Life-cycle costs of a resource-oriented sanitation system and implications for advancing a circular economy approach to sanitation

Implementing a circular economy approach to sanitation requires knowledge of the costs construct, operate and maintain resource-oriented systems. Yet dearth data on urban in general, systems particular, limit opportunities progress sustainable low- middle-income countries. This paper contributes empirical life-cycle system Sri Lanka, addressing gap evidence about how much it costs, who pays, for that integrates fecal sludge management with nutrient capture reuse. Costs across were analyzed according to: (i) cost type; (ii) phases chain; (iii) distribution between actors. Over 25-year lifespan, had an annualized USD 2.8/person or 11/m3 septage treated. Revenue from co-compost sales covered reuse-related plus 8% present value other chain. Findings affirm both potential generate revenue, need substantial complementary investment overall system. The was found be reliant household investment, yet financially viable service provider perspective revenue desludging services (89%) (11%) exceeded over lifespan most years. analysis total financial perspectives, reuse specifics critical inform policy planning supports purposeful equitable transition towards approaches sanitation.