Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
This is the happiest moment of my life that the Two-Pit Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet—popularly known as Sulabh Shauchalaya—that I invented and innovated in 1968 for ending the practice of open defecation as well as stopping the manual scavenging by the ‘Untouchables’ has been recognized by the Govt. of India as a symbol of Swachh Bharat. I am grateful to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-ji and the Govt. of India for recognizing the Two-Pit toilet as the symbol of Swachh Bharat. Sulabh International itself has constructed 1.5 million household Sulabh toilets both in rural and urban areas, and has made about 2,500 villages free from open defecation. About a million scavenging untouchables have been freed from manual cleaning of night-soil. The Govt. of India has also built more than 60 million such toilets in rural areas.
The Two-Pit Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet Technology has been accepted not only in India but also in many other countries and continents. The governments of Bangladesh, Vietnam, China, Indonesia, South Africa and many other countries have adopted the Sulabh technology. The BBC Horizons has declared the Sulabh technologies as one of the five unique inventions of the world.
In 1996 at Istanbul, the UN-Habitat declared this Sulabh technology as a Global Urban Best Practice. The Sulabh technology also received the Dubai International Award for ‘Best Practices for Improving the Living Environment’ by the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements. International agencies such as the UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, World Bank and UN Habitat have approved the Sulabh technology and methodology for adoption by individuals as well as institutions. The Sulabh Two-Pit Pour-Flush Ecological Compost Toilet technology has thus shown the way for safe and hygienic toilets for 2.4 billion people in the world who have no access to sanitary toilets till now. This technology fulfills all the conditions of sustainable development and helps decrease global warming and climate change. Please also see the following songs (on the related themes) that I have written and composed: (1) Sulabh Toilet Technology titled “Don’t Don’t Go for Open Defecation”
Link: https://youtu.be/vJNCkaA8TWk
(2) Sulabh Journey titled “Hasna Mera Kaam Hasana Mera Kaam” (recorded in 10 Indian Languages and 13 International Languages)
Link: Hasna Mera Kaam Songs - International Language - https://goo.gl/Ac1Rfm Hasna Mera Kaam - National Language - https://goo.gl/LTNZZE
and
(3) A small animation movie titled “Chal Chale Hum Swachhta Ke Raste”
Link: https://youtu.be/YDeBnnYQarg
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Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
Advantages of Sulabh Two-Pit Pour-Flush EcologicalCompost Toilet In a two-pit technology, only one pit is used at a time. So, after lapse of a few months, the filled up pit can be cleaned manually even by the householder himself because of the long period of digestion which makes it free of foul smell and safe for handling. Beside this, Sulabh two-pit magical toilets are affordable and easy to construct with locally available materials. Its design and specifications can be modified to suit householder’s needs and affordability. It requires only 1 to 1.5 litre of water for flushing, while conventional flush toilet needs 10-12 litres of water.
Lining of Pits While constructing pits one should take care of the durability of the pits. The pits should be lined to avoid collapsing. Lining could be in brick work, stones, laterite bricks, burnt clay or cement concrete rings. Lining could also be done with treated bamboos, wooden logs, tar drums, or other available material. Locally available materials can be used for lining the pits like-
Stones - Stones can be used as lining material where available.
Brick - The most common lining material. 50 mm wide holes are provided in alternate brick layers. Above the invert of incoming pipes or drains no holes should be provided.
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Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
Burnt Clay - Burnt Clay rings with holes can be one of the lining materials.
Treated Bamboos or Wooden Logs - In forest areas or in villages treated bamboos or wooden logs can be used as lining material.
Cement Concrete Rings - Cement Concrete Rings too can be a source of lining.
Tar Drums - To reduce the cost tar drums with holes can directly be used as lining material. 4
Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
Space of Pits and Space Constraint In places where separate circular pits of standard sizes cannot be constructed due to space constraint, pits of smaller diameter (not less than 750mm) may be provided, but the depth should be increased suitably to provide required storage volume and infiltration surface area. If it is not possible to construct small diameter pits, combined oval, square or rectangular pits divided into two equal compartments by a partition wall can be provided. However the possibility of water from one pit finding its way to the other pit is very much there. Therefore the desludging of the filled up pit has to be done with care to avoid health hazards.
As far as possible, Separate Circular Pits should be constructed as these are structurally stable.
A Sulabh model with small pan for Children
The Partition Wall should be taken 300 mm below the bottom of pit and be plastered on both sides with cement mortar of 1:6 ratio. The Partition Wall and pit lining in 300 mm width adjoining the Partition Wall should not have holes.
