A pit latrine, also known as pit toilet, is a type of toilet that collects human waste in a hole in the ground. Urine and feces enter the pit through a drop hole in the floor, which might be connected to a toilet seat or squatting pan for … See more

Size of the drop hole
The user positions themself over the small drop hole during use. The size of the feces drop hole in the floor … See more

The requirements for safe pit emptying and fecal sludge management are often forgotten by those building pit latrines, as the pit will only fill up in a few years time. However, in many developing countries safe fecal sludge management practices are lacking and … See more

Disadvantages of pit latrines may include:
• Flies and odours are normally noticeable to the users
• The toilet has to be outdoors with the associated security … See more

Depending on the region, the term "pit latrine" may be used to denote a toilet that has a squatting pan with a water seal or siphon (more accurately termed a pour-flush pit latrine – very common in South East Asia for example) or simply a hole in the ground without … See more

Pit latrines collect human feces in a hole in the ground. The principle of a pit latrine is that all liquids that enter the pit – in particular urine and water used for anal cleansing – seep into the ground (the only exception are fully lined pit latrines, see below). See more

Advantages of pit latrines may include:
• Can be built and repaired with locally available materials
• Low (but variable) capital costs depending on … See more