Short answer
It is prohibited to discharge toilet waste from leisure boats in Swedish waters. If you have a fixed marine toilet, you need a holding tank with a deck pump-out fitting. It is emptied at a pump-out station in a harbour. A portable toilet is emptied at a reception facility on land. Find the nearest station on the map of pump-out stations.
What the boat needs
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Holding tank | Collects waste from a fixed marine toilet |
| Deck pump-out fitting with cap | Where the station's hose connects. The cap is often marked WASTE |
| Vent hose | Lets air in during pump-out. A carbon filter reduces odour |
| Level gauge | Shows when it's time to empty. Useful but not required |
If the tank has a discharge valve, it must be closed. Many people seal it so no one opens it by mistake. The law does not require a seal.
How to empty it
- Moor at the station and unscrew the deck fitting cap with the deck key.
- Connect the nozzle tightly to the fitting and start the pump as shown on the sign.
- Pump out until the hose runs empty, then flush some clean water through the toilet and pump out again.
- Switch off the pump, replace the cap and rinse the nozzle if there's a rinse facility.
Many stations are free. Some charge a fee or require a marina card.
Portable toilet
A portable toilet is emptied at the dedicated toilet waste disposal stations many harbours have, or in an ordinary toilet ashore. Never empty the contents into the water.
Pump-out problems
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No suction | Leak at the nozzle | Press the nozzle firmly against the fitting, try another adapter |
| Tank won't empty fully | Blocked vent | Stop the pump and clear the vent hose |
| Smell in the boat | Saturated carbon filter or leaking hose | Replace the filter and find the leak |
| Station out of order | Pump fault | Tell the marina and go to the nearest other station |
Empty often rather than rarely. Only use cleaning products that suit your toilet and the marina's facility. Flush with a little clean water after pumping out.
If you're buying a used boat, look at how the toilet is plumbed and whether the tank can be pumped out from deck. Adding a deck pump-out to an existing tank is a common upgrade. It's easiest with the boat ashore, when you can get at the hoses and through-hulls.
What the harbour must accept
Harbours must accept waste from the boats that use them. Read more in the guide on toilet waste from leisure boats, and see what applies in guest harbours.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the nearest pump-out station?
Use the map of pump-out stations under Marinas, or look for Transportstyrelsen's pump-out symbol in the harbour.
Can I empty the toilet at sea far offshore?
No. The ban applies to leisure boats throughout Swedish territorial waters, even far from land.
Does pump-out cost anything?
Many stations are free. Some marinas charge a fee or require a card or code.
What do I do with a portable toilet?
Empty it at the harbour's dedicated toilet waste station or in an ordinary toilet ashore. It must never be emptied into the sea.
Do all boats need a holding tank?
No. The law bans the discharge. A portable toilet collects the waste in its own container. If you have a fixed flushing toilet, you need a holding tank to use it without discharging anything.
Sources
- Avfall från fritidsbåtar, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Mottagning av avfall i hamn, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Symbol för sugtömning, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se