Ecological sanitation in urban medium density mixed housing

Abstract

Ecological sanitation (referred to in some countries as Ecosan) has been successfully implemented in both developed and developing countries such as Sweden, Germany, China, El Salvador, Mexico, Uganda and South Africa. Among others, three factors are unique to the use of Ecosan in urban Medium-Density Mixed-Housing (MDMH). Firstly, decision-making is more complex because consensus needs to be reached among a diverse group of people with a varied level of understanding of ecological and sustainable concepts. Secondly, the technological challenge is more complex in MDMH due to the more intricate physical connections of a shared Ecosan system. Thirdly, the challenge of management is more complex as responsibility for maintenance and emptying of bins is shared among groups of families or units. This paper presents findings of a literature review carried out to investigate the use of ecological sanitation in urban multi-family housing and concludes by confirming the viability of these technologies globally with particular applicability in South African urban contexts.