A dry vault toilet is a non-flush system that stores waste in a sealed underground holding tank (the “vault”). There’s no water carriage and no soil infiltration field. When the tank reaches a set level, a licensed contractor pumps it out and transports the waste to an approved treatment facility. For remote NZ sites—trailheads, coastal reserves, small settlements, temporary camps—dry vaults provide reliable sanitation without reticulation or septic fields.

How a dry vault system works

• Toilet pan (no flush): Waste drops directly into the vault below the cubicle.
• Sealed holding tank: Plastic or concrete tank sized to expected use; watertight to prevent leakage into soils/groundwater.
• Ventilation: A vertical vent stack (and, if specified, low-energy fans) draws odour up and out; insect screens prevent entry.
• Pump-out point: Lockable, vacuum-truck access with hardstand/turning for safe servicing.
• Controls & alarms (recommended): High-level alarm, hour/visit counter, and clear service signage for operations teams.

Dry vault vs septic vs composting

• Dry vault (holding tank): No water; all waste removed off site. Suits sensitive catchments, rocky or high-water-table soils, and places where discharge consents are impractical.
• Septic tank: Requires water, ongoing soakage/disposal fields, and suitable soils. Better for serviced or semi-serviced sites.
• Composting toilet: No water; waste managed on site by aerobic decomposition with bulking agents and periodic removal of end-product. Good for very remote or eco sites with active management.

Where dry vault toilets make sense in NZ

• National park and conservation gateways (limited services, high environmental sensitivity).
• Coastal carparks and boat-ramp reserves (salt air, shallow groundwater).
• Cycle-trail trailheads and remote picnic areas (high peak loads, limited access).
• Events, construction compounds, or seasonal sites (predictable pump-out logistics).

Compliance and good practice (NZ context)

• NZ Building Code G1 (Personal hygiene) and G13 (Foul water) performance requirements apply to sanitary fixtures and foul-water management.
• Accessible layouts should follow NZS 4121:2001; ambulant cubicles are commonly detailed to AS 1428.1:2021 by agreement with the BCA.
• Odour and ventilation: Provide a dedicated vent stack sized for the tank and climate; consider solar or low-watt fans.
• Servicing access & safety: Design for vacuum-truck approach, bollard protection, non-slip hardstand, and lockable covers.
• Operations plan: Document pump-out triggers (e.g., % full or counter), alarm response, and spill contingency.
• Environmental protection: Specify watertight tanks, backflow protection to basins, and a robust cleaning regime.

Local councils and DOC sites may also require environmental management plans and evidence of licensed waste contractors for pump-out.

Do dry vault toilets smell?

A correctly designed and maintained system shouldn’t. Reliable ventilation, sealed lids and penetrations, insect screening, and timely pump-outs control odour. Most smell complaints trace back to failed fans, blocked vents, or overdue servicing—solve the cause and the odour disappears.

How often is pump-out required?

That depends on tank volume, daily visits, and seasonality. A rough planning approach is:

• Estimate peak-season visits and average waste volume per visit.
• Size the tank for your service interval (e.g., fortnightly in summer, monthly in winter).
• Add a high-level alarm and usage counter to validate real-world patterns and avoid overflows.

Buildings that pair well with dry vaults

LooCube™ modules are ideal over vaults: strong, low-maintenance buildings with wipe-clean interiors, vandal-resistant fittings, and CPTED-aligned layouts (clear sightlines, even lighting). For accessibility, add FRP ramps with non-slip, drain-through grating. Where power isn’t available, specify solar for lights and ventilation fans.

Why choose a dry vault with LooCube™

• Off-grid ready: No water, no leach field, minimal ground disturbance.
• Consent-friendly: Clear separation of waste from soils/groundwater.
• Predictable OPEX: Planned pump-outs; fewer unknowns than soil-based disposal.
• Modular delivery: Fast installation; easy to expand with extra cubicles or a storeroom.

Considering a dry vault solution for a sensitive or remote site?

We’ll configure an NZ-ready LooCube™ package with the right tank, ventilation, alarms, access, and compliance documentation. Contact WCTNZ® for design and pricing.