Piloting a low-cost hardware intervention to reduce improper disposal of solid waste in communal toilets in low-income settlements in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

BackgroundBangladesh faces daunting challenges in addressing the sanitation needs of its urban poor. Maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of communal toilets is dependent upon periodic emptying of fecal sludge, and cooperation between users of communal toilets. Trash disposal into latrines can block the outflow pipes, rendering the toilets non-functional.MethodsPre-intervention: We conducted in-depth interviews with five operators of fecal sludge emptying equipment and five adult residents who were also caregivers of children. We identified factors contributing to improper disposal of trash into communal toilets, a barrier to operation of the equipment, in low-income communities of Dhaka, Bangladesh.Intervention design: We developed behavior change communication materials to discourage waste disposal in toilets, and promote use of waste bins. We conducted six focus group discussions with adult male, female, landlord and children to select the preferred design for waste bins to be placed inside toilets, and finalize communication materials.Post-intervention: We then pilot-tested an intervention package to promote appropriate trash disposal practices and thus facilitate periodic removal of fecal sludge when the latrine pits become full. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions with community residents, landlords and cleaners of communal toilets.ResultsBarriers to appropriate waste disposal included lack of private location for disposal of menstrual hygiene products, limited options for formal trash collection and disposal, and the use of plastic bags for disposing children’s feces. A pilot intervention including behavior change communication and trash bins was implemented in two urban slum communities. Spot checks confirmed that the bins were in place and used. Respondents described positive improvements in the appearance of the toilet and surrounding environment.ConclusionThe current practice on the part of local residents of disposing of waste into toilets impedes the safe removal of fecal sludge and impairs toilet functionality. Residents reported positive changes in toilet cleanliness and usability resulting from this intervention, and this both improves the user experience with toilets, and also promotes the sustainability of the entrepreneurial model of Vacutug operators supported by WSUP.

A Systematic Review of Water and Gender Interlinkages: Assessing the Intersection With Health

“…Al-Delaimy et al, 2014 Interventions that focused on the construction of latrines and toilets were successful in reducing the incidence of diarrhea (Chaudhuri, 2017), improving overall health (Katsivo et al, 1993), and providing more women with the privacy and safety necessary to attend to their menstrual health needs (Chaudhuri, 2017). However, while generally well-tolerated (Nyoka et al, 2017;Yeasmin et al, 2017), latrines and waste bins are associated with challenges. For example, both men and women reported feelings of disgust with menstrual rags being placed in waste bins (Yeasmin et al, 2017).…”

“…However, while generally well-tolerated (Nyoka et al, 2017;Yeasmin et al, 2017), latrines and waste bins are associated with challenges. For example, both men and women reported feelings of disgust with menstrual rags being placed in waste bins (Yeasmin et al, 2017). Furthermore, women affected by genital mutilations had issues using latrines (Nyoka et al, 2017).…”

“…In addition to capacity, education represents a crucial component for improving WASH and has been incorporated as one branch of successful multifactorial interventions, for example, to overcome cultural apprehensions and misconceptions with using latrines (Yeasmin et al, 2017). Qualitative assessments of educational interventions suggest that education can reduce the incidence of diarrhea (Williams et al, 2015) and improve overall health (Magnin et al, 2018).…”

“…Gender-inequity is in part facilitated by stigma, engendered cultural norms, and a societal power imbalance. Stigma actively prevents women and girls from developing healthy habits (e.g., using soap and water or from using latrines (O'Reilly and Louis, 2014;Yeasmin et al, 2017;Winter et al, 2019). However, more than restricting access to WASH, stigma becomes an entrenched psyche, which actively promotes mental and physical distress and its pernicious effects can be readily seen with regard to MHM (Sommer et al, 2015a).…”

Strategies to Connect Low-Income Communities with the Proposed Sewerage Network of the Dhaka Sanitation Improvement Project, Bangladesh: A Qualitative Assessment of the Perspectives of Stakeholders

“…Many LICs are also located near polluted water bodies, swamps, or putrid drainage canals [ 19 ]. The urban poor population in this country is being neglected in many ways in terms of social, economic, and infrastructural improvement [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Limited access to water and sanitation services in slums could contribute to the poor health of slum residents [ 24 ].…”