UBC launches mushroom-powered toilet, turning waste into fertilizer

The University of British Columbia has unveiled the MycoToilet, an innovative waterless toilet that converts human waste into compost using mycelia, the root network of mushrooms. Situated in the Botanical Garden, this toilet effectively separates liquids from solids, with research indicating a 90% reduction in odor-causing compounds. Professor Steven Hallam noted that the breathable mycelium liner fosters aerobic decomposition by limiting moisture and anaerobic conditions. With only four maintenance visits required annually, the MycoToilet is expected to generate 600 liters of soil and 2,000 liters of liquid fertilizer each year. Joseph Dahmen, the project lead, stressed the importance of recontextualizing waste, urging society to view it as a source of nutrients rather than a problem.

This initiative also engages users in citizen science as they contribute to research on the toilet's performance. The project reflects a growing movement in wastewater treatment to recover valuable materials from waste. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to local ecosystems while promoting sustainable practices on campus.