Flying Toilets: An Opportunity for Business?

In a recent discussion with our team, we began identifying problems in the slums that could turn into opportunities for our Kenyan students to build businesses on. With every problem, there must be a solution to it. And what better way than to solve a problem with a business so the students can enhance their living. Health care was brought up, and we all know that with improper sanitation, it is difficult to prevent the spread of diseases.

A major problem with improper sanitation is the use of "flying toilets." Due to congestion and toilets being inaccessible, residents in the slums turn to throwing plastic bags containing human waste as far as possible out their houses at night. It is said that it is not safe to go out at night since the toilets are far and their only way of disposing waste is to dump it outside. Not only are those public toilets inaccessible and lack security, but they are also overcrowded, unhygienic, and usually poorly lit. Because there is waste everywhere along the streets, it is no surprise that diseases are easily spread. With children playing around the slums, they are essentially playing around the waste, which poses a huge threat for these children.

Perhaps there is an opportunity for business to take care of this problem. Our team brainstormed and thought our Kenyan students could potentially start a business which would have a system similar to our garbage pickup trucks in Canada. Each day, a garbage truck could stop at different locations to pick up the waste. Human waste can then be recycled through composting, which can then be used for gardening or agricultural purposes. So this waste could potentially be sold to farmers or other businesses that would use this fertilizer. Not only will the business be making some money, but they would be providing opportunities for employment.

Interestingly enough, upon further research, I found something very similar to what we had thought of had already been implemented. A Swedish company actually thought of this solution. It's called the Peepoo, which is a biodegradable plastic bag which is designed to fit over a small pot. The bag contains granulated urea, which is an ammonia that removes germs within two to three weeks. So after this bag is used, the family would tie up the bag and bring it to a drop off point, where they would also get a small refund. These would then be sold as fertilizer. Quite similar to a recycling depot for bottles and cans we have in Canada. They are currently testing this in Kibera, and among many other developing countries which is good news!

Pay per use toilets are also being start up in Nairobi, Kenya. They offer toilets and shower facilities including two in the slums for five shillings a use. However, I would assume that start-up costs for these businesses would be quite high since toilets are an expensive investment. But again, this is a great start to removing the use of "flying toilets" and reducing the threat of widespread diseases and improper sanitation. What do you think? Are there other opportunities to turn this problem into a business?

Learn more about the "Humanure System"
Video about Peepoo