Dry (waterless) composting toilet

The design was inspired by the double vault Mexican design, but includes a urinal to limit urine entering the collection vault.

It uses two separate toilets or can incorporate a mechanism for changing vaults with the use of one toilet. Either way, the waste is collected in alternating plastic containers which allows for the waste to decompose into compost over time.

The toilets are designed to allow for upwards airflow that circulates unpleasant odors away from the user.

Provided by the manufacturer

Unknown

EcoSwell and Engineers Without Borders UK conducted a feasibility study of dry sanitation solutions in Lobitos, Peru. The study addressed three key issues in which the dry toilet can assist in reducing: sewage spills, open defecation, and water consumption. Additionally, the study deemed the compost produced would be ideal in adding nutrients to the local sandy soils in need of supplements. A barrier to implementation would be educating the community about dry sanitation and switching users away from current flush toilets.

A design brief reported findings from EcoSwell’s pilot project reporting that the dry toilet is capable of saving 15,000 L of water and producing 2,000 L of compost per year. Overall, the two-year pilot project was successful, with the largest issue reported being the number of flies.

Possible hazards include unsanitary latrine emptying or structural failure.