A toilet that turns human waste into compost
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Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed the MycoToilet, a pioneering device that uses mushrooms, rather than water or chemicals, to transform human waste into compost.
Unlike traditional toilets that flush waste away with gallons of water, this toilet uses mycelia, the root networks of mushrooms, as a dry composting system, making it perfect for remote rural communities or areas with limited access to clean water.
No chemicals are involved, which avoids the environmental impact of chemical treatments.
How does it work?
1. Waste is collected in a mycelium-lined compartment, where a system separates liquid from solid waste.
2. Fungi absorb odours, and microbes break the waste down.
3. Microbes produce enzymes that transform material into simpler compounds while accelerating decomposition.
According to the pilot test, the resulting product will be a nutrient-rich compost after approximately six weeks. This is expected to produce roughly 600 litres of soil and 2,000 litres of liquid fertiliser annually.
The MycoToilet “could provide a self-contained, cost-effective solution for managing waste in parks, municipalities, remote communities and developing regions,” according to Joseph Dahmen, associate professor at UBC’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA) and project lead.
This project offers a low-cost, low-maintenance alternative and promotes both equity and environmental sustainability.