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'''When faeces are stored in the absence of moisture (i.e. urine) they dehydrate into a crumbly, white-beige coarse, flaky material or powder. Dehydration means that the moisture naturally present in the faeces evaporates and/or is absorbed by the addition of a drying material (e.g. ash, sawdust, lime).'''

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Dried faeces are not as well treated or as useful as a soil amendment as composted faeces. However, they are useful at replenishing poor soils and for boosting the carbon and water-storing properties of a soil with low-risk of pathogen transmission.

The handing and use of dried faeces may not be acceptable to some. However, because the dried faeces should be dry, crumbly, and odour free, the use of dried faeces may be more acceptable than that of manure or sludge. Dry faeces are a hostile environment for organisms and consequently, they do not survive (for long). If water or urine mixes with the drying faeces, odours and organisms may become problematic; wet faeces allow bacteria to survive and multiply. A warm, moist environment will permit anaerobic processes to generate offensive odours.

When removing the dehydrated faeces from the dehydration vaults, care must be taken to prevent the power from blowing and being inhaled.

Faeces should be kept as dry as possible. If by accident, water or urine enters mixes with the drying faeces, more ash, lime or dry soil can be added to help absorb the moisture. Prevention is the best way of keeping the faeces dry.

* Austin, A. and Duncker, L. (2002). Urine-diversion. Ecological Sanitation Systems in South Africa. CSIR, Pretoria.

* Winblad, U. and Simpson-Herbert, M. (eds.) (2004). Ecological Sanitation- revised and enlarged edition. Stockholm Environment Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Available: http://www.ecosanres.org

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