Installation of Mobile Toilets in Hometown

It is feasible to install mobile toilets in rural hometowns, and there are multiple options available.

I. Direct Installation of Mobile Toilets
Small mobile toilets are fully functional with a novel and aesthetically pleasing design, and can be designed as a combination of toilet and shower room for convenient use. Their fecal treatment methods are scientifically and environmentally friendly, preventing groundwater pollution. They do not require brick-by-brick construction; instead, factory-made finished products can be directly installed and put into use. Based on fecal treatment methods, there are waterless packing types, foam sealing types, microbial degradation types, water-saving flushing types, vacuum types, etc. Water-flushing mobile toilets are commonly used in rural areas, which can collect domestic water for secondary utilization, promoting energy conservation and environmental protection. In addition, small mobile toilets suitable for rural areas have lower costs and acceptable prices. Compared to fixed toilets, they eliminate the need for site selection, material purchase, construction, decoration, and other cumbersome steps, saving time and effort.

II. Alternative Solutions for Insufficient Space

1. Construction of Mobile Dry Toilets: Build a lightweight frame using angle steel or bamboo, cover it with sun- and rain-proof cloth on top, place a detachable toilet bucket (made of plastic/metal) at the bottom, and connect it to a waste liquid collection bucket. After each use, cover with plant ash or straw crumbs to deodorize, and regularly empty it into the composting area or fields. Such facilities occupy only 1-2 square meters and can be flexibly placed in open spaces in front of or behind the house.
2. Renovation and Upgrading of Old Spaces: Set aside a 1.5m x 1.5m area in a corner of the wood shed or storage room, build a partition wall with hollow bricks, harden the floor, and install a squat toilet. If it is impossible to connect to the sewer, dig a 1.5-meter-deep seepage pit (install an HDPE anti-seepage membrane before covering with soil), and pair it with a three-chamber septic tank (volume ≥ 1.8m³), which should be emptied 1-2 times a year. The emptied material can be used as agricultural fertilizer after fermentation.
3. Household Biodegradable Toilets: Choose an integrated device with bacterial agent decomposition function (reference price: 800-1500 yuan), where excreta is converted into organic fertilizer through microbial treatment. Some models do not require water or electricity, with a daily treatment capacity suitable for families of 3-5 people. Maintenance involves regularly adding bacterial agents and cleaning residues. This solution aligns with the policy orientation of the recent rural toilet revolution, and some areas may be eligible for special subsidies.
4. Shared Resources among Neighboring Households: Negotiate with nearby neighbors to jointly build a centralized septic tank, with each household installing an independent pipeline for connection. For a group of 5 households, it is recommended that the septic tank have a volume of ≥ 8m³ and be made of fiberglass for better corrosion resistance. After sharing the construction costs, each household's expenditure can be reduced by 40%-60%, and daily maintenance can be managed on a rotating basis.