latrines

A latrine is a toilet facility intended for the disposal of human feces and urine, typically located away from living or cooking areas. Latrines are used to prevent contact with human waste, reduce the transmission of disease, and protect groundwater and surface water from contamination. In many regions, latrines are a step toward improved sanitation where centralized sewerage systems are not available.

Common types include pit latrines, which collect waste in an underground hole; flush or pour-flush latrines that discharge waste to a sewer, septic tank, or soak pit; dry toilets that rely on natural processes or composting to treat waste; bucket latrines that store waste for later removal; and ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines designed to reduce odors and fly breeding. Some systems combine pits with an above-ground superstructure for privacy and use in households, schools, and public facilities.

Design considerations focus on safety, privacy, odor control, and ease of maintenance. Important factors include siting away from drinking water sources and flood-prone areas, proper ventilation, a durable liner or pit structure, and a secure superstructure. Maintenance involves regular cleaning, pit management, and timely emptying or replacement of the pit or tank to prevent overflow and contamination.

Latrines play a central role in sanitation and public health by reducing fecal-oral transmission. They vary widely in form and reliability across regions, and their presence often reflects broader infrastructure, cultural practices, and economic conditions. In many programs, upgrading latrines is part of efforts to achieve safer sanitation and sustainable waste management.