A toilet is a sanitary fixture designed to collect and dispose of human waste products (urine and feces) and sometimes toilet paper. Different types and designs exist, but their core function remains the same: to provide a hygienic and safe means of waste disposal.

Types of Toilets:

• Flush toilets: The most common type, using water to transport waste to a sewer system. They can be further categorized by flushing mechanisms (e.g., gravity-fed, pressure-assisted) and bowl design (e.g., elongated, round).
• Non-flush toilets: Reliant on alternative methods of waste disposal, such as composting, incineration, or chemical breakdown. Often used in areas with limited water access or environmental concerns.
• Squat toilets: Common in Asia and parts of Africa, where users squat over a hole in the ground. Can be more hygienic than sit-down toilets if designed and used properly.
• Urinal: Designed specifically for collecting male urine, typically found in public restrooms.

Components of a Flush Toilet:

• Bowl: The receptacle that collects waste and water.
• Seat: A removable cover for the bowl, providing comfort and hygiene.
• Lid: An optional cover for the bowl, reducing odor and splashes.
• Tank: Stores water used for flushing.
• Flush mechanism: Initiates the water flow from the tank to the bowl, removing waste.
• Trap: A curved pipe beneath the bowl, holding water to create a barrier against sewer gases.

Functionality and Use:

• Toilets play a crucial role in public health and sanitation by safely disposing of waste, preventing the spread of disease.
• Proper toilet hygiene involves using toilet paper or appropriate cleaning devices, flushing waste, and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water.
• Different cultural norms and practices exist around toilet use.

Environmental Impact:

• Flush toilets consume water, raising concerns about sustainability and water conservation. Low-flow and dual-flush models can help reduce water usage.
• Non-flush toilets have reduced water requirements but may raise other environmental concerns depending on their waste disposal methods.

Related Terms: Bathroom, lavatory, restroom, commode, WC (water closet), sanitation, hygiene, wastewater treatment.

Additional Notes:

• This definition provides a general overview. Specific details and technical aspects may vary depending on the type of toilet and its design.
• The history and evolution of toilets are fascinating and reflect cultural and technological advancements.

Toilet (Wikipedia)

This article is about the fixture generally. For the common flush toilet, see flush toilet. For a room containing a toilet, see Toilet (room). For other uses, see Toilet (disambiguation).

Not to be confused with Toilette.

A toilet is a piece of sanitary hardware that collects human urine and feces, and sometimes toilet paper, usually for disposal. Flush toilets use water, while dry or non-flush toilets do not. They can be designed for a sitting position popular in Europe and North America with a toilet seat, with additional considerations for those with disabilities, or for a squatting posture more popular in Asia, known as a squat toilet. In urban areas, flush toilets are usually connected to a sewer system; in isolated areas, to a septic tank. The waste is known as blackwater and the combined effluent, including other sources, is sewage. Dry toilets are connected to a pit, removable container, composting chamber, or other storage and treatment device, including urine diversion with a urine-diverting toilet.

Toilets come in various forms around the world, including flush toilets used by sitting or squatting, and dry toilets like pit latrines.

The technology used for modern toilets varies. Toilets are commonly made of ceramic (porcelain), concrete, plastic, or wood. Newer toilet technologies include dual flushing, low flushing, toilet seat warming, self-cleaning, female urinals and waterless urinals. Japan is known for its toilet technology. Airplane toilets are specially designed to operate in the air. The need to maintain anal hygiene post-defecation is universally recognized and toilet paper (often held by a toilet roll holder), which may also be used to wipe the vulva after urination, is widely used (as well as bidets).

In private homes, depending on the region and style, the toilet may exist in the same bathroom as the sink, bathtub, and shower. Another option is to have one room for body washing (also called "bathroom") and a separate one for the toilet and handwashing sink (toilet room). Public toilets (restrooms) consist of one or more toilets (and commonly single urinals or trough urinals) which are available for use by the general public. Products like urinal blocks and toilet blocks help maintain the smell and cleanliness of toilets. Toilet seat covers are sometimes used. Portable toilets (frequently chemical "porta johns") may be brought in for large and temporary gatherings.

Historically, sanitation has been a concern from the earliest stages of human settlements. However, many poor households in developing countries use very basic, and often unhygienic, toilets – and nearly one billion people have no access to a toilet at all; they must openly defecate and urinate. These issues can lead to the spread of diseases transmitted via the fecal-oral route, or the transmission of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. Therefore, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 wants to "achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation".