Zero-waste toilet a sensor-operated urine diverting toilet for sustain-able sanitation and fertilizer production
This research introduces an innovative zero-waste toilet, a sensor-operated urine-diverting system designed to over-come limitations in current sanitation methods. The toilet directly converts human feces into organic fertilizer while segregating urine from solid waste. Its walls are constructed using repurposed plastic PET bottles filled with local soil, enhancing strength and durability through steel wire interconnection and cement plaster reinforcement. Touchless sensors facilitate automatic flushing upon user entry and after a predetermined duration, with a gesture sensor for post-use cleaning. A front-mounted urine basin ensures proper waste separation. Feces are directed to a specialized tank via a trap system, while urine is directed to the sewer line. The tank features two meshes for effective filtration. Solar energy and sensors power the process, enabling atomization for efficient fertilizer production, followed by composting in a blending tank. The zero-waste toilet offers a key advantage: fertilizer production without manual waste handling, aligning with scavenger act regulations. It minimizes waste generation, conserves water, and enhances sanitation. Repurposed plastic bottles reduce plastic pollution, and the system is comfortable, durable, and resource-efficient. Challenges include specialized expertise, initial costs, and user adaptation to automated systems. Further research is needed to optimize fertilizer production from waste compost. Nonetheless, the zero-waste toilet holds promise for sustainable sanitation, improved hygiene, and resource conservation.
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