Ecological Sanitation
 Ecological sanitation (Ecosan) is a concept that treats various types of waste generated by us as a resource which can be safely collected, treated and reused to prevent pollution of water bodies and the environment. Currently, various types of Ecosan practices such as promotion of Ecosan toilets, compost pits, bio-gas plants, reed-beds for treatment of waste water, etc., are being taken up to treat waste generated by us in a ecologically sound manner.
Ecosan Toilets
In the context of rural sanitation promotion in India, Ecosan toilets can play an important role especially in coastal, mountainous and water scarce regions where promotion of conventional toilets is environmentally not suitable.
 However, as the Ecosan concept demands greater involvement of the users in the day to day management its components, sensitization of the users is very essential to change traditional taboos attached to handling of waste. Also, the high cost of construction of Ecosan toilets (around Rs.5000-7500) can be brought down significantly through innovative designs as awareness on the concept increases among the practitioners and users.
What is an Ecosan Toilet
In Ecosan Toilets, human excreta, urine and wash water are separated through specially designed toilet seats (various types are available now) unlike the conventional water closets where all these are collected together. Excreta is collected in the chamber constructed below the toilet seat, urine is collected in a drum/pot kept outside the toilet and wash water is diverted to a plant bed raised near the toilet.
Functional Aspects of Ecosan Toilet
 Excreta collected in the chamber (in most cases two separate chambers are constructed for alternative use) constructed below the toilet seat are allowed to decompose for a period of 6-9 months after a chamber gets filled up. After every use, ash and mud is sprayed into the chamber to prevent contact of flies/insects with excreta and also to facilitate decomposition process. A vent pipe is also attached to the chambers to release foul smell and also to facilitate faster decomposition. The compost harvested from the chamber is used as manure in the agricultural fields.
  Urine collected in a covered pot kept outside the toilet can be applied to crops as fertilizer after storing it for certain period to inactivate the disease causing organisms normally present in urine. The wash water is diverted to a plant bed, preferably planted with cannas plants for effective absorption, near the toilet block.
Ecosan Toilets are suitable for:
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