Human Waste Problem in Natural Areas

In mountain districts or similar areas where the power supply and water supply systems are generally poor, human waste used to be disposed of by digging a hole for storage and infiltration. In areas without even a basic toilet, faeces were inevitably excreted outdoors.

Meanwhile, the recent mountaineering boom means an increasing number of visitors to mountain districts and there has been growing concern in regard to the adverse impacts of human waste on the water quality of public water areas as well as vegetation.

Against the background of such increasing concern, mountain lodge operators and local governments have begun efforts to improve the method of human waste disposal. At the same time, there has been the rapid development and commercialization of human waste treatment systems which do not discharge cleaning water or treated sewage.

To reduce the adverse impacts of human waste in natural areas with little infrastructure development, voluntary efforts, including the adoption of suitable technologies and systems, are hoped for.

Database for the Introduction of Human Waste Treatment Technologies to Natural Areas

＜Reminder for Users＞
This database classifies cases where either verified technologies under the ETV Program or non-discharge type human waste treatment technologies (systems) installed by the MoE or local governments in natural parks from the seven viewpoints of (A) through (G) listed below.

As this database does not evaluate individual technologies, users must bear in mind that this database simply offers reference information for their selection of a suitable technology. (For the selection of a suitable technology, it is essential to examine the candidate technologies from multiple viewpoints, including the information provided by this database.)

＜Viewpoints＞

(A) General view

Looking through the entire website

(B) Power supply requirement

Commercial power source / non-utility power generation facility / natural energy (sunlight, wind power and other / not required

(C) Method to secure water supply

Public water supply system / rainwater and melt water / well, etc // transported/not required

(D) Method of transportation

Automobile / helicopter / manual/other

(E) Minimum temperature

-5°C or higher / lower than -5°C

(F) Area of introduction

Mountain area / mountain foot area (accessible by vehicle) / beach / remote island / other

(G) Treatment method

 

Treatment Method	Characteristics	Technical Explanation
Biological treatment	Soil	Treatment using the adsorption and filtration functions of soil particles and/or soil microbes
		Treatment using biofilms and soil microbes
	Additive agent	Addition of an agent or enzyme as an adjurant in the biological treatment process
	Oyster shells	Treatment with a biological membrane while using oyster shells as the contact agent
	Membrane	Solid-liquid separation by a biological membrane after treatment with activated sludge
	Wood	Treatment by a biological membrane while spraying the wastewater over wood chips used as the contact agent
Physical treatment	Drying / incineration	Drying and incineration of sewage for powderisation
	Other than the above	-

*This technology classification table is based on the characteristics of technologies dealt with by the ETV Program and is not based on an academic viewpoint.

Other Human Waste Treatment Methods Used in Natural Areas

Type of Technology	Characteristics / Important Points
Portable toilet	Human waste is packed to take back. Coordination with the local government is required for collection and disposal of the packed waste.
Cartridge system	Human waste is stored in a cartridge type tank for transportation by helicopter, etc. to a piedmont where it is emptied.
Johkasou	Inspection and management are required in accordance with Johkasou Act. A destination area for discharge of the treatment water must be available.