Challenges
Many school sanitation facilities around the world are in a neglected and even dangerous state.
This can result in disease, leading to missed class time, leading to a disrupted education - a vicious circle that constrains the development of the affected region.
Flush toilets, as well as expensive sewer systems and centralised treatment plants are usually not the answer, since financing and operational capability are unlikely to be in place.
Alternative wastewater systems do not just present a cost effective solution to sanitation problems, but they can also represent an important resource.
Solutions
- Anaerobic digestion of the wastewater, in combination with organic solid waste, can provide a renewable energy source (biogas) for the school canteen. Harvested rainwater can be used for hand-washing or for the flushing of toilets. Treated wastewater is a nutrient rich source of irrigation for the school garden.
- Alternatively, dry toilet systems are also an option. Urine can easily be converted into high quality fertiliser through appropriate storage and faecal matter can be turned into hygienically safe compost. The "problem" can therefore be converted into a real resource.