Innovation

Innovation

1.1.3 - Introducing new sanitation appliances and wastewater treatment systems

Urine-separation toilets, mini-flushing toilets, composting toilets, waterless urinals and other inventions are available on the market. To some extent and in some countries they are already accepted, like dry toilets in Palestine (see photo below). There is a need for gaining experience of a broader use of them in the MEDA countries, because hygienic behaviour is very individual and sensitive. The introduction of long lasting, well closing water taps, or small volume flushing cisterns can be another step towards water saving.

The screening and identification of suitable low-cost wastewater treatment systems for rural and peri-urban areas especially in view of the reuse of the treated effluent and the implementation cost is one of the most important targets.
In each country a demonstration centre, which is also used for training purposes, will display a maximum possible number of such systems and will allow research on their performance and suitability.

Dry toilet with urine separation in Hebron, (in Uno Windblad, Ecological Sanitation Pilot Project in Palestine- a project appraisal, 2002)