New Delhi, Mar 22, 2013: Pit latrines are one of the most common human excreta disposal systems in low-income countries, and their use is on the rise as countries aim to meet the sanitation-related target of the Millennium Development Goals. There is concern, however, that pit latrine discharges of chemical and microbial contaminants to groundwater may negatively affect human health.

Mar 22, 2013: Background: Pit latrines are one of the most common human excreta disposal systems in low-income countries, and their use is on the rise as countries aim to meet the sanitation-related target of the Millennium Development Goals.

This toilet consists of two pits, each covered with a slab with a drop hole and a vent pipe covered with a fly screen, and one superstructure. (see figure 2). The drop hole must remain open, because closing it blocks airflow. The door should be closed so the superstructure remains dark inside. Only one pit is used at a time. When the first pit's contents rise to 0.5 meter below the slab, its drop hole is covered and the second pit is used. After a period of at least one year, the contents of the first pit can be removed safely and used as soil conditioner.

A pit toilet or compost toilet is a method of collection of human waste, used for composting, controlled decomposition, or waste disposal used most often in areas with no sewer system. Pit toilets are used in rural and wilderness areas as well as in much of the developing world. Many variations exist, but at its simplest, the principle is that waste is controlled and decomposed into harmless by-products.

Types
A typical pit toilet