space for a week's worth of rubbish, fitting a standard black bin bag neatly over its edges. The bin features a zippered lid, which is designed to keep the contents securely inside while keeping unwanted pests out.
An added convenience is the handy bin bag storage pocket on the lid, making waste management easier than ever. Despite its sturdy structure that keeps its shape, this rubbish bin folds down flat, making it easy to transport.
Campervan & Caravan Bins: My Top 3
If you’re a caravanning enthusiast, like myself, you understand the importance of space-saving. That’s where specialised bins for caravans come in. These bins are designed to fit perfectly in your caravan, handling your waste while taking up minimal space. They are simple to use, efficient, and help keep the inside of your caravan tidy, making your journey a lot more pleasant.
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.
Are you tired of having a cluttered campsite or caravan with nowhere convenient to put your rubbish? Look no further! The Xtremeauto Hanging Caravan Door Bin is an efficient solution for your waste disposal needs, designed specifically with campers in mind.
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.
Looking for a camping companion that'll help keep your space tidy? Why not consider the Hafele 10 Litre Swing Out Bin. With its convenient size, easy installation, and efficient design, it's a perfect fit for any caravan or motorhome. But don't just take our word for it - try it out for yourself.
How do I clean my camping bin?
Here are some steps you can follow 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.
Abby Humphreys
Editor & owner @ www.smallcampsites.co.uk
Abby loves to travel and hike in nature. She promotes wellness, and shares her adventures on her blog. Abby is an open water swimmer, snowboarder, kayaker, hiker, and a meditator who loves the outdoors.
