Toilet Types
This is a place to learn about the different kinds of toilets you may find out and about. Below are a few examples of different kinds of toilets and how they work
01/19 - 01/23
Pit Toilets
A pit toilet (or latrine) is a type of toilet that collects human waste in a hole in the ground. They often use little to no water to move the waste to the pit underneath the seat. For these toilets, the seat can be placed either on top of or near the storage pit.
01/19 - 01/23
Flush/Wet Toilets
A wet toilet allows human waste to be removed through a piped system with water. These toilets are most common in much of the developed world, and require either a septic system or a municipal sewer piping system to manage the waste safely.
01/19 - 01/23
Compost Toilets
Compost toilets accelerate the natural decomposition process of human waste - from waste to composted soil - locally by without the need for added water. Human waste is over 90% water, which evaporates and travels through a vent system.
Incinerating Toilets
01/19 - 01/23
Incinerating toilets are self-contained waterless systems that do not require being hooked up to a sewer or septic system. They rely on electric power, or natural/propane gas to incinerate human waste. The resulting end product is sterile, clean ash.
Container Toilets
01/19 - 01/23
Container toilets are self-contained waterless systems that divert the feces from the urine and keep the waste onsite in separate containers. These toilets need to be safely emptied regularly. Container-based toilets are really useful in urban low-income settings.
Portable Toilets
01/19 - 01/23
Often called a portapotty, a portable or mobile toilet may easily be moved. They may be brought onsite, such as for a festival or to a building site, to quickly provide sanitation services. Sometimes these can be compostable; many use chemicals to manage human waste.