Library

Urban slum dwellers in Kenya and Bangladesh benefit from using Peepoo bags which are self-sanitising and biodegradable

The multiple challenges of urban slums limit the ability of conventional infrastructure-based sanitation systems to quickly address the pressing sanitation needs of urban slum dwellers. The Peepoo is a self-sanitising, single-use, biodegradable “toilet bag” which can become valuable fertiliser after use. This paper presents results from two medium-scale studies with the Peepoo bag system: One feasibility study was conducted in the Silanga Village slum in Kibera, Kenya (278 participants, 3,354
Peepoo bags used over 28 days) to investigate socio-cultural expectations, economic viability and the suitability of the collection system. Another feasibility study was conducted in three slums in Mymensingh, Bangladesh (100 participants, 738 Peepoo bags used over ten days) to gauge the sociocultural acceptability of the Peepoo bag with water-washing practices. Both studies found a very high level of user acceptance with a multitude of perceived benefits. The greatest benefit reported by users in Mymensingh (28%) was the possibility to go to the toilet more frequently, instead of having to restrain themselves for lack of access to a safe and hygienic toilet facility (even more important for
females). The results provide an outlook for future use of the Peepoo bags in urban slums and for other emergency situations.

Bibliographic information:
von Münch, E., Wirseen, C., Patel, D., Wheaton, A., Jachnow, A. (2009). Urban slum dwellers in Kenya and Bangladesh benefit from using Peepoo bags which are self-sanitising and biodegradable. Dry Toilet Conference, Tampere, Finland.

« back to previous page