Guidelines and manuals
2023 • Ecoloop AB Recommendations for urine diversion systems based on lessons learnt from Understenshöjden’s eco-village
This report captures 28 years of operational experience with a urine-diverting sanitation system implemented in the Understenshöjden eco-village, Stockholm. The report can support stakeholders in eco-villages, agriculture, and urban planning by offering insights into planning, design, maintenance, and stakeholder collaboration for similar projects.
Recovered Materials & Products
Nutrients
Fertilizer
Waste Streams
Urine
Confirmed countries
Germany
What is this tool intended for?
The report is intended to guide the implementation of urine-diverting sanitation systems that separate and recycle human urine for use as agricultural fertilizer. This report focuses on providing technical guidelines, operational insights, and lessons for replicating similar projects in diverse settings.
How does this tool work?
The first part of the report describes the urine diverting system in Understenshöjden and the experiences and lessons learnt since installation in 1995. The recommendations are then organized into sections addressing:
- Installation and operation and maintenance of urine diverting toilets and pipes at the house level
- Installation and operation and maintenance of a urine piping system at neighborhood level
- Materials and dimensioning of the urine collection tank
- Routines for emptying and transporting
- Options for reuse
- A shared vision and clear responsibility between actors
Who might use this tool and with which types of stakeholders?
- Urban planners and builders: To avoid pit falls when planning and building urine diversion systems
- House owners with urine diversion systems: For advice on how to remediate problems with urine diverting systems
- Agricultural Stakeholders: For utilizing recovered urine as fertilizer.
What stages of a process can this tool support?
- Planning: Selecting appropriate technologies and system design.
- Implementation: Installing and configuring infrastructure.
- Operation and Maintenance: Regular servicing and user training.
Where can this tool be used?
The recommendations can be useful where urine diverting systems have been or are planned to be installed.
Technologies
Themes
Design
Technologies
Operation and maintenance