13 May 2019

Dry Toilet

Applicable to

Application level

Not applicable

Management level

Not applicable

Inputs

Dry Cleansing Materials Anal Cleansing Water
Urine Faeces

Outputs

Excreta
+ Dry Cleansing Materials + Anal Cleansing Water
Author/Compiled by
Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology)

Executive Summary

A dry toilet is a toilet that operates without flushwater. The dry toilet may be a raised pedestal on which the user can sit, or a squat pan over which the user squats. In both cases, excreta (both urine and faeces) fall through a drop hole.

Advantages
Does not require a constant source of water
Can be built and repaired with locally available materials
Low capital and operating costs
Suitable for all types of users (sitters, squatters, washers, wipers)
Disadvantages
Odours are normally noticeable (even if the vault or pit used to collect excreta is equipped with a vent pipe)
The excreta pile is visible, except where a deep pit is used
Vectors such as flies are hard to control unless fly traps and appropriate covers are used
In Out

Urine, Faeces, Anal Cleansing Water, Dry Cleansing Materials

Excreta, Anal Cleansing Water, Dry Cleansing Materials

Introduction

Factsheet Block Body

Here, a dry toilet refers specifically to the device over which the user sits or squats. In other literature, a dry toilet may refer to a variety of technologies, or combinations of technologies (especially pits).Design Considerations

The dry toilet is usually placed over a pit; if two pits are used, the pedestal or slab should be designed in such a way that it can be lifted and moved from one pit to another.

The slab or pedestal base should be well sized to the pit so that it is both safe for the user and prevents stormwater from infiltrating the pit (which may cause it to overflow). The hole can be closed with a lid to prevent unwanted intrusion from insects or rodents.

Pedestals and squatting slabs can be made locally with concrete (providing that sand and cement are available). Fibreglass, porcelain and stainless steel versions may also be available. Wooden or metal moulds can be used to produce several units quickly and efficiently

Health Aspects/Acceptance

Factsheet Block Body

Squatting is a natural position for many people and so a well-kept squatting slab may be the most acceptable option.

Since dry toilets do not have a water seal, odours may be a problem depending on the Collection and Storage/Treatment technology (see http://ecompendium.sswm.info/sanitation-technologies) connected to them.

Need more relevant sanitation knowledge?

Read some of our most visited factsheets on sustainable sanitation such as the one on menstrual hygiene management!

 

Operation & Maintenance

Factsheet Block Body

The sitting or standing surface should be kept clean and dry to prevent pathogen/disease transmission and to limit odours. There are no mechanical parts; therefore, the dry toilet should not need repairs except in the event that it cracks.

Applicability

Dry toilets are easy for almost everyone to use though special consideration may need to be made for elderly or disabled users who may have difficulty. When dry toilets are made locally, they can be specially designed to meet the needs of the target users (e.g., smaller ones for children). Because there is no need to separate urine and faeces, they are often the simplest and physically most comfortable option.

Library References

Latrine Building

This document describes how to build a squatting slab and the moulds for the frame, footrests, spacers, etc.

BRANDBERG, B. (1997): Latrine Building. A Handbook for Implementation of the Sanplat System. London: Intermediate Technology Publications

Toilets That Make Compost

This book describes in an easy-to-understand and picture-based way how to construct three different low cost sanitation solutions, namely arborloos, fossa alterna and urine diversion toilets.

MORGAN, P. EcoSanRes (2007): Toilets That Make Compost . Stockholm: Stockholm Environment Institute URL [Accessed: 09.05.2019]

Ecological Toilets

This book describes how to construct Arborloo toilets and how it can be upgraded to VIPs at a later stage.

MORGAN, P. EcoSanRes (2009): Ecological Toilets. (pdf presentation). Stockholm: Stockholm Environment Institute URL [Accessed: 09.05.2019]

An Engineer’s Guide to Latrine Slabs

Providing sanitation for all is a major global challenge involving many complex issues. The user of a latrine however, will have more local concerns such as the condition of the latrine slab. This is one of the key components of the most common type of sanitary facility. This booklet highlights the design, manufacture and maintenance features that help to improve the safety and comfort of users.

REED, B. (2012): An Engineer’s Guide to Latrine Slabs. Leicestershire: Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC) Loughborough University URL [Accessed: 08.10.2013]
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