Are Waterfree/Waterless Urinals in the Philippines Really Environmental?

One of the most serious topics being discussed is the importance of saving water to help the environment, but the larger and more important concern, of course, is the hygiene and environmental impact of waterless urinals.

Waterless urinals have been in the market for quite some time in USA and other countries, we have seen recent growth and development of this concept in the Philippines, with urinals being replaced to waterless. More importantly, there are several types of waterless urinals in the Philippines and options have to be considered.

Option 1: Oil trap cartridge
- Oil trap cartridge have become very popular in the Philippines as they have entered the market early. The concept is simple, a cartridge has an oil trap that keeps sewage gases from entering the premises, yet letting urine pass through.

Option 2: Bio Enzyme cartridge
- Bio enzyme cartridge utilizes organic enzymes that consumes urine contents from urine, leaving urine to become water. This system does not need urinals to be replaced anymore.

Points to Consider

In our previous articles, we have discussed carbon footprint as one of the most important tools in measuring environmentalism. Option 1 will require that old urinals will be replaced with a new one. A completely new urinal will entail a large amount of carbon to be emitted to the atmosphere. This and the disposal of old urinals will mean a major step backward for any company going green. Retrofitting an existing urinal is a more viable and environmental alternative, not to forget economical as well.

Another important factor is the post disposal of consumable products. The only two viable option is if the product is bio degradable or if the supplier has a recycling program for old cartridges. If there is none, then disposal of old cartridges are a big sin.

Lastly, urinals without water will mean urine will stick on the urine walls. Urinals will need an enzyme coating on the urinal walls to keep the toilet hygienic. Otherwise, urine on urinal walls will harbor bacteria when urea from urine breaks down.

Overall, what is most important is that all environmental concerns on going waterless has to be answered. Before buying a new waterless urinal, consider the above facts first.