Towards the development of source separation and valorization of human excreta? Emerging dynamics and prospects in France

Abstract

The source separation of human excreta (urine and/or feces) offers an alternative to conventional sanitation systems (flush toilets/public sewers) that is appealing in several respects, especially in environmental terms and for agricultural purposes, as a source of natural fertilizer from local and renewable resources. In France, systems for the separate collection of human excreta have previously been confined to the rural sphere and mainly implemented at the individual scale. However, since the 2010s, experimental projects in excreta source separation have been observed in urban areas, at the scale of individual houses and collective buildings, or even neighborhoods. This article, drawing on interdisciplinary social science research conducted within the French research program OCAPI (on ecological transition in nutrition/excretion systems), investigates these innovative projects for the source separation of human excreta in urban areas. Our work lies on a territorial approach, based on a cross-sectional analysis of experimental projects in three cities (Paris, Bordeaux and Grenoble), complemented by the mobilization of the “multi-level perspective” and the “technological innovation systems” frameworks. We study the trajectory and factors of development of source separation in France, its implementation dynamics and territorialisation pathways. Our analysis shows that source separation is still in an emerging phase in France. It is currently experimented in cities through diversified projects and approaches. This diversity applies both to socio-technical choices and territorial embeddedness’ forms. Adopting a prospective point of view, we then point out main obstacles and drivers to the scaling-up of this innovative practice: beyond technical issues, shared social values, stakeholder alignment issues and organizational challenges are essential. Finally, we consider possible directions for its development, ranging from the spread of a homogeneous solution to the continuation of a diversity of approaches on different territories.

Fecal Sludge Recycling to Useful Products: Environmental Concerns, Viability and Potential

“…Because flush toilets are water intensive, the use of a urine-diversion dehydration toilet (UDDT) will not only separate the liquid from the solid fecal matter, but also allow the recovery of nutrient-rich solid for safe fertilizer production (Holmer & Itchon, 2008;Kooij et al, 2020). Pit latrines are hence the most profitable scheme of collecting, storing and treating of excreta in many developing countries in periods of heightened water shortage (Joveniaux et al, 2022;Madikizela et al, 2017;Rahman et al, 2016). A survey report by Triastuti et al (2016) indicates that, high volume of water (average of ±10 L) is needed to flush toilet bowl and clean the body in Kiaracondong sub district, Bandung city, Indonesia.…”

Legitimacy of Source-Separating Wastewater Systems with Swedish Water Utilities

“…In a similar project, driven by visions of a circular economy, a blackwater separation system with local treatment of black-and greywater has been built at Jenfelder Au in Hamburg, Germany, which serves 835 apartments (European Commission, 2021). Urban projects with local treatment and use of source-separated wastewater can also be found in San Francisco, USA (San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, 2021), France (Joveniaux et al, 2022), Belgium and Germany (Skambraks et al, 2017).…”