Hi 'Vanners.
Hope you don't mind a tenter popping in, and sticking his nose in where it wasn't actually invited, but I have a couple of questions which, depending on the replies, may help me "educate" a family member...
The first question is simple, and is merely to confirm my own guesswork... is the stuff (water/Fairy Liquid/bits of pasta etc) that travels through your kitchen sink drain the "Grey waste" I have heard mention of?
Secondly... and in relation to the "etiquette" mentioned in the title... where should this drain off to?
I'm guessing it should be into some sort of receptacle, then carried/wheeled to a grey waste disposal area, and, erm, disposed of? My caravanning niece is guessing along the same lines, and has apparently mentioned this "more than once" to her partner.
He, however, is happy to continue to allow this waste to drain straight from their sink, out the ar5e end of his 'van, and straight onto the pitch below, working on the premise that "We've always done this, and nobody has ever said anything before"!
He's not an ignoramus, and is more than happy to play by the rules on a golf course, as in life, but he appears to think this is not "against the rules", so plans to carry on. I, (and his missus) on the other hand, am guessing he's wrong?
Can we put him right, or shall I just let him get on with it?
Yes 'Grey' waste is the waste water that drains from the kitchen sink and the washroom wash basin which should be collected into an appropriate waste container on wheels. There are several on the market but the most popular ones are the 'Wastemaster' manufactured by F.L. Hitchman or the 'Hog Waste' which is manufactured by Pyramid. However, some sites will let you drain the waste water directly into a hedge providing you have a long enough waste pipe but that can vary on the rules of each campsite. On a rally field where only a fresh water tap and Chemical Disposal Point (CDP) are provided then the waste water is usually wheeled along in the waste container and emptied into the hedge unless a 'Grey' waste disposal point is provided.
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Erm, yes you are right. May be she could get him a grey waste container as an early Christmas present. I am surprised a neighbouring camper hasn't pointed out the error of his ways. If I was camped next door I wouldn't want to be paddling through his grey water, yuk!
I bet you wouldn't want to pitch your tent in the same spot when they go. Think of all the smell from rotting food particles trapped in the grass. Disgusting and inconsiderate.
If they have a dog do they leave the poo behind as well?
As for using the term "ignoramus", I apologise. Clearly the wrong term. I guess I should have said he isn't the sort to deliberately go upsetting his neighbours, but clearly, he is ignorant of the requirements on this score.
As the messenger, I'll be happy to pass on your comments, (which were as I suspected), and for which I for one am grateful.
Much appreciated.
limecc:
You're right, of course. The bit about not wanting to pitch my tent on it was one of the first phrases I used in attempting to back up my theory, when discussing it with him... and no, they don't have a dog.
I asked a fellow Vanner how big his container was, as I had never seen him empty it through a week, he said aslong as its there the liquid could flow out into the gravel leaving the heavy waste to be emptied before he left....
He doesn't have to spend a fortune Mucker, one of these and a bit of pipe from the caravan to it will do. If he has more than one outlet both pipes can go into one, or he can have two waste tanks if he wants to splash out.
You should go and empty your washing up bowl next to his door and see how he likes it
Quote: Originally posted by RTS5 on 28/7/2015
You should go and empty your washing up bowl next to his door and see how he likes it
I threatened him with that!!
I also said I might mix in a bit of damp cat litter too... just because I could!
I'm going to leave this until I see him on Saturday, then show him this thread... then it's up to him!
Hopefully, it will serve its purpose, and teach him the errors of his ways.
Quote: Originally posted by Kenny2105 on 28/7/2015
I asked a fellow Vanner how big his container was, as I had never seen him empty it through a week, he said aslong as its there the liquid could flow out into the gravel leaving the heavy waste to be emptied before he left....
Had to read that twice before I understood it. See what you mean now. Doesn't sound a great deal better to me?
I'm sure grains of rice/chunky chopped toms etc would still float enough to overflow along with the liquid. No... not impressed!
The more I think about this, the happier I am that I brought it up. I feel a lecture coming on, come Saturday evening!
We empty the "grey"water down the chemical toilet point, unless there is a specific place. In France you can use the motorhome "vide" or drainage area.
One thing you don't do, as a courtesy to the next occupant of the pitch, is let it out on to the ground
Tell him if he must let his grey water run free without a container, then he must also book onto a superpitch which has a designated drain for the purpose, he will just need a longer length of drain pipe.
On one of the CLs that we regularly visit, it seems to be acceptable for the grey waste to be piped from the caravan into the bottom of the hedgerow, the farmer actively encourages it by asking if you need to borrow a longer pipe, l think that its something to do with him having to pay for pump outs from his septic tank, which are quite expensive. It also helps keep the hedgerow lush and green, and full of wildlife, birds nests ect.
Julia
------------- Just love to be out amoungst Nature and Wildlife
Celebrating 37 years of Caravanning in 2019, Recently Considered Retiring, but Totally Addicted for Life!
It's why campsites provide waste water disposal facilities. You don't just leave grey water to drain onto the grass or hard standing, that is just plain lazy at best, and inconsiderate at worst. Use a bucket at the very least!
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Topic: Another etiquette question...
