“I have heard on Facebook that composting toilets are being banned.”

“I have heard on Facebook that composting toilets are being banned.”

If you’ve spent any time in camping or caravanning Facebook groups lately, you’ve probably seen posts claiming that “composting toilets are being banned everywhere.”

It’s a worrying thought, but also not true.

Let’s look at the facts, the context, and why composting toilets remain one of the most environmentally responsible waste systems for travellers in Australia.

 🏕️ Only a handful of campgrounds stipulate a chemical toilet

 Across the thousands of campgrounds and free camps across Australia, about half a dozen locations we can find explicitly say you must have a chemical toilet or that your toilet must be able to be emptied into a dump point.

These are mostly high-traffic or environmentally sensitive beach camping areas, such as:

• Teewah Beach and Inskip Peninsula (QLD) — toilets must have a sealed waste holding tank suitable for emptying into a dump point.
• Some coastal recreation areas in WA (e.g., Nyinggulu/Ningaloo) — require “self-contained toilets that can be emptied into a dump point.”
• 1 Local council in WA says no composting toilets, along with about 15 other rules, including no wine!
• Mt Barnett Station has banned the Joolca GottaGo.

That’s it.

Out of thousands of designated campgrounds and free camps, only a tiny fraction have this specific wording. Some of those places even say that sealed unit composting toilets are acceptable too. 

There are also camp grounds that explicitly say that composting toilets are welcome or required. 

• Goulet Bluff Campground - Shark Bay, WA
  • "You must bring and use a sealed-unit flushing chemical toilet or a sealed-unit composting toilet. Portable toilets that collect waste in a bag are not permitted. Burying toilet waste is not permitted"

• Brockman Campground – Wellington National Park, WA
  • " Bringing your own sealed-unit flushing chemical toilet or sealed-unit composting toilet is recommended."

• Olive Hill Farm RV Campground – Margaret River, WA
  • "ALL GUESTS MUST BE SELF CONTAINED, BRINGING YOUR OWN CHEMICAL OR COMPOSTING TOILET.  If outside of your van, you will also need to set up a shower tent/privacy cubicle:)"

So, while it makes sense to check the rules before you go, it’s simply not true that composting toilets are being banned “all over the country.”

🌿 Composting toilets can still use dump points

There’s also confusion about what “dump-point compatible” means. Composting toilets like Cuddy™ can absolutely use dump points, for liquids.

• Liquids can be emptied into dump points or regular toilets.
• Solids are dry, and can be carried out until they can be emptied appropriately, please see our waste disposal guide here

Because composting toilets last so long between emptying, there’s rarely a need to dispose of waste in sensitive areas. That’s part of what makes them so low-impact and travel-friendly.

💩 Not all “Composting” toilets are created equal

Another reason for confusion is that people are lumping together true composting toilets with simple separation or bagging toilets.

A true composting toilet, like Cuddy™ is a sealed, dry system that separates liquids and solids and allows solids to begin safe decomposition.

A manual bagging toilet is basically a bucket with a liner, and unfortunately, some users dump or bury these bags inappropriately instead of carrying them out. When that happens, it gives all non-chemical toilets a bad name, even though responsible true composting users are doing exactly the right thing.

🚫 Chemical toilets aren’t perfect either

It’s also worth remembering that not everyone with a chemical toilet does the right thing.

There are countless reports of people emptying chemical waste on the ground, in long-drops, beside the road or near campgrounds, all of which is highly polluting and damaging. 

The problem isn’t the toilet type, it’s how it’s used. Whether it’s chemical, composting, or bagging, the message is the same:

👉 Be responsible with your waste and Leave No Trace!

🌏 Responsible travellers aren’t the problem

The vast majority of owners of true composting toilets are among the most responsible travellers on the road. They care about the environment, avoid chemicals, and take their waste management seriously.

Unfortunately, there are always a few travellers who don’t do the right thing, regardless of the rules, the toilet system they use, or simple common sense. Thankfully, they’re the exception, not the rule, and most people take pride in leaving no trace and respecting the places we all love to visit.

📊 Putting it in perspective

Australia has thousands of places to camp; national parks, state forests, station stays, Showgrounds, caravan parks, and free camps. Out of all of those, we can find maybe six that require a chemical toilet.

Yes, there might be a few more we couldn't find, though in context it is miniscule. 

💬 Don’t believe the hype, do your research

Social media can amplify rumours quickly, but it’s worth checking the actual park websites or official brochures before jumping to conclusions.

When you do, you’ll find that composting toilets are accepted across Australia, and for good reason; they’re clean, low-odour, long-lasting, and incredibly sustainable.

✅ The Bottom Line

Composting toilets are not being banned across Australia. A handful of busy or coastal sites have specific rules, but the vast majority of campgrounds welcome them.

Responsible, true composting toilet owners are setting the standard for sustainable travel.