5.5.2 Urine-diverting latrine

The urine-diverting latrine (Figure 5.11), also known as a urine-diverting dry toilet (UDDT) is a latrine that separates urine and faeces. Both wastes are treated separately, without damaging the environment or endangering human health, and then used in agriculture. The urine and faeces go into different containers at the source (Figure 5.12). The urine is kept for 24 hours, after which it is mixed with three parts water to be used as a very effective fertiliser. Soil or ash is added to the latrine after each use and the faeces are composted. After approximately 12 months, pathogenic micro-organisms will have died off and the composted faeces can be used as a soil conditioner (helping the soil to retain moisture) for household gardening or urban agriculture.

Figure 5.11  Basic components of a urine-diverting latrine.

Figure 5.12 (a) Interior of a urine-diverting toilet. The small hole is for urine; the larger hole is for faeces, which are covered with a scoopful of ash from the bucket each time. (b) Faeces and ash collect in a container below the latrine that is emptied regularly. (c) Composting faeces with ash are stored under cover for at least 12 months; they do not smell.