the apparatus and method of the invention provides for a rinse valve for controlling the flow of rinse fluid to a vacuum waste receptacle . the rinse valve comprises a primary rinse fluid flow path and a poppet assembly intersecting the primary rinse fluid flow path . the rinse valve also comprises a solenoid - driven fluid control device having a solenoid armature movable between an inactive state in which the armature engages the poppet assembly to block flow of the rinse fluid through a poppet channel and an active state in which the solenoid armature is disengaged from the poppet assembly to allow flow of the rinse fluid through the poppet channel to raise the poppet assembly , permitting the flow of the rinse fluid through the primary rinse fluid flow path and out of the valve , the armature being located at all times out of the primary flow path of the rinse fluid .