Square or Rectangular Pits divided into two equal compartments by a partition wall can be provided to meet the space constraint. 5
Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
Different Designs of Sulabh Two-Pit Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet Sulabh International has developed cost-effective, two-pit toilet technology which is being used in households as well as community toilets. Our design is being adopted on a much wider scale because it satisfies the important criteria of a technology design which is culturally acceptable and is also affordable. The Sulabh’s two-pit pour-flush ecological compost toilet technology uses just 1 to 1.5 litres water to flush the toilet rather than 10 litres required in the conventional system. It is being used in India as well as abroad. Sulabh offer its technology for free and it is being used in developing countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The pit size will depend on choice of the beneficiary. The pit is excavated on the principle of 2 cubic feet per person per year so the tank may be cleaned after 3 years or 5 years or 10 years, 20 years and we have even built toilets up to 40 years usage. The toilet structure varies as per the choice and economic condition of the beneficiary, but the technology remains the same. Only the quality of building materials and period of cleaning varies. The beneficiary can choose one design as per his economic condition.On one hand it caters to the poorest of the poor while on other hand its designs also suit the needs of any castles.
MODEL NO. 2 SUBSTRUCTURE: Mud platform plastered in cement mortar 1:4, cement plastered pan, cement trap and brick plastered foot rests. Pit lining – Brick work 75 mm in cement mortar 1:6, Pit cover – Compacted soil over thatch and logs.
MODEL NO. 1 SUBSTRUCTURE: Mud platform plastered in cement mortar 1:4, cement plastered pan, cement trap and brick plastered foot rests. Pit lining – Tar drum, Pit cover – Compacted soil over thatch and logs.
SUPERSTRUCTURE: Jute all round the latrine on bamboo frame 1800 mm high and curtain made of jute for a door .
SUPERSTRUCTURE: Palm matting all round the latrine on bamboo frame 1800 mm high and jute purdah on door opening, painting on matting. 6
Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
MODEL NO. 4
MODEL NO. 3
SUBSTRUCTURE: Dry brick ballast in foundation, brick work in cement mortar, flooring of 12 mm thick 1:4 cement plaster over 75 mm dry brick ballast, cement mosaic pan, cement trap and brick plastered foot rests. Pit lining – Brick work 115 mm in cement mortar 1:6, Pit cover – 75 mm thick R.C.C. 1:2:4.
SUBSTRUCTURE: Dry brick ballast in foundation, brick work in mud mortar, flooring of 12 mm thick 1:4 cement plaster over 75 mm dry brick ballast, cement mosaic pan, cement trap and brick plastered foot rests. Pit lining – Brick work 75 mm in cement mortar 1:6, Pit cover – 50 mm thick R.C.C. 1:2:4.
SUPERSTRUCTURE: 115 mm thick brick work in 1:6 cement mortar 1500 mm high and jute purdah on door opening 1800 mm high.
SUPERSTRUCTURE: Thatch wall with thatch roof on bamboo frame and jute purdah on door opening 1800 mm high.
SUBSTRUCTURE: Dry brick ballast in foundation, brick work in cement mortar, flooring of 12 mm thick cement plaster over 75 mm dry brick ballast, mosaic pan, cement trap, brick plastered footrest, Pit lining – brick work 115 mm in cement mortar 1:6, Pit cover – 75 mm thick R.C.C. 1:2:4. SUPERSTRUCTURE: 115 mm thick brick work in 1:6 cement mortar 1500 mm high. It is G-Shape, no door required.
MODEL NO. 5 (G-SHAPE) 7
Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
MODEL NO. 6 (CIRCULAR) SUBSTRUCTURE: Dry brick ballast in foundation, brick work in cement mortar, flooring of 12 mm thick cement plaster over 75 mm dry brick ballast, mosaic pan, cement trap, brick plastered footrest, Pit lining – brick work 115 mm in cement mortar 1:6, Pit cover – 75 mm thick R.C.C. 1:2:4.
MODEL NO. 7 SUBSTRUCTURE: Dry brick ballast in foundation, brick work in 1:6 cement mortar, flooring of 1:4 cement plaster over 75 mm dry brick ballast, cement mosaic pan, cement trap and brick plastered foot rests. Pit lining – Brick work 115 mm in cement mortar 1:6, Pit cover – 50 mm thick R.C.C. 1:2:4.
SUPERSTRUCTURE: Circular 115 mm thick brick work in 1:6 cement mortar 1500 mm high. It is like G-Shape, no door required.
SUPERSTRUCTURE: 115 mm thick 1500 mm high brick wall in cement mortar 1:6 (G-shape)
SUBSTRUCTURE: Cement concrete 1:6:12 in foundation, brick work in 1:6 cement mortar, flooring of 1:4 cement plaster over 75 mm dry brick ballast, cement mosaic pan, cement trap and brick plastered foot rests. Pit lining – Brick work 75 mm in cement mortar 1:6, Pit cover – 50 mm thick R.C.C. 1:2:4.
MODEL NO. 8
SUPERSTRUCTURE: 115 mm thick brick wall in 1:6 cement mortar, A.C. sheet roofing, holes in brick work for ventilation and jute purdah 1800 mm high. Inside white wash and outside colour wash.
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Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
MODEL NO. 10
MODEL NO. 9
SUBSTRUCTURE: Cement concrete 1:4:8 in foundation, brick work in 1:6 cement mortar, C.C. 1:2:4 flooring over 75 mm C.C. 1:6:12, fibre glass pan, HDPE trap and ceramic foot rests. Pit lining – Brick work 115 mm in 1:6 cement mortar, Pit cover – 50 mm thick R.C.C. 1:2:4.
SUBSTRUCTURE: Cement concrete 1:6:12 in foundation, brick work in 1:6 cement mortar, flooring of 1:4 cement plaster over 75 mm dry brick ballast, fibre glass pan, HDPE trap and ceramic foot rests. Pit lining – Brick work 115 mm in cement mortar 1:6, Pit cover – 50 mm thick R.C.C. 1:2:4.
SUPERSTRUCTURE: 115 mm thick brick work in 1:6 cement mortar, 600 mm high dado in cement mortar 1:4, 50 mm thick R.C.C. roof, holes in brick work for ventilation and country wood door 1500 mm high. Inside white wash and outside colour wash.
SUPERSTRUCTURE: 115 mm thick brick wall in 1:6 cement mortar 1500 mm high, 600 mm high dado in cement mortar 1:4, both sides plastered in 1:6 cement mortar and jute purdah on door opening 1800 mm high.
SUBSTRUCTURE: Cement concrete 1:4:8 in foundation, brick work in 1:6 cement mortar, C.C. 1:2:4 flooring over 75 mm C.C. 1:6:12, fibre glass pan, HDPE trap and ceramic foot rests. Pit lining – Brick work 115 mm in 1:6 cement mortar (Rectangular pit divided by a partition wall in two chambers), partition wall plastered on both sides in cement mortar 1:6, Pit cover – 50 mm thick R.C.C. 1:2:4.
MODEL NO. 11
SUPERSTRUCTURE: 115 mm thick brick work in 1:6 cement mortar, outside plastered, 600 mm high dado in cement mortar 1:4 holes in brick work for ventilation, R.C.C. roof 50 mm thick and country wood door 1500 mm high. Inside white wash and outside colour wash. 9
Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
Water-seal or P-Trap of Sulabh toilet
As water-seal or trap used in a Sulabh toilet is of 12-20 millimetres, therefore it requires only 1 litre of water to flush per use. So it saves enormous quantity of water compared to sewerage or septic tank systems wherein 10 litres of water is used for flushing per use.
MODEL NO. 12 SUBSTRUCTURE: Cement concrete 1:4:8 in foundation, brick work in 1:6 cement mortar, Ceramic tiles flooring over 25 mm thick C.C. 1:2:4 base on 75 mm C.C. 1:4:8, Ceramic European Pan, Porcelain Trap. Pit lining – Brick work 223 mm in cement mortar 1:6, Pit cover – 115 mm thick R.C.C. 1:2:4 wash basin with mirror. SUPERSTRUCTURE: 225 mm thick brick work in 1:6 cement mortar, plaster on both sides, 900 mm high while glazed tiles dado, wooden ventilator, 75 mm thick R.C.C. roof and Aluminium panelled door with Aluminium frame 2100 mm high. Inside ceramic tiles and outside colour wash.
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Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
Photographs of the Sulabh Two-Pit Pour-Flush EcologicalCompost Toilet at different places constructed by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation
Badaun, Uttar Pradesh
Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh
Rawal, Mathura 11
Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
Ludhiana, Punjab
Ludhiana, Punjab
Hirmathala, Haryana 12
Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
Korali, Haryana
Korali, Haryana 13
Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
Trump Village (Marora) Haryana
Trump Village (Marora) Haryana
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Sulabh Two-Pit
Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet
Sulabh Two-Pit Pour-Flush Ecological-Compost Toilet can be constructed on an upper floor of a house
Hirmathala, Haryana
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People can use the covered pit for various purposes like cleaning food grains, cooking food, washing clothes etc.
SULABH INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE ORGANISATION
In General Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council Sulabh Gram, Mahavir Enclave, Palam Dabri Road, New Delhi - 110 045 Tel. Nos. : 91-11-25031518, 25031519; Fax Nos : 91-11-25034014, 91-11-25055952 E-mail: info@sulabhinternational.org, sulabhinfo@gmail.com Website: www.sulabhinternational.org, www.sulabhtoiletmuseum.org