6 Best Eco-Friendly Toilet Paper For RVers That Lower Your Footprint
Sustainable TP options for life on the road.
The last thing anyone wants to deal with on a beautiful morning at camp is a clogged black tank. It’s a messy, frustrating, and entirely avoidable problem. The culprit is often something as simple as the toilet paper you’re using.
Choosing the right toilet paper for your RV isn’t just about preventing plumbing nightmares. It’s a conscious decision that directly impacts your water usage, your reliance on harsh chemicals, and your overall environmental footprint. For those of us who embrace small-living for its efficiency and connection to the outdoors, this small choice has big consequences.
This isn’t about finding one perfect roll. It’s about understanding the tradeoffs between how a paper performs in your tank, what it’s made of, and how it aligns with your travel style. Let’s break down the best options so you can keep your system running smoothly and your conscience clear.
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Why Your RV Black Tank Needs Eco-Friendly TP
Your RV’s black tank isn’t a miniature version of a home septic system. It’s a simple holding tank with no active digestive agents, meaning what goes in sits there until you dump it. Regular, plush household toilet paper is designed to hold together, which is the exact opposite of what you need in this closed environment.
When standard toilet paper fails to break down, it can create a dreaded "poop pyramid"—a solid mound of waste and paper that builds up directly under the toilet drain. This leads to false sensor readings, terrible odors, and a clog that can be incredibly difficult to dislodge. Eco-friendly and rapid-dissolving papers are designed to turn to mush quickly, preventing this buildup and ensuring a smooth, complete dump every time.
Ultimately, a healthy tank is a more sustainable tank. Paper that dissolves easily requires less water to flush and fewer harsh tank chemicals to break down solids. By choosing the right TP, you’re not just protecting your plumbing; you’re conserving water and minimizing the chemicals you introduce back into the environment at the dump station.
Scott Rapid-Dissolving: The RV Park Staple
If you walk into any RV supply store or campground shop, you’ll find Scott Rapid-Dissolving TP. It has become the default choice for a reason: it works exactly as advertised. This paper is engineered to break apart almost immediately upon contact with water, making it one of the safest bets for preventing clogs.
Let’s be direct—this is not a luxury toilet paper. It’s thin, functional, and prioritizes performance over comfort. For many RVers, especially those new to the lifestyle or who only travel occasionally, this is a perfectly acceptable tradeoff for the peace of mind that comes with a clog-free black tank.
While it isn’t made from recycled or alternative fibers, its eco-friendliness comes from its efficiency. Because it dissolves so well, you use less water per flush and can often avoid aggressive tank treatments. It’s the practical, widely-available choice that keeps your system healthy, which is a core tenet of sustainable RVing.
Caboo Tree-Free Bamboo: Soft and Sustainable
For those who want to move away from tree-based products without sacrificing comfort, bamboo is the answer. Caboo Tree-Free Bamboo toilet paper is made from a fast-growing, renewable grass that requires no pesticides and less water than trees. It represents a significant step up in sustainability.
The great thing about Caboo is that it balances softness and strength with good dissolvability. It’s noticeably softer than many recycled options and holds up well during use, yet it still breaks down effectively in a black tank. This makes it an excellent choice for full-timers who want a more comfortable daily experience without compromising their system’s health.
The primary tradeoff is often cost and availability. Bamboo TP is a premium product and can be harder to find in smaller towns, often requiring you to buy in bulk online. However, for the dedicated eco-conscious RVer, the benefits of using a rapidly renewable resource are well worth the extra planning.
Who Gives A Crap: Recycled Paper That Gives Back
This brand is about more than just toilet paper; it’s a mission. Who Gives A Crap is made from 100% recycled paper fibers, diverting waste from landfills, and the company donates 50% of its profits to help build toilets and improve sanitation in developing countries. For many, this social impact is a powerful reason to choose their product.
In terms of performance, the recycled paper is septic-safe and breaks down well in an RV black tank. It’s a strong, reliable paper that feels substantial without being dangerously plush. Plus, it comes in bulk shipments with plastic-free packaging, which is a huge win for anyone trying to reduce their travel waste.
The main consideration is the purchasing model. You have to order online in large quantities, which is perfect for full-timers with storage space but might be impractical for a weekend warrior. It’s a fantastic option for those who can plan ahead and want their purchase to have a positive global impact.
Betterway Bamboo: A Strong, Lint-Free Choice
Betterway is another excellent bamboo-based option that carves out its niche by focusing on quality. It’s a 3-ply paper that feels strong and durable, yet it’s designed to be septic-safe and biodegradable. It’s a premium choice for the RVer who doesn’t want to compromise on feel or function.
One of its standout features is being virtually lint-free. While it may seem like a small detail, toilet paper lint can accumulate in a small, poorly ventilated RV bathroom, creating dust. For those with sensitivities or who simply value a cleaner space, this is a significant benefit.
Like other bamboo products, Betterway is at a higher price point and comes in plastic-free, bulk packaging. It’s an investment in a high-quality, sustainable product that enhances the daily experience of living in a small space. This is for the RVer who has their systems dialed in and is ready to upgrade their consumables to match.
Seventh Generation: Recycled Paper, No Bleach
Achieve sparkling clean dishes with Seventh Generation Free & Clear dishwasher packs. This fragrance-free, dye-free formula tackles tough grease and food residue, while the USDA Certified Biobased product comes in 90% plastic-free packaging.
Seventh Generation has long been a trusted name in eco-friendly household products, and their toilet paper is a solid, accessible choice for RVers. Made from a minimum of 50% post-consumer recycled paper, it saves water, energy, and trees. You can find it in most major grocery stores, making it easy to restock on the road.
The most important feature for the eco-conscious is that it’s whitened without chlorine bleach. This process prevents harmful chlorinated compounds from being released into the environment, a crucial consideration when you’re dumping your tank. It’s a simple way to ensure your waste management is as clean as possible.
While it dissolves well enough for most RV systems, it may not break down as instantaneously as a product like Scott. It occupies a great middle ground: it’s a major environmental step up from conventional TP and is readily available wherever your travels take you. It’s the perfect "better" choice for part-time and full-time RVers alike.
Thetford Aqua-Soft: Made for Your RV’s System
Soft, strong, and perfect for RVs and marine toilets. Thetford Aqua-Soft Toilet Tissue is a 2-ply essential for your travels.
Thetford is one of the biggest names in RV sanitation—they likely made the toilet and black tank in your rig. Their Aqua-Soft toilet paper is engineered by the same people who designed the system it’s meant for. This provides a level of assurance that’s hard to beat.
The promise of Aqua-Soft is pure performance. It’s designed to dissolve rapidly to prevent clogs and keep your tank sensors working correctly. By using the manufacturer’s recommended paper, you eliminate a variable, making it easier to troubleshoot any potential tank issues down the line.
From a sustainability perspective, its main benefit is indirect. It isn’t made from recycled or alternative fibers, but its flawless performance helps you conserve water and avoid the need for extra chemical treatments. For the RVer who prioritizes system integrity and problem-free operation above all else, Aqua-Soft is the logical choice.
How to Choose the Best Eco-TP for Your Travels
There is no single "best" toilet paper for every RVer. The right choice depends entirely on what you prioritize. Your decision will likely be a balance between three key factors: system safety, sustainability, and personal comfort.
To find your perfect match, consider which of these matters most to you. Are you terrified of clogs and just want something that disappears? Or is your primary goal to reduce your use of virgin tree products? Answering this question will narrow your options significantly.
Here’s a simple framework to guide your decision:
- For Maximum System Protection: If your only goal is to prevent clogs at all costs, Scott Rapid-Dissolving or Thetford Aqua-Soft are your most reliable options.
- For Peak Sustainability: If your priority is the smallest environmental footprint, choose a tree-free option like Caboo or Betterway Bamboo, or a 100% recycled paper like Who Gives A Crap.
- For a Practical Balance: If you want an accessible, eco-friendly upgrade that’s easy to find on the road, Seventh Generation is an excellent, reliable choice.
When in doubt, perform the "jar test." Place a sheet or two of any toilet paper in a sealed jar half-full of water. Shake it vigorously for 10-15 seconds. If it breaks down into small pieces, it’s likely safe for your RV.
Choosing your toilet paper might seem like a trivial detail in the grand scheme of RV life, but it’s one of the small, consistent choices that define a thoughtful and sustainable journey. It’s about more than just avoiding a clog; it’s about respecting the delicate mechanics of your rig and the environment you’re exploring.
Whether you prioritize the bulletproof performance of an RV-specific brand or the planet-friendly sourcing of a bamboo or recycled paper, you’re making a conscious decision. You’re taking responsibility for your footprint.
Ultimately, the best toilet paper is the one that works for your system, your budget, and your values. By making an informed choice, you ensure your adventures are marked by stunning views and smooth roads, not by plumbing problems. That’s the real freedom of this lifestyle.
