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Bio’loo: the enzymatic toilet revolutionizing hygiene in underground environments

On an underground construction site, in a mine or tunnel, every square metre counts, and every piece of equipment must meet extreme requirements: confined spaces, the absence of a sewage network, and stringent safety standards. It is in this context that Sub’roca, a French specialist in safety equipment for underground works, developed Bio’loo, a unique, self-contained industrial sanitation system.

Designed to operate for several months without emptying or maintenance, Bio’loo addresses a concrete and too often overlooked need: providing teams working underground with access to clean, safe and environmentally friendly toilets.

What is Bio’loo?

Bio’loo is a self-contained industrial sanitation system using enzymatic treatment, specifically designed for underground mines, tunnel boring machine (TBM) projects and confined construction sites. Developed by Sub’roca, it incorporates a compact biological treatment unit that turns each toilet into an independent sanitation facility, with no connection to sewage networks.

In practice, wastewater is transferred directly into a completely sealed treatment tank, ensuring a controlled and secure process even in the most confined environments. The enzymatic solution used, known as Sub’zyme, is biodegradable and non-toxic. It breaks down organic matter with every use, without the need to handle aggressive or hazardous chemicals.

Key takeaway

No aggressive chemicals and no hazardous handling: treatment relies solely on the biodegradable Sub’zyme enzymatic solution.

How does Bio’loo’s enzymatic technology work?

The principle is based on a compact biological treatment unit installed directly beneath the toilet cabin:

  • Use: the user uses the toilet normally, just like a conventional toilet.
  • Waste isolation: wastewater is immediately transferred into a sealed tank, preventing any contact with the external environment.
  • Enzymatic treatment: the Sub’zyme solution breaks down organic matter with every use, helping to reduce odours and nuisance.
  • Extended autonomy: thanks to continuous treatment, the system can operate for several months without emptying or maintenance.

This short-loop treatment process enables Bio’loo to remain operational where installing a conventional sewage network would be impossible or too costly.

The benefits of Bio’loo for underground works

  • Easy to use and maintain: a toilet cabin installed on a compact biological treatment unit, with no complex handling required.
  • Effective waste treatment: wastewater is fully isolated and broken down using the biodegradable, non-toxic Sub’zyme solution.
  • Reduced odours and environmental impact: no hazardous chemicals are used, providing a cleaner and more environmentally friendly process.
  • Minimal maintenance: emptying is required only once every 12 months, compared with much more frequent servicing for conventional chemical toilets.
  • Improved workplace hygiene: less employee contact with waste, resulting in a cleaner, safer and more productive working environment.
  • Modular design: available in a dual configuration (male/female) or unisex version, Bio’loo Dual adapts to a wide range of professional applications and environments.
Key takeaway

One emptying per year instead of several times a month: Bio’loo drastically reduces maintenance requirements while improving hygiene for teams working on site.

What environments is Bio’loo designed for?

Bio’loo was designed for environments where installing conventional sanitation facilities is difficult or even impossible:

  • Underground mines: reliable access to sanitation facilities for teams working several hundred metres below the surface.
  • Tunnel boring machine (TBM) projects: a mobile, self-contained solution adapted to the progress of the project.
  • Confined construction sites: basements, service galleries and restricted spaces without access to a sewage network.
  • Remote mining and industrial sites: wherever electricity is available but connection to a sewer network is not.

Bio’loo vs. conventional chemical toilets: what’s the difference?

Criteria

Bio’loo (enzymatic)

Conventional chemical toilet

Emptying frequency

Up to 12 months and more

Several times a month

Products used

Biodegradable, non-toxic solution

Aggressive chemicals

Odours

Significantly reduced

Often pronounced

Environmental impact

Low

Higher

Suitable for confined underground environments

Yes, specifically designed for this purpose

Possible, but not optimized

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Bio’loo need to be emptied?

Thanks to the efficiency of its continuous enzymatic treatment, Bio’loo can operate for up to 12 months without emptying, compared with much more frequent servicing for traditional chemical toilets.

What products are used to treat the waste?

Bio’loo uses Sub’zyme, a biodegradable and non-toxic enzymatic solution that breaks down organic matter without the use of hazardous chemicals.

Are different Bio’loo configurations available?

Yes. Bio’loo is available in a Dual version (separate male and female facilities) or a unisex version, allowing it to adapt to a wide range of professional environments.

Why choose Sub’roca for underground sanitation on your site?

Made in France, Bio’loo is part of Sub’roca’s range of safety and comfort equipment, alongside refuge chambers and ventilation systems for underground works. Sub’roca supports its customers with equipment training, international delivery and dedicated after-sales service.

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Related product

Bio'Loo: Underground Enzymatic Sanitation

The Bio'loo restroom is an industrial restroom designed to operate on both above-ground and underground construction sites, in harsh environments.


https://subroca.com/underground-safety-equipment/bioloo-underground-enzymatic-sanitation/

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