Mushroom Toilet Turns Waste Into Compost

A groundbreaking MycoToilet, developed by UBC researchers, uses living mushroom mycelium to decompose human waste without water or chemicals. Launched in September 2025 at UBC Botanical Garden, it represents a significant advancement in sustainable sanