Piloting a low-cost hardware intervention to reduce improper disposal of solid waste in communal toilets in low-income settlements in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Farzana Yeasmin, Stephen P Luby, Ronald E Saxton, Fosiul A Nizame, Mahbub-Ul Alam, Notan Chandra Dutta, Abdullah-Al Masud, Dalia Yeasmin, Anita Layden, Habibur Rahman, Rachel Abbott, Leanne Unicomb, Peter J Winch, Farzana Yeasmin, Stephen P Luby, Ronald E Saxton, Fosiul A Nizame, Mahbub-Ul Alam, Notan Chandra Dutta, Abdullah-Al Masud, Dalia Yeasmin, Anita Layden, Habibur Rahman, Rachel Abbott, Leanne Unicomb, Peter J Winch

Abstract

Background: Bangladesh faces daunting challenges in addressing the sanitation needs of its urban poor. Maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of communal toilets is dependent upon periodic emptying of fecal sludge, and cooperation between users of communal toilets. Trash disposal into latrines can block the outflow pipes, rendering the toilets non-functional.

Methods: Pre-intervention: We conducted in-depth interviews with five operators of fecal sludge emptying equipment and five adult residents who were also caregivers of children. We identified factors contributing to improper disposal of trash into communal toilets, a barrier to operation of the equipment, in low-income communities of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Intervention design: We developed behavior change communication materials to discourage waste disposal in toilets, and promote use of waste bins. We conducted six focus group discussions with adult male, female, landlord and children to select the preferred design for waste bins to be placed inside toilets, and finalize communication materials. Post-intervention: We then pilot-tested an intervention package to promote appropriate trash disposal practices and thus facilitate periodic removal of fecal sludge when the latrine pits become full. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions with community residents, landlords and cleaners of communal toilets.

Results: Barriers to appropriate waste disposal included lack of private location for disposal of menstrual hygiene products, limited options for formal trash collection and disposal, and the use of plastic bags for disposing children's feces. A pilot intervention including behavior change communication and trash bins was implemented in two urban slum communities. Spot checks confirmed that the bins were in place and used. Respondents described positive improvements in the appearance of the toilet and surrounding environment.

Conclusion: The current practice on the part of local residents of disposing of waste into toilets impedes the safe removal of fecal sludge and impairs toilet functionality. Residents reported positive changes in toilet cleanliness and usability resulting from this intervention, and this both improves the user experience with toilets, and also promotes the sustainability of the entrepreneurial model of Vacutug operators supported by WSUP.

Keywords: Communal toilets; Fecal sludge management; Low-income community; Toilet functionality; Urban sanitation; Waste disposal.

Conflict of interest statement

Ethics approval and consent to participate

We obtained written informed consent from the adult study participants as well as verbal permission to conduct intervention activities from the landlords in the pilot communities. We secured assent from children and obtained consent from parents to conduct the focus group discussions with children. The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the ethical review committee of icddr,b and institutional review board of Stanford University.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Description of hardware used for pilot toilet waste disposal intervention
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Sample of behavior change communication materials

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Source: PubMed

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