Latrinology Tech Press Conference

This week, undergraduate engineering team Latrinology Tech unveiled conceptual designs for a Latrine & Waste Management System for implementation in the Tonle Sap Lake region of Cambodia. The system aims to improve sanitation in the area and reduce contamination of the local water supply. The design aims to capture, store and process human and animal waste to produce compost and bio gas that can be used for electricity and cooking.

The design (as seen in the image below) is simple. The latrine is stilted above a vault, that when full, is replaced by a new vault and sealed for seven months to remove all of the toxic pathogens, leaving only nutrient rich compost. Necessary materials are being sourced locally in the region allowing the product to be cost affective and easily accessible to the local community.

At the press conference, engineers Alice Bullock & Stephen Andersen of Latrinology Tech said that they hoped to complete the prototype by the end of the year and expect implementation in the region by mid 2010.

Latrinology Tech are working in conjunction with Engineers Without Borders and Live & Learn Environmental Education.