Pit latrines are the standard solution to answer the need for sanitation in emergency situations. However, they fill up quickly and there is not always space to dig new pits. Hence, pits need to be emptied. Manual emptying is an unhygienic job and available equipment usually fails to deal with thick sludge, often mixed with solid waste, or might be expensive and not able to reach near the pit latrine. In the framework of the Emergency Sanitation Project and the S(P )EEDKITS project, WASTE and NL Red Cross have tested different equipment in Malawi and based on those test and current knowledge came up with clear suggestions for the ‘ideal’ set that comprises of fluidisation, fishing of rubbish and emptying. The results are summarised in the attached summary report. The detailed report can be downloaded from waste.nl/en/product/testing-desludging-u...nes-and-septic-tanks

Together with the IFRC and Oxfam GB, WASTE and the NL Red Cross now want to utilise the ‘ideal equipment’ in different countries under different conditions to assure a broad working range. Additionally the partners are still actively exploring and field testing possible alternatives, such as macerator pumps that might reduce the problem of blocking the intake, safe faecal sludge treatment in intermediate storage facilities like bladders and safe transport of faecal sludge. Organisations and companies that would like to contribute are requested to contact Jan Heeger of the NL Red Cross (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Jan Spit of WASTE (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).