Urban and peri-urban areas in developing countries are among the worst polluted and disease ridden habitats of the world. Much of this pollution is caused by inadequate sanitation services. As cities expand and populations increase, the situation will grow worse and the need for safe, sustainable and affordable sanitation systems will be even more critical. Existing approaches to sanitation are neither viable nor affordable to the vast majority of people.

This book is about seeking new solutions in the form of "ecological sanitation". The book discusses what is currently known about ecological sanitation systems, their strengths and weaknesses. It gives advice on how to make such systems work with regard to the selection, design and management of devices as well as about the promotion and support aspects so necessary to their success.

Ecological Sanitation is intended for all who share the will to explore new ways of tackling urban sanitation systems.