Automatic public toilets installed in developing countries, use green tech to dispose of waste

Recently, the UN released a report stating that more people worldwide had access to cell phones than to toilets. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has also taken quite an interest in the topic of toilets and sanitation in developing nations, funding the Reinvent the Toilet Challenge last summer in an attempt to create a better waste disposal system for those who need it around the world.

Now, a step in the right direction has been taken to improve these conditions with the release of electronic public toilets in the urban areas of developing nations.

 
The technology and research development company Eram Scientific Solutions, along with backing from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, managed to install 400 units of the “Delight” automatic public toilets in Delhi, Kozhikode, and other tourist locations in Kerala State, India. Eram is all set to roll out 10,000 more models by next year, too.

 The Delight, an electronic public restroom, is being placed in developing nations.

Some of the toilet’s features may appear common in some parts of the world where citizens experience the luxury of a plethora of public restrooms (in addition to their own private bathrooms in their homes). For others, the features of Delight are newer and are just now becoming a part of their daily lives to improve waste management and help improve quality of life.

Enter the Delight public toilet

A user will stand outside the stainless-steel system and see an LED indicator. Four different indicators  may appear: free entrance, busy, ready-to-use, or water low/ out of order.
To enter, a user must enter a coin into the electronic coin validator in order to enter (each unit may have its own monetary requirements).

When the coin is inserted, the automatic doors will open and the automated lights will turn on. The user can enjoy some music while tending to bathroom business. A pre-flush system will flush 100 milliliters of water before used and will automatically flush after being used as well, in an attempt for a touch-free experience.

Conserving resources

To help conserve water, Delight was designed so that usage of the facility under 3 minutes will only flush 1.5 liters of water while usage over 3 minutes will flush 4 liters of water. Eram also strived for water conservation by implementing a Bio Membrane Reaction that recycles water and reuses it for flushing and platform cleaner. The toilet’s water tank stores 500 liters, half of it freshwater and half recycled water.

Each unit is powered by a 230-Vac power mechanism and, depending on the region, may include 30 minutes of backup power. The facilities can even be connected to solar panels to add on to the normal powering systems.

 
A mobile data service called a General Packet Radio System (GPRS) can remotely control the opening and closing of the units, collection monitoring, and health status reports via web application or mobile phone.

So how can they afford to keep the toilets up and running? In addition to the coins that are accepted to use one of the toilets, Eram has also placed advertisements on the outer surface to help fund the projects.

 
Learn more about Eram Scientific Solutions.