How many people can one pit toilet serve?

• A. 5-10
• B. 10-15
• C. 20-25
• D. 30-40

Answer: (C)

In emergency sanitation planning, one pit toilet is typically sized to serve about 20-25 people per day. This range balances the amount of waste produced with the rate at which the pit can be effectively emptied or covered during maintenance, helping prevent overflow, odors, and vector issues. If you tried to use the pit for only 5-10 people per day, it would be underutilized and you’d still face queues during higher demand. If it had to serve 30-40 people per day, the pit would fill too quickly, increasing the risk of contamination and requiring more frequent pumping or closure. Thus, 20-25 people per day is the standard guideline.