Urine diversion dry toilets in eThekwini Municipality, South Africa: acceptance, use and maintenance through users' eyes

This study was part of the VUNA project aimed to develop an affordable sanitation system that produces a valuable fertiliser, reduces pollution of water resources and promotes health. Urine diversion dry toilets (UDDTs) simplify the on-site hygienisation of faeces and allow for nutrient recovery fro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of water, sanitation, and hygiene for development sanitation, and hygiene for development, 2017-03, Vol.7 (1), p.111-120
Main Authors: Mkhize, Nosipho, Taylor, Myra, Udert, Kai M, Gounden, Teddy G, Buckley, Chris A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aquatic sciences
Bypasses
Cholera
Community involvement
Community participation
Construction materials
Emptying
Feces
Freshwater resources
Geriatrics
Households
Maintenance
Mineral nutrients
Older people
Pollution control
Qualitative research
Research Paper
Rural areas
Sanitation
Sanitation systems
Sustainable development
Toilet facilities
Toilets
Urine
Waste management
Water pollution
Water resources
Water shortages
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Summary:This study was part of the VUNA project aimed to develop an affordable sanitation system that produces a valuable fertiliser, reduces pollution of water resources and promotes health. Urine diversion dry toilets (UDDTs) simplify the on-site hygienisation of faeces and allow for nutrient recovery from urine. Social acceptance is vital for the implementation of the UDDT, because sanitation is only effective if the system not only provides a well-designed toilet and effective waste management, but also offers users a facility that caters to their needs and is sensitive to their cultural lifestyle. This study used qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate acceptance, use and maintenance of UDDTs. Key findings indicate lower levels of acceptance of UDDTs among the elderly, who are accustomed to traditional pit toilets. The users aspire to own a flush toilet, perceived to be indicative of household wealth. A dominant concern was emptying the pit and the quality of the building material. Community interventions are required that will promote acceptance, understanding and encourage proper use and maintenance of the UDDT, and may need some technology modification. There is an urgent need for increased community participation to address users' perceptions, attitudes and behaviour concerning the UDDT.
ISSN:2043-9083
2408-9362
DOI:10.2166/washdev.2017.079