Short answer
It is prohibited to discharge toilet waste from leisure boats in Swedish waters, according to Transportstyrelsen (the Swedish Transport Agency). If you have a fixed marine toilet, a holding tank with a deck pump-out fitting is a common solution. It is emptied at a pump-out station in a harbour. Portable toilets are emptied at a shore-side reception facility. Find the nearest one on the map of pump-out stations.
What the boat needs
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Holding tank | Collects waste from a fixed flushing 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 suitable filter can reduce odour |
| Level gauge | Handy option that shows when it's time to pump out |
Keep any overboard discharge valve closed. Sealing it is one way to prevent accidental discharge, not a general legal requirement.
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 tightly against the fitting, try a different adapter |
| Tank doesn't empty completely | Blocked vent | Stop the pump and check the vent hose |
| Odor in the boat | Saturated carbon filter or leaking hose | Replace the filter, check the hoses |
| Station out of order | Pump fault | Contact the marina and use the nearest other station |
Pump out often rather than rarely. Only use cleaning products suitable for your toilet system and the marina's reception facility. Rinse with a little clean water after pumping out.
When buying a used boat, it's worth checking how the toilet system is plumbed. Find out how waste is collected and where it can be discharged ashore. Fitting a deck pump-out to an existing tank is a common upgrade. A conversion is easiest when the boat is on land and the hoses and through-hulls are accessible.
More on waste
Harbours must accept waste from the boats that use them. Read our full guide on toilet waste in leisure boats, and see the rules for guest harbours.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the nearest pump-out station?
See the map at /marinor/sugtomning/ 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. A portable toilet collects waste in its own container. A fixed flush toilet needs a holding solution so it can be used without discharge. The ban applies to discharge, not a general requirement for every boat to install a holding tank.
Sources
- Avfall från fritidsbåtar, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Mottagning av avfall i hamn, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se
- Symbol för sugtömning, Transportstyrelsen transportstyrelsen.se