Investigation into Methods of Pit Latrine Emptying

Download Investigation into Methods of Pit Latrine Emptying

Improving sanitation is now increasingly being recognized as a key factor in ending poverty; providing basic sanitation has been included in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) under target 10 of halving the proportion of people without access to adequate basic sanitation by 2015. In an attempt to reach this MDG target many developing countries have embarked on the construction of pit latrines and improved sanitation in people’s homes. An emerging challenge that is resulting from this work is what to do when the latrines are full. If they are to be emptied how should the waste be extracted, where should the waste go and what should be done to it and
with it?

The main part this report is a fairly high level introduction to the issue of faecal sludge management. Where details and information have been readily available the report goes into further depth. A large section of this report focuses on assessment of the United Nations Vacutug project in an attempt to build guidance for the development of a successful latrine exhausting system. PiD’s trail work with the UN Vacutug is detailed and an update on progress made in the development of the Gobbler is given. Other established latrine exhaustion systems are also discussed, and there is a discussion of how the waste can be transported once it is extracted. Some of the options for waste disposal are considered. The report concludes with recommendations for the research work going forward.