Dry toilet
From Akvopedia
A dry toilet differs from a flush toilet (Water Closet) in that it does not need water. Excreta are collected directly beneath the seat in a shallow pit, container, chamber, etc. The system should not be confused with a latrine, which is constructed on a deep pit. Dry toilets can include a squatting plate or pedestal, with a smooth finished surface and a limited area to minimise soiling. Dry toilets can be owner-built, or bought on the market. A dry toilet can be made from ferro-cement, fibre-enforced materials, or strong and durable plastic, painted wood and ceramic material.
| Advantages | Disadvantages/limitations |
|---|---|
| No water required for flushing Easy to construct with local materials | The toilet has to be cleaned without using much water. Collected excreta have to be handled carefully, as they contain pathogens. |
Contents |
Costs
- Unreinforced concrete squatting plate (mass production) US$ 11 (Mozambique,1995).
- Conrete squatting plate US$ 9-11 (Niger, 1999), based on 40 units.
Applying conditions
- Dry toilets should only be used in rural areas where sufficient space is available at the household level for storage, treatment and use of excreta
- Dry toilets are suitable in water-scarce, flood prone regions, and on solid soils
- The system is preferably used with anal wiping (using paper, leaves, grasses, etc. for anal cleaning). However, it can also be used in combination with a special anal washing facility. Washing water should be collected separately as in the Philipines. (See also the description of dry urine diversion toilet.)
Movie
Manual - How to build
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External links
- General information about Dry toilets www.ecowaters.org
- Toilet seats www.riles.org
- Squatting plates www.sanplat.com
