ECOLOO’s ECO BASIC toilet facilities

Market Suggested Retail Price

$3,000.00

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

ECOLOO and local distributors in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, Pakistan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Germany.

Manufacturing/Building Method

Manufacturing is based in Malaysia and then exported to international customers. ^{Interview with representative in 2021}

Intellectural Property Type

Patent Protected

User Provision Model

From ECOLOO and program partner distributors (Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, Pakistan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Germany)

Distributions to Date Status

As of 2020, 2,500 ECOLOO facilities have been installed.

Design Specifications

ECO BASIC model:

Materials: Fiberglass Reinforced Panels (FRP) Components: toilet seat, toilet lid, dry flush, wind ventilation fan, and drop bed. Weight: 90 kg Dimensions: 1100 mm (W) x 750 mm (H) x 1350 mm (L) Capacity: 450 L for solids & 250 L for liquids Accommodates up to 15 visits per hour (or 200+ visits per day).

The system uses a dry flush, so water use is only required for diluting the urine by-product to produce the usable fertilizer and optional hygiene additions. No energy is required but there is the option to include solar panels to assist with lighting. The system relies on a decentralized biological treatment system using aerobic digestion which requires microbes to process the human waste. The bacterial cultures should be added monthly. A 2-tier box is used where the upper box receives both urine and feces but contains good bacteria and an organic filter. The lower box contains the treated urine and is equipped with a special indicator and outlet for the user to drain the fertilizer. Urine undergoes nitrification and is transformed into organic fertilizer that can be sold and used for agricultural applications. These processes happen within the ECOLOO systems, therefore, requiring no additional treatment. The bacteria break down the solid waste within 4-7 days and the production of the liquid fertilizer can be achieved within 1-2 hours which the concentrated product must then be diluted with water at a 1:10 dilution ratio. The ECO CLASSIC model includes a structure to place over the ECO BASIC model. The structure can be easily assembled and is made up of light composite insulated panels that include a door and roof. The dimensions of the structure are 1100 mm (W) x 2200 mm (H) x 1350 mm (L). For additional details, view the Operation and Maintenance Manual.

Technical Support

From nearest local distributors.

Replacement Components

60 - 120 USD per box for a one-year supply of bacterial culture.

Lifecycle

Decades

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Social benefits:

• Reduce extreme poverty (local job creation for production, installation, and maintenance as well as opportunity to earn income on the sale of fertilizer)
• Dignity of women
• Improve health and hygiene

Environmental benefits:

• Reduced water consumption (due to no flushing)
• Reduction of energy use (no pumping or additional treatment required)
• Promotes use of organic fertilizer (minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers)

Vetted Performance Status

ECOLOO is in compliance with World Bank and UNDP Standards. The Analysis report shows the results from various locations and organizations of the product testing and effluent analysis, which meet the NEMA and the World Bank standards. ECOLOO products (including the bacterial cultures and fertilizer by-products) have been fully tested and certified in various countries for both human health and environmental risks. The bacterial culture comes with a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) which has been approved by microbial experts in the USA. Overall, the toilet systems have performed as expected when used properly and the FRP material has been durable throughout all kinds of weather condintions. Issues arise only from misuse when the addition of chemicals/detergents are added which affect the bacterial cultures. ^{Interview with representative in 2021}

Safety

Possible hazards include unsanitary latrine emptying or structural failure - the manufacturer suggests using gloves to reduce risk.

Complementary Technical Systems

Optional additions to the toilet structure include Mechanical Waste Cover, Solar Panel & Lighting, Hand bidet, Hand grab, Toilet Paper Holder, Hand Sanitizer, and Fertilizer Pump.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

ECOLOO is in compliance with NEMA and World Bank Standards.

Other Information

News article