Pit Latrine Sensor

Know when every latrine needs emptying

Cost effective monitoring of latrine fill levels, with automated collection notifications.

The problem

Latrines fill up unseen

A pit latrine gives no warning before it is full. Poorly managed pits can contaminate groundwater and open drains, spreading disease.¹

Our fill level sensors collect vital data on the fill levels of school and institutional latrines. That data enables timely waste collection, benefiting both schools and waste management companies.

World Health Organization (2024) Sanitation: fact sheet

Collection process

How it works

From a full latrine to fertiliser, with every step triggered by data.

1

Measure

Sensors continuously measure and send the fill levels of the latrines.
2

Schedule

The platform receives fill levels and automatically schedules collection when a latrine is 90% full.
3

Notify

Details are sent to available pit emptying groups and exhauster trucks.
4

Collect

Waste is safely collected and transported for processing.
5

Recycle

Recycling plants convert the waste to bio char and fertiliser for sale.

Alerts

A text message when it's time

The sensor sends SMS alerts when a pit latrine reaches a set level and needs emptying, so nobody has to check it by hand.

Pit owners can also see the details of their latrines, including fill level and temperature, on our platform.

SMS alerts on a phone: "Waste Tank at A-12 is Full", then "Cleared" — Real alerts: a tank reported full, then cleared after collection.

The platform

Every latrine on one dashboard

All sensors are monitored on our web-based dashboard, so latrines can be checked from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Our sensor data also optimises collection routes, so trucks and emptying groups go where they're needed.

The MAT sensor dashboard: a map of sensor locations and a list of latrines with their status

More than a sensor

What it brings

Timely collection

Latrines are emptied when they need to be, not too late.

Optimised routes

Collection routes planned from real fill levels.

Cleaner environment

Prevents waste from polluting the environment, for a more climate-friendly approach.

Community

Pit owners can share ideas and alert MAT to sanitation concerns promptly.

Online shop

Connects pit owners to shops for cleaning products, hand wash bowls and sanitary pads.

Trained emptying groups

Equipped to collect and transport waste safely, even where there is no road access.

Monitor your latrines

Find out how fill level sensors can make waste collection timely and cost effective for your school, institution or waste management service.