WATERLESS SANITATION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ​
What is the life span of the Zerho?
The Zerho toilet is made from durable HDPE plastic and simple technology; and given the ownership aspect being present, the expected lifespan could exceed 40 years.
How often do you empty it?
Empty the basket when it’s only half-full - This would imply that emptying it every two weeks, is a good idea.
Are there separate compartments emptied at different times (urine & faeces)?
In some cases, the urine can be piped away to a mini-soakaway filter trench which waters a vegetable patch. Another owner-user may be part of a cooperative that collects the urine as well as the dry faeces. The bi-monthly routine, however, is important.
Because both urine and dried faeces is/should be deemed a resource, and the viability for SME businesses, right from the collection phase, makes up part of the Implementation Plan.
Can it be manufactured locally under license?
Yes.
What is the timescale - from order to delivery, to installation and commissioning.
A paid-for and confirmed order guarantees supply of Zerho units; 200 units per month is the capacity right now. When the implementation is well project-managed by- and with the recipient community; and plastic top structures are being used, a trained team of two people could install at least two units per day. As soon as the Zerho unit is stable and level, it is ready for use.
Is the price inclusive of the walling/enclosure? If not, what is the estimated cost of enclosure per type you have used in RSA?
The price of the Zerho does not include the enclosure. The cost options of different structures vary between units. Owner-users are encouraged to build their own structures, as any structure can be used; or the Zerho can be incorporated into an existing structure – following a few rules - like not putting pressure on the dome of the unit.
Do you have written down instructions on its maintenance during usage?
Yes.
Does it only come in one size pan?
A: At this point, the Zerho comes in one size only.
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How long does it take to completely install one ready to use Zerho toilet?
For an owner-installer, it could take only a few hours. Depending on the top structure and other inclusions the owner wants.
This particular ‘quick-install’ benefit makes the Zerho Toilet ideal for disaster relief situations.
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How receptive have people in Africa been to harvesting, and the use of human waste (urine and faeces)?
With the Zerho toilet, harvesting the dry human waste as a resource, is part of the plan. Organic compost is the commodity offered by community SMEs; firstly to restore the soil for local food security; and secondly for ‘export’ beyond the community.
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I’ve been working with groups of people in rural Limpopo Province, South Africa, who have really bought into the full-circle benefication that the implementation of the Zerho Toilet offers. Once the commercial viability of humanure as a free resource is understood, I have found that the attitude around this dissipates. I have also found that the benefit of having a safe, sustainable sanitation system in a home, quickly outweighs previously-held beliefs.
How would you best describe the Zerho toilet?
Safe containment of faecal matter until dry. -Preventing faecal-related, waterborne- and other communal diseases.
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What does the installation procedure entail?
The Zerho installation (top structure) can vary according to the needs of the owner-user. The specific requirements for installation focuses on the unit being installed level, ensuring there is no weight of the top structure pushing down onto the unit. Any top structure - even traditional materials, can therefore be used.
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Under what company name is the Zerho manufactured?
The Zerho Toilet is manufactured under the name of Zerho Waste Management (Pty) Ltd.
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How much does one Zerho unit weigh and what is the approximate volume?
The dimensions of the Zerho Toilet are 160cm in diameter x 90 height cm; weighing roughly 80kg.
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How much space (area in square metre) does a full installation take up?
Depending on the choice of top structure (which can be smaller), the space required is normally 3x3 metres for a good-sized structure.
​How long does it take for one load of faeces to dry if one does not wait for the 2-week period?
The Zerho is designed to dry the faeces in two rotations before a ‘load’ is diverted into the sump basket. The system works with air flow and solar heat onto the bigger outside section. Also, should more than the recommended ten people use the system per day, the ‘loads’ may be diverted into the basket before it is completely dry. Because the system works with solar heat, weather will have an impact on the time it takes to dry the contents properly. To address this, the sump basket is perforated for continued airflow.
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Please confirm your company name as Zerho Waste Management (Pty) Ltd
The official company name is Zerho Waste Management (Pty) Ltd, registered in South Africa since 2003.​​​
How does the Zerho Waterless Toilet work without using water?
The Zerho Waterless Toilet operates by using a sealed chamber that separates liquid and solid waste.
The solid waste is stored inside the unit where it undergoes natural dehydration and composting
processes, facilitated by heat and airflow. This process does not require water, making it highly efficient
and sustainable.
Is the Zerho toilet suitable for tropical climates, where humidity and high temperatures are common?
Yes, the Zerho toilet is designed to function effectively in various climates, including tropical
environments. Its odor control system and dehydration process are optimized to handle humidity and
high temperatures, ensuring solid performance without unpleasant odors.
Can the Zerho toilet handle high usage in densely populated areas?
The Zerho toilet is designed specifically for family/home use (up to 8 people). It is designed to be robust
and durable, ideally suitable for use in residential and low-user settings. Proper use and maintenance
practices remain important.
How is waste managed and processed in the Zerho Waterless Toilet?
Waste in the Zerho toilet is managed through a dehydration process that reduces solid waste into a dry,
compostable material. The liquid waste is either evaporated or treated separately. The end product is
environmentally friendly and can be safely disposed of or used as fertilizer in some cases.
How does the Zerho toilet ensure hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases?
The Zerho toilet ensures hygiene by keeping waste sealed away from human contact, minimizing the risk
of contamination. The dehydration process also reduces pathogens, and the system is designed to be
easy to clean and maintain.
Are there any risks of contamination or health issues with the Zerho toilet?
When used and maintained properly, the Zerho toilet poses minimal risk of contamination or health
issues. The dehydration process naturally reduces harmful bacteria and pathogens, and the design
prevents direct contact with waste.
What are the installation requirements for the Zerho Waterless Toilet?
The Zerho toilet requires a flat surface for installation and a pipe vent for airflow, but it does not require
plumbing or sewage connections. Installation is straightforward, and it can be set up in both permanent
and temporary locations.
What kind of maintenance does the Zerho toilet require, and how frequently?
Maintenance involves periodically emptying the dry waste, checking the ventilation system, and cleaning
the toilet’s outside surface. The frequency of maintenance depends on usage, but it generally requires
less frequent attention than traditional toilets.
Is the Zerho toilet easy to repair if something goes wrong?
Yes, the Zerho toilet is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy to repair with basic tools. Spare
parts are available, and the system can be serviced by local technicians with minimal training.
What is the cost of purchasing and installing the Zerho Waterless Toilet?
The cost of the Zerho toilet varies depending on the model and region, but it is generally more affordable
than traditional flush toilets when considering the absence of plumbing infrastructure costs. Installation is
also cost-effective due to the lack of plumbing requirements.
What are the ongoing operational costs associated with the Zerho toilet?
Ongoing costs are minimal since the toilet does not use water or energy. The primary cost involves
occasional maintenance, such as emptying the central basket of dry contents, making it a cost-effective
solution over time.
Is the Zerho toilet cost-effective compared to traditional toilets in the long run?
Yes, the Zerho toilet is cost-effective in the long run, especially in areas where water is scarce or
expensive. Savings on water bills and lower maintenance costs contribute to its overall cost-
effectiveness.
How is the Zerho toilet perceived by communities that have adopted it?
Communities that have adopted the Zerho toilet appreciate its environmental benefits and cost savings.
While it may take some time for users to adjust to a waterless system, feedback has generally been
positive, especially in areas where water conservation is a priority.
Can the Zerho toilet be customized to fit local preferences or aesthetics?
Yes, the Zerho toilet can be customized to some extent, including the pedestal/front end design. This
flexibility allows it to blend with local cultural preferences.
What is the environmental impact of using the Zerho Waterless Toilet?
The Zerho toilet has a positive environmental impact by conserving water and reducing the need for
sewage treatment. It also promotes sustainable waste management by converting the dried waste into
compost, which can be used to enrich soil.
How is waste managed in a way that aligns with local environmental regulations?
The waste management process of the Zerho toilet is designed to meet or exceed environmental
regulations in most regions. The compost produced can be safely disposed of or used as fertilizer,
following local guidelines.
Can the Zerho toilet be scaled for use in large communities or public facilities?
Yes, the Zerho toilet can be scaled for larger applications by increasing the number of units. It is
versatile enough to be used in small communities and larger public facilities such as parks, road-side
stops and construction sites.
Is the Zerho toilet suitable for use in both rural and urban settings?
The Zerho toilet is suitable for both rural and urban settings. In rural areas, it offers a solution where
water and sewage infrastructure may be lacking, and in urban areas, it provides a sustainable alternative
to traditional toilets.
What kind of warranty and after-sales support does Zerho provide?
Zerho provides a warranty that typically covers manufacturing defects for a specified period. After-sales
support includes access to customer service, spare parts, and technical assistance to ensure the toilet
continues to function effectively.
Are there local distributors or service centers for the Zerho Waterless Toilet?
Zerho plans to work with local distributors in various regions, including Southeast Asia, to ensure that
parts and customer support are readily available.