Abstract
BackgroundBangladesh faces daunting challenges in addressing the sanitation needs of its urban poor. Maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of communal toilets is dependent upon periodic emptying of fecal sludge, and cooperation between users of communal toilets. Trash disposal into latrines can block the outflow pipes, rendering the toilets non-functional.MethodsPre-intervention: We conducted in-depth interviews with five operators of fecal sludge emptying equipment and five adult residents who were also caregivers of children. We identified factors contributing to improper disposal of trash into communal toilets, a barrier to operation of the equipment, in low-income communities of Dhaka, Bangladesh.Intervention design: We developed behavior change communication materials to discourage waste disposal in toilets, and promote use of waste bins. We conducted six focus group discussions with adult male, female, landlord and children to select the preferred design for waste bins to be placed inside toilets, and finalize communication materials.Post-intervention: We then pilot-tested an intervention package to promote appropriate trash disposal practices and thus facilitate periodic removal of fecal sludge when the latrine pits become full. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions with community residents, landlords and cleaners of communal toilets.ResultsBarriers to appropriate waste disposal included lack of private location for disposal of menstrual hygiene products, limited options for formal trash collection and disposal, and the use of plastic bags for disposing children’s feces. A pilot intervention including behavior change communication and trash bins was implemented in two urban slum communities. Spot checks confirmed that the bins were in place and used. Respondents described positive improvements in the appearance of the toilet and surrounding environment.ConclusionThe current practice on the part of local residents of disposing of waste into toilets impedes the safe removal of fecal sludge and impairs toilet functionality. Residents reported positive changes in toilet cleanliness and usability resulting from this intervention, and this both improves the user experience with toilets, and also promotes the sustainability of the entrepreneurial model of Vacutug operators supported by WSUP.
Highlights
Bangladesh faces daunting challenges in addressing the sanitation needs of its urban poor
In this study we examine one aspect of Bangladesh’s urban health challenge: how to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of communal toilets, and barriers to periodic emptying of fecal sludge with portable vacuum machines
We developed data collection and coding guides based on our research objectives and using the IBM-WASH model [12] to emphasize influential behavioral factors associated with waste disposal practices along the contextual, psychosocial and technological dimensions
Summary
Bangladesh faces daunting challenges in addressing the sanitation needs of its urban poor. In this study we examine one aspect of Bangladesh’s urban health challenge: how to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of communal toilets, and barriers to periodic emptying of fecal sludge with portable vacuum machines. This effort represents only one piece of a larger set of solutions that must be put in place to improve urban sanitation. Manual emptying is common in many settings: destroying the squatting slab and digging the sludge out with hand tools such as spades, shovels and buckets [7, 8] This practice/method contaminates the surrounding environment, and exposes the emptiers to high concentrations of pathogens. Another way of emptying is vacuum-based method which uses powered air flow to suck pit contents through a hose into a container under a partial vacuum [6]
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