The costs of a pilot small-scale container-based sanitation service (CBS) were higher than those of large-scale waterborne sewerage, but economies of scale have the potential to reduce CBS costs over time.
Title | Container-based sanitation : assessing costs and effectiveness of excreta management in Cap Haitien, Haiti |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2015 |
Authors | Tilmans, S, Russel, K, Sklar, R, Page, L, Kramer, S, Davis, J |
Secondary Title | Environment and urbanization |
Volume | 27 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 89-104 |
Date Published | 04/2015 |
Publication Language | English |
Abstract | Container-based sanitation (CBS) – in which wastes are captured in sealable containers that are then transported to treatment facilities – is an alternative sanitation option in urban areas where on-site sanitation and sewerage are infeasible. This paper presents the results of a pilot household CBS service in Cap Haitien, Haiti. We quantify the excreta generated weekly in a dense urban slum, the proportion safely removed via container-based public and household toilets, and the costs associated with these systems. The CBS service yielded an approximately 3.5-fold decrease in the unmanaged share of faeces produced, and nearly eliminated the reported use of open defecation and “flying toilets” among service recipients. The costs of this pilot small-scale service were higher than those of large-scale waterborne sewerage, but economies of scale have the potential to reduce CBS costs over time. The paper concludes with a discussion of planning and policy implications of incorporating CBS into the menu of sanitation options for rapidly growing cities. |
Notes | Includes 50 ref. |
DOI | 10.1177/0956247815572746 |
Custom 1 | 10.1177_0956247815572746[PII]26097288[pmid] |
Short Title | Environ Urban |