Sanitation Types

Sanitation can be categorized into various types based on the methods and infrastructure used to manage waste and maintain hygiene.  Each type of sanitation addresses specific needs and challenges, contributing to public health, environmental protection, and sustainable development. 

• See Articles  -  List of Tags, List of Categories, List of Articles, List of Glossaries, Nomenclature and Symbols, (See Waste Management Glossary)

Common Sanitation Types

• Basic Sanitation  -  Access to facilities that safely dispose of human waste, like toilets or latrines.  Basic sanitation is essential for preventing the spread of diseases and improving public health.
• Improved Sanitation  -  Sanitation facilities that hygienically separate human excreta from human contact.  Improved sanitation is a key indicator of development and quality of life.
• Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS)  -  An approach that focuses on mobilizing communities to eliminate open defecation and build their own sanitation facilities.  CLTS empowers communities to take responsibility for their sanitation needs and improve public health.
• Ecological Sanitation (EcoSan)  -  A system that recycles waste products, particularly human excreta, into valuable resources like compost or fertilizer.  EcoSan promotes sustainability by turning waste into a resource, reducing environmental impact.
• On-site Sanitation  -  Sanitation systems that treat and dispose of waste at the location where it is generated, rather than transporting it elsewhere.  On-site sanitation is crucial in areas without centralized sewage systems.
• Off-site Sanitation  -  Systems where waste is collected and transported to a treatment facility away from the site of generation.  Off-site sanitation is often used in urban areas with high population density.
• Emergency Sanitation  -  Temporary sanitation solutions used in response to emergencies, such as natural disasters or refugee crises.  Emergency sanitation is vital for preventing disease outbreaks in crisis situations.
• Hygienic Sanitation  -  Practices and infrastructure that not only manage waste but also emphasize cleanliness and hygiene.  Hygienic sanitation reduces the risk of disease transmission and promotes overall public health.