COLLECTION OF FAECAL SLUDGE
The first step in Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) is to identify the type of containment system connected to toilets. Not all toilet pits require formal desludging services. However, containment systems such as lined single pits, septic tanks, and holding tanks require structured faecal sludge management to ensure safe collection and disposal.
Understanding and classifying toilet typologies based on their containment design is essential. It helps in assessing desludging requirements, estimating faecal sludge generation, and planning appropriate transportation and treatment systems.
Toilet Typologies
Based on field observations across India, the following eight containment typologies are commonly found:
| Code | Containment Type | Requires Desludging? |
|---|---|---|
| T0 | Toilet discharging into the open (no containment) | No containment |
| T1 | Single Leach Pit (Unlined) | May require |
| T2 | Single Leach Pit (Lined) | Yes |
| T3 | Twin Pit System | Alternating pits |
| T4 | Septic Tank without Soak Pit | Yes (every 3-5 years) |
| T5 | Septic Tank with Soak Pit | Yes (every 3-5 years) |
| T6 | Holding Tank (No outlet) | Yes (frequent) |
| T7 | Other Types (EcoSan toilets, Bio-toilets, etc.) | Varies |
A clear understanding of these typologies allows for accurate planning of desludging services, assessment of environmental and public health risks, and the development of appropriate infrastructure for the safe collection and management of faecal sludge.