In search of drivers for dry sanitation

Abstract

There is increasing awareness and concern about water pollution and water scarcity, and sanitation has been acknowledged as a critical dimension of both. This paper summarises the findings from the 2nd International Dry Toilet Conference 2006 (DT2006), held 16-19 August, 2006, in Tampere, Finland. The main objective is to publicise a range of research and real life experiences dealing with an uncommon subject: dry sanitation (DS). It was concluded, among other things, that continued technical and institutional development is needed because DS as a decentralised option calls for innovative approaches. Dry toilets based on urine diversion were recommended also for urban areas as urine has high concentrations of both nutrients and such micro-pollutants as pharmaceuticals and oestrogens, both of which are difficult and costly to remove by conventional wastewater treatment processes. The Conference urged continued serious and systemic research, also in the real life context, and taking small but tangible and sustainable steps towards better sanitation.