Urban Sanitation

Often in poorer neighbourhoods and ‘slum’ areas of developing countries, communities have inadequate provision of urban services. Without connection to a sewer network, toilets are often container-based and must be emptied. Informal pit-emptiers provide an important service for communities in emptying these toilets, but often experience poor working conditions and stigmatisation.

Practical Action works with communities and service providers to develop people-centred solutions for urban sanitation. We begin by working with the existing and thriving network of informal workers to improve conditions and services for all. This enables empowerment of marginalised workers and can develop sustainable solutions. We work with communities to assess needs and prioritise locally-specific solutions. Through behaviour change communication, we challenge worker stigmatisation.

Importantly, Practical Action is skilled in bringing together the bold collaborations that are needed to develop long-lasting solutions. We work across the sanitation value chain to bring together partnerships between local government, socially-minded private service providers, and community representatives.

We continue to develop these collaborations across regions in Bangladesh, India and Kenya – enabling ongoing development throughout the sanitation value chain.

Practical Action is leading new innovations to integrate sanitation management with solid waste management, unlocking significant and sustainable benefits for people and planet.

This inclusive model works to improve conditions for service users and waste workers, whilst utilising a circular economy approach to produce value in a range of waste products.

We are sharing our experiences and the exciting potential of people-centred and integrated waste management around the globe, for example at World Water Week 2022.

View the Solid Waste Management Model

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