> Water and River Murray > Basin, River Murray, Lakes, Coorong > Education and visiting resources

River vessel waste disposal stations

River vessel waste disposal stations - general information and operating instructions

The River vessel waste disposal stations - general information and operating instructions booklet contains everything you need to know about using the stations, including locations, general berthing information and station operation instructions.

River vessels are a wonderful way of experiencing all the River Murray has to offer but with many public and private water supply intakes located along the River Murray, waste produced by these vessels pose a risk to river health and local water supplies, and can even result in the spread of infectious diseases.

These dangers can be avoided by properly disposing of houseboat wastewater at any of the waste disposal stations for river vessel along the River Murray in South Australia.

Waste disposal station locations

There are 13 public river vessel waste disposal stations (RVWDS) provided at regular intervals along the River Murray in South Australia. The stations are generally located 50 km apart, spanning 650 km between Lock 6 (downstream of the New South Wales border) and Goolwa. River vessel operators can dispose of their waste at these public stations free of charge.

The public stations are designed to cater for vessels up to 20 metres in length, with weight allowances varying between individual stations:

Vessels not exceeding 20 tonnes
- Blanchetown
- Lock 6*
Vessels not exceeding 30 tonnes
- Mannum
- Morgan
- Murray Bridge
- Goolwa
- Walker Flat
Vessels not exceeding 50 tonnes
- Renmark
Vessels not exceeding 80 tonnes
- Berri
- Loxton
- Waikerie
- Swan Reach
- Lock 3*

*Please note, this station is currently undergoing upgrade works. Please read section below for full information about these works.

In addition to the 13 public waste disposal stations, there are 2 private marina waste disposal facilities, which may be available to the public by negotiation and may incur a fee.

River vessel waste disposal stations upgrade works

Construction works will be undertaken from early September to upgrade river vessel waste disposal infrastructure near Lock 3 and Lock 6.

Works are being undertaken by the SA Constraints Measures project to ensure the continued provision of safe and reliable wastewater disposal services for river users, while also reducing the risk of waste pollution during high flow events.

Key dates

The following RVWDS will be CLOSED during the below dates, while works are undertaken*:

Lock 6 RVWDS: Week starting 7 September 2026 – March 2027
Lock 3 RVWDS: 4 October 2026 (decommissioned)

Construction of a new RVWDS adjacent the Kingston on Murray marina, scheduled for completion in February 2027, will replace the decommissioned Lock 3 RVWDS.

Click here to for more information about the new Kingston on Murray RVWDS

*Dates are weather dependent and subject to change.

Temporary pump-out stations

While works occur, alternative pump-out services will be available by contacting Riverland Tank and Drain Cleaners on (08) 8102 0998. Please provide as much advance notice of your pump-out needs as possible.

Station	Minimum notice time	Temporary pump-out site
Lock 3	4 hours	Kingston on Murray Riverfront Reserve. View on maps.
Lock 6	4 hours	Near Woolshed Brewery, Murtho. View on maps.

A skip bin will be available for disposal of household waste at the temporary pump-out sites. Access for use of the bin will be provided by Riverland Tank and Drain while pump-out services are being provided.

Traffic and access

Construction activities may result in temporary changes to access and traffic arrangements around the sites. Details regarding traffic management, including any temporary access restrictions or road closures, will be provided once these arrangements have been confirmed.

River vessel users are encouraged to subscribe or view the SA River Murray Flow Report to keep updated with these works as they progress.

Types of waste accepted

River vessel waste disposal stations are available for the disposal of 3 types of vessel waste:

black water (waste from toilets and urinals)
greywater (water that has been used for washing, laundering, bathing or showering)
general waste (recycling and rubbish generated whilst on board, excluding hard rubbish such as whitegoods and furniture).

Operating instructions

For information regarding general berthing and station operation instructions, please download our River vessel waste disposal stations information booklet or watch the below short videos.

Improper use or breakages may incur fines, so please follow the operating instructions displayed at each station carefully.

If you run into any problems or require further assistance, call the Waste Disposal Service hotline on 1800 799 065 and follow the prompts. You will need to know the name of the station you are located at.