The diversion Sanitation Business Model

The diversion toilet forms part of a holistic sanitation business, which manages the transport of faeces and urine to a Resource Recovery Plant (RRP) serving around 800–900 people, where nutrients, water and possibly energy carriers are recovered.

The diversion Sanitation Business Model Canvas

One key element of the business model is the rent-a-toilet system, which renders the toilet interesting for landlords and tenants. By renting out toilets and generating end products, the business is profitable and interesting for profit-seeking local entrepreneurs and also provides jobs for collectors and RP operators in the community.

A business case was calculated for a business serving 17200 users (20 RRPs) in Kampala, Uganda, accounting for logistic costs of $0.01 per person and day, realistic costs for different existing technical treatment processes, prices for all technical elements, assuming mass production and a revenue from fertilisers amounting to $0.02 per user and day. The results reveal that total costs of $0.05 incurring for the user per day seem a realistic and achievable goal and the business is still profitable.

Costs, revenues and profit of the business case

Further information: Poster "Integrated Business Model" at the "Reinvent the Toilet Fair", Seattle, August  2012 [pdf]