Dry sanitation is technically, economically and ecologically the preferable sanitation solution, not only for over 25% world population which is not having access to water-based sanitation. But dry sanitation needs more attention and constant innovation to finally overcome its commonly negative image as low-standard option and to unlock its huge benefits. A properly designed dry toilet is in fact superior towards water-toilet as it saves valuable water and at the same time prevents ground water contamination. Its off-grid installation is far less costly, while also maintenance is inexpensive.
With the “Otji 3.0” Peter Arndt the inventor of the Otji Toilet will bring a new Dual-Use Dry-Toilet Bowl soon on the market. With its stylish ceramic design, the “Otji 3.0” will deliver a unique first-class product for all waterless toilets. In a cost-efficient south-south effort this Dry-Toilet-Bowl will provide pleasant user-friendliness combined with noble shine. The new dual-functional Dry-Toilet-Bowl “Otji 3.0” will be ceramic and ideal for urine diversion, but it can also be used to upgrade any simple VIP (Ventilation Improved Pit latrine). Ceramic bowls do not just look nicer; they are easier to clean and maintain.
We recently reported about the development of the third design from the famous “Otji Toilet bowl”, and meanwhile several NGO's have manifested their interest. Peter Arndt, the inventor and promoter of the system, is in contact with manufacturers of ceramic bathroom furniture and he expects to enter the market within less than a year.
The new dual-functioning “Otji 3.0” with its mature design is adaptable: it can be used for basic pit latrines or integrated into more advanced UDDT's (Urine Diverting Dry Toilets). This makes the new ceramic bowl a groundbreaking, well thought out sanitation solution. When urine is diverted, the feaces dry out faster, becoming easier to handle, less odorous, and less hazardous to the environment. This simple innovation can drastically reduce emissions, pathogens, and finally provide comfort to the toilet users.
The original system from Otjiwarongo, a town in Namibia in Southern Africa, is functioning for more than 20 years. Otji toilets separate the liquids while the solid feaces are collected periodically. The Municipality contracts a small company that provides that service. This is not just the most convenient solution, but also the most economical. No water is wasted on toilets and affordable sanitation is guaranteed in the neighborhoods.
Inside 50mm urine outlet
As part of our work, we are conducting research on the transformation of collected urine into agricultural fertilizer. This includes studying nutrient recovery methods, stabilization techniques, and the socioeconomic potential of urine-based fertilizers in both rural and urban settings. The development of this new toilet bowl complements these efforts and could play a key role in closing the sanitation and nutrient loops.
In recent years, projects in several countries have experimented with producing fertilizer out of urine. We intend to simplify those industrial processes to make decentral production of human based fertilizer feasible. However, many efforts have struggled just to get urine in quantity, as user acceptance and toilet designs were not always adapted to customs of toilet users. But here lies the brilliant value of this simplified invention. The new “Otji 3.0” is offering a user-friendly, attractive, and accepted design that could unlock huge opportunities in sustainable nutrient recycling.