'''A Dry Toilet is a toilet that operates without water. The Dry Toilet may be a raised pedestal that the user can sit on, or a squat pan that the user squats over. In both cases, excreta (both urine and faeces) fall through a drop hole.'''
HereIn this compendium, a Dry Toilet dry toilet refers specifically to the device that over which the user sits or squats over. In other literature, a Dry Toilet dry toilet may refer to a variety of technologies, or combinations of technologies (especially pits).
[[Image:dry_toilet.png|thumb|right|200px|[[Dry toilet |Dry toilet]], in Mexico (for credits, click the picture)]]
[[Image:slatsanc.jpg|thumb|right|200px|[[Dry toilet |SanPlat]]-type dry toilet. (for credits, click the picture)]]
===Design Considerations=== The Dry Toilet dry toilet is usually placed over a pit; if two pits are used, the pedestal or slab should be designed in such a way that it can be lifted and moved from one pit to another. The slab or pedestal base should be well sized to the pit so that it is both safe for the user and prevents stormwater from infiltrating the pit (which may cause it to overflow). The hole can be closed with a lid to prevent unwanted intrusion from insects or rodents. Pedestals and squatting slabs can be made locally with concrete (providing that sand and cement are available). Fibreglass, porcelain and stainless steel versions may also be available. Wooden or metal moulds can be used to produce several units quickly and efficiently.
The slab or pedestal base should be well sized to the pit so that it is both safe for the user and prevents stormwater from infiltrating the pit (which may cause it to overflow).
{| border="1" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" align="none"
! style="background:#f0f8ff;" | Disadvantages
|-
| valign="top" |- Does not require a constant source of water.<br>
- Can be built and repaired with locally available materials.<br>
- Low capital and operating costs.<br>
- Suitable for all types of users (sitters, squatters, washers, wipers)
| valign="top" | - Odours are normally noticeable (even if the vault or pit used to collect excreta is equipped with a vent pipe).<br>
- The excreta pile is visible, except where a deep pit is used.
- Vectors such as flies are hard to control unless fly traps and appropriate covers are used.
|}
===AdequacyAppropriateness===Dry Toilets toilets are easy for almost everyone to usethough special consideration may need to be made for elderly or disabled users who may havedifficulty. When dry toilets are made locally, they can be specially designed to meet the needs of the target users (e.g., smaller ones for children). Because there is no need to separate urine and faeces, they are often the simplest and physically most physically comfortable and natural option.
Pedestals ===Health Aspects/Acceptance=== Squatting is a natural position for many people and so a well-kept squatting slabs can slab may be made locally with concrete (providing that sand and cement are available)the most acceptable option. Wooden or metal molds can be used to produce several units quickly and efficiently. When Since dry toilets are made locallydo not have a water seal, they can odours may be specially designed to meet a problem depending on the needs of the target users (e.g. smaller ones for children). Fibreglass, porcelain Collection and stainless steel versions may also be available. They are appropriate for almost every climateStorage/Treatment technology connected to them.
===Health Aspects / Acceptance===Squatting is a natural position for many people and so a well-kept squatting slab may be the most acceptable option. Since Dry Toilets do not have a water seal, odours may be a problem depending on the Collection and Storage/ Treatment technology to which it is connected. ===Operation & Maintenance===The sitting or standing surface should be kept clean and dry to prevent pathogen/disease transmission and to limit odours. There are no mechanical parts and so ; therefore, the Dry Toilet dry toilet should not need repairs except in the event that it cracks.
=== Manuals, videos, and links ===
===References===
* Brandberg, B. (1997). [http://developmentbookshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=299 Latrine Building. A Handbook for Implementation of the Sanplat System]. Intermediate Technology Publications, London, UK. pp 55–77 . 55-77. (Describes how to build a squatting slab and the moulds for the frame, footrests, spacers, etc.) * CAWST (2011). Introduction to Low Cost Sanitation. Latrine Construction. A CAWST Construction Manual. Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technologies (CAWST), Calgary, CA. (Very detailed construction manual for different slab designs)Available at: [http://www.cawst.org cawst.org]
* Morgan, P. R. (2007). [http://www.ecosanres.org/toilets_that_make_compost.htm Toilets That Make Compost: . Low-costCost, sanitary toilets that produce valuable compost Sanitary Toilets That Produce Valuable Compost for crops Crops in an African context]Context. Stockholm Environment Institute, SwedenStockholm, SE. (Excellent description of how to make support rings and squatting slabs (pages 7–35pp. 7-35) and pedestals (39–43pp. 39-43) using only sand, cement, plastic sheeting and wire.) Availableat: [http://www.ecosanres.orgecosanres.org]
* Squatting plates Morgan, P. R. (2009). Ecological Toilets. Start Simple and Upgrade from Arborloo to VIP. Stockholm Environment Institute, Stockholm, SE.Available at: [http://www.sanplat.com wwwecosanres.sanplatorg ecosanres.com org]
* Netherlands Water Partnership Reed, B. (NWP2012) . An Engineer’s Guide to Latrine Slabs. WEDC, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK. (2006Comprehensive guide with key information and checklists for design, construction and maintenance). Available at: [http://wwwwedc.lboro.ircac.nluk/pageknowledge/28448 Smart Sanitation Solutionsbooklets. Examples of innovative, low-cost technologies for toilets, collection, transportation, treatment and use of sanitation products]html wedc.lboro. NWP, Netherlandsac. (Provides country specific data and links for further informationuk/knowledge/booklets.)html]
===Acknowledgements===
{{:Acknowledgements Sanitation}}
