SOIL’s Entrepreneurial EkoMobil Business
EkoMobil toilets at Citadelle Laferrière
EkoMobil
EkoMobil portable toilets were proudly featured at two notable events in Haiti this past week, thanks to our partnerships with Hopeful Heart 4 Haiti and the Haiti Sailing Cup. As SOIL’s EkoMobil business continues to expand, we’d like to take a moment to reflect on its beginnings and the remarkable journey-to-date.
What is EkoMobil?
EkoMobil at the Haiti Sailing Cup
Launched by SOIL in 2014, EkoMobil is a portable toilet business based in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti. EkoMobil sets itself apart from market competitors by providing high-quality, ecologically friendly portable toilet rentals that stand out due to our unique container-based sanitation model and our commitment to a circular economy. That's right, we're not just changemakers—we're eco-entrepreneurs too.
When customers choose EkoMobil for their events, they not only receive top-notch sanitation services, but they also contribute to building a greener Haiti. The compost generated from event waste plays a key role in regenerating Haiti’s soil, making this choice both cost-effective and environmentally impactful.
Here’s how EkoMobil operates: First, customers receive our portable toilets, accompanied by waste collection services for their event. To ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and functionality, a SOIL attendant oversees the toilets throughout the event. Afterward, the waste is securely contained and transported by SOIL’s “Poopmobiles” to our treatment facility, where it is safely transformed into nutrient-rich compost. This compost is then used to rejuvenate Haiti’s soil, enhance crop yields, beautify the landscape, and restore the island’s natural fertility.
Who uses EkoMobil?
Since its inception, EkoMobil has seen significant growth. In 2023 alone we saw the requests for EkoMobil toilet rentals more than double! Today, EkoMobil is a trusted solution for sanitation needs in Haiti, offering services for both small gatherings and large-scale events. SOIL’s EkoMobil toilets have been rented for use at a variety of events including Kanaval, Boulva Naval, the Flag Day parade, PapJazz, Dîner en Blan, May Day, Fête OKap, and most recently the Haiti Sailing Cup.
Who pays for EkoMobil?
EkoMobil operates as a revenue-generating business that supports SOIL’s public toilets and other vital projects. Profits from EkoMobil event contracts are reinvested into the business, allowing us to expand our reach and offer safe, eco-friendly sanitation services to even more customers.
Unlike traditional porta potties which often rely on harsh chemicals and lack proper waste treatment in Haiti, EkoMobil ensures that waste is both safely processed and converted into organic compost. This approach not only protects the environment but also offers a more pleasant user experience—many customers have noted that our toilets “simply smell better”.
How has EkoMobil changed/expanded since its inception?
EkoMobil’s rapid growth in rental contracts has strengthened our commitment to scaling up our mobile services. This expansion enables us to increase our education and outreach efforts, raise awareness about EcoSan, and support greater access to safe sanitation across Haiti.
Photo Courtesy of Sakapfet OKAP - EkoMobil toilet rentals at an event in Cap Haitien
Looking to the Future
As EkoMobil continues to grow and innovate, we remain true to our mission of providing sustainable sanitation solutions that not only meet the needs of our customers but also contributes to environmental restoration in Haiti.
With the hard work of our team, SOIL is committed to expanding our reach, bringing EkoMobil services to more events in Cap-Haïtien and the surrounding areas.