Pit Toilet Dos and Don'ts

Long-drop or pit toilets are often used in rural and off-grid areas where access to water and sanitation is limited. They are simple to construct and affordable.

However, there are a few rules to bear in mind to ensure that pit toilets remain safe and environment-friendly:

• Do consider sealing the pit. Ideally, pit toilets should be built in areas where the soil has a slow rate of percolation, allowing bacteria to break down pathogens before waste liquids contaminate soil and groundwater. An alternative is to connect the pit to a sealed septic tank.

• Do add a ventilation pipe. Consistent airflow can help to reduce odours and insects.

• Do empty the pit. The waste decomposition process is slow. Periodic emptying of the pit will be required (normally every 5 to 10 years). Using a honeysucker is the safest method of emptying a pit.

• Do not add rubbish to the pit. Only excreta should land in the long-drop. Use toilet paper sparingly, and never dispose of any organic or inorganic rubbish in the toilet.

• Do close the lid. Uncontrollable environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, affect toilet odours. Covering the toilet hole helps to keep excess water out and the smell in. It also facilitates better operation of any ventilation system.

• Do not use harsh chemicals or cleaning agents which can harm the bacteria responsible for the decomposition process. By adding bio-enzyme Septic Gobbler™, pathogen-fighting bacteria are introduced which break down waste faster and reduce unpleasant odours.

According to Stats SA (2024), 76% of South Africans had access to safely managed sanitation services, which meet hygiene standards and ensure proper waste treatment. Until sanitation services are rolled out more fully across the country, dry pit toilets remain a viable alternative for safe waste management.