ABOVE-GROUND BIODIGESTER
In ground solutions may not be feasible in rocky terrains so systems that do not require a pit to be dug may provide potential sanitary latrine solutions. In addition to safely processing human waste, some systems provide a source of methane gas for cooking, which further reduces the need for firewood.
Advantages:
- Utilizes methanogen bacteria, similar to those in cow stomachs, breaking down organic waste.
- Fully self-contained system, available in Guatemala.
- Produces clean cooking gas as biproduct of organic waste decomposition.
- Does not require excavation of pit, so useful in rocky environments.
- Scalable system, dependent on family size superior alternative to regular compost toilets (no human contact, minimal maintenance, easy, efficient, odorless)
Disadvantages:
- Expensive.
- Requires a relatively long drain field.