Review of safe disposal of faeces

In the lessons learned twenty conclusions and suggestions for action in programmes for safe excreta disposal are provided. In general, interventions for the safe disposal of faeces and handwashing seem to require:

• Participation of community members. Interpersonal and group communication.
• The optimum mix of participatory strategies and social marketing
• Important roles of NGOs and community-based organisations as well as local government
• Need to create demand.
• Need for access to credit
• Existing policies and regulation are a barrier to urban informal settlements
• Planning for incremental improvements.

A range of sanitation technologies are recommended where consumers are able to choose from a range of options or incremental improvements, moving ‘up the steps’ with sanitation facilities. However, the least expensive technologies should still be safe: reducing the possibility of human contact with faecal matter.