Arborloo

The Arborloo design is comprised of three main parts:

• Concrete slab: The slab is made with an aperture for the squat (pedestal hole). This is typically cast offsite prior to transporting to the pit location.
• Ring beam: The ring beam is cast in-situ at the pit location. It is designed to protect the shallow pit and lift the concrete slab off the ground surface. Its approximate dimensions is a 1 m internal diameter and 1.3 m  outer diameter.  Once the ring beam is cured, a hole of 1-1.5 m depth is dug. Alternatively, steel barrels are sometimes used instead of a ring beam to support the pit from collapsing.
• Superstructure: This structure is built around the slab using local materials. It is designed to provide privacy to the occupant. It is also designed to be portable as the Arborloo will need to be transported to a new pit once the existing pit is two thirds full.

Local technicians and NGOs who are experienced in ecological sanitation in the respective country.

6-12 months prior to planting and cycling Arborloo to a new pit.

The Arborloo is mainly assessed for its applicability in rural environments in the context of promoting sanitation noting its varied designs as an open-source solution. This assessment has been undertaken by various organisations through field trials and case studies. Common conclusions include its recommendation as a preferred solution in rural environments because of its low costs, ease of construction and quick return on investments. 

Covering the pit and planting a tree reduces risk of infection due to reduced human contact with faeces contained below a layer of leaves and topsoil for separation. Users do not come into contact with faecal material reducing risk of pathogen transmission.