Environment-Friendly and Innovative Human Waste Disposal Technology

National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology
Rural Development Administration, Suwon, Korea
Tel: (82 31) 290-1500
Fax: (82 31) 299-0503
E-mail: ipmkbh@rda.go.kr, 2004-09-01

The living conditions of rural residents are often poorer than those of urban residents, particularly in terms of house amenities such as the lavatory. In many rural villages, public lavatory facilities are lacking. Toilet wastes are commonly disposed onto the neighboring environment without proper treatment, thus polluting the water system. Hence, a new type of toilet adapted for general use in rural villages was developed for a more efficient maintenance, and to reduce environmental pollution by generating less smell and solid remains with the introduction of an automatic agitator and an improved discharging structure.

This environment-friendly public lavatory (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) aims to promote rural toilet culture and prevent water pollution. It makes use of the natural composting process using aerobic bacteria. The basic toilet model was tested and analyzed in terms of actual construction process, post-occupancy evaluation, and composting performance. Residents were fully satisfied with the model, especially with its composting function, architectural form, and easy management.

The Model Toilet

The following illustrates the general principles of the model toilet (Fig. 3):

• Feces and urine are denatured as carbon dioxide (CO₂), and are dissolved by aerobic microorganism.
• Most of the wastes are released to the outside air through the ventilation system.
• Oxygen is supplied to activate the function of aerobic microorganisms using the ventilation system.
• Offensive odor is removed by the exhaust system.
• Wastes are finally transformed into compost materials.

Characteristics

• Use of an underground reclamation-type compost tank (Fig.4) and introduction of an automatic agitator (Fig. 5).
• Strengthened oxygen supply, gas discharge function, and rainfall infiltration and outward flow prevention function of wastes.
• Establishment of ventilation and exhaust facilities.
• Wall structure and windows are designed with natural lighting.
• Convenient structures for bulk agent input and wastes removal.
• Use of building materials available in farm villages.
• Harmony with the environment.

Building Procedure

• Site selection
• Excavation for wastes tank
• Refilling and removal of surplus soils
• Laying the wastes tank under the ground excavation
• Masonry construction
• Window frame installation
• Roofing work
• Tile setting
• Windows and doors installation
• Fittings (toilet stool, ventilation fan, tissue paper holder, coat hanger, ashtray etc.)
• Electricity work and plumbing

Management

• Continued operation of the exhaust fan.
• Periodically putting bulking agents (once a week).
• Prevention of water infiltration into the wastes tank.
• Use of fallen leaves, bark of trees, and rice straw as bulking agents.
• Periodic ventilation.
• Maintaining record/checklist.

Index of Images

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  Figure 1 Public Lavatory (Interior)

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  Figure 2 Public Lavatory (Exterior)

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  Figure 3 General Principles of the Environment-Friendly Public Lavatory

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  Figure 4 Compost Tank Design

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  Figure 5 Auto-Stirrer Made of Stainless Steel

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