Clean, green and dry toilets without the flush
Traditional flush toilets may be flushed 5 to 7 times a day per person, using about 6 litres of water each time, whereas 'dry' toilets require no water to work. Possible drawbacks however include the emission of bad odours, poor hygiene, the generation of parasites, inadequate performance during heavy usage and limitations on size. The EU-funded DRY CLOSET (Demonstration of a new biocide dry toilet with improved functionalities for three specific markets) project addressed these challenges by developing three different prototypes of an innovative and efficient dry toilet system. The three demonstration prototypes comprised a kit model, a truck model and a massive model. The kit model dry toilet looks like a small wooden chalet when built and can be shipped long distances in containers before being easily assembled at the desired location. Most of these toilets will be installed in remote locations, such as in national parks, which are far away from water, sewage and electricity networks. Expected to have a significant commercial impact, the compact truck model is designed for military, emergency and public events use. First results for the massive prototype, which is designed for use in rest areas, are also very positive and the product is expected to be a bestseller. There are also three developments that are key to the success of DRY CLOSET toilets. The first is the biocide polymer and coating contained in the toilet, which will ensure slipperiness, hygiene and the removal of parasites. Another development is an anti-struvite precipitation compound for avoiding toilet pipe blockages and clearing of the toilet system pipes. The final development is an improved biofilter for removing bad odours. DRY CLOSET will therefore benefit the environment as it does not require the use of water or harmful chemicals. It will also help to protect public health by providing cost-effective and hygienic toilets.
Keywords
Dry toilet, DRY CLOSET, kit model, truck model, massive model, biocide polymer, anti-struvite precipitation compound, biofilter