posted on 2018-02-12, 15:09authored byElisabeth von Muench, P. Dahm
Waterless urinals have two important advantages compared to conventional water-flushed
urinals: They
save water and they allow the collection of undiluted urine, which – because of its nitrogen and
phosphorus content is
a valuable resource as fertiliser in agriculture. In the context of African
developing countries, costs and maintenance requirements of waterless urinals need to be as low as
possible. Despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of waterless (and odourless) urinals are now
already in use worldwide, many municipalities are not yet aware of their existence or are reluctant to
accept them as a viable option. This paper aims to reduce this knowledge gap by describing available
models, odour control methods in waterless urinals (flat rubber tube, silicon curtain valve or sealant
liquid), and the aspects to be considered regarding maintenance requirements and costs. Waterless
urinals are a promising step towards achieving water saving, more sustainable sanitation and reduced
dependency on costly artificial fertilisers, thus contributing to poverty reduction.
History
School
Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Research Unit
Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC)
Published in
WEDC Conference
Citation
VON MUENCH, E. and DAHM, P., 2009. Waterless urinals: a proposal to save water and recover urine nutrients in Africa. IN: Shaw, R.J. (ed). Water, sanitation and hygiene - Sustainable development and multisectoral approaches: Proceedings of the 34th WEDC International Conference, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 18-22 May 2009, 8p.p.
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