China: nightsoil management improvement study in Hubei

The UNDP/ World Bank Water and Sanitation Programme in collaboration with the International Reference Center for Waste Disposal has undertaken this environmental sanitation study on Nightsoil (human excreta and urine) Management Improvement in Hubei Province, China, as part of a proposed World Bank urban environmental project in the same province. The study examines the hygiene and epidemiology of the existing practice of nightsoil handling; the socio-economic and marketing aspects of nightsoil management and use; and the technical options, costs and benefits of improving its management and use. The first part of this report presents the various findings of the overall study; part two contains the investment programme. The individual studies are included in annexes. The demonstration part of the project, to be published separately, consists of several technical pilot activities which are currently being undertaken in three cities. The objective of the pilot and demonstration activities are to evaluate the treatment efficiency of properly designed and operated conventional septic tanks and to test the potential for improving the treatment efficiency through innovative and low cost modifications. Findings from the various study components clearly identify the need for a co-ordinated approach based on technical improvements, better management practices, and better information and education in the sanitation aspects of nightsoil and related aspects for the improvement of the health and welfare of the people in the project cities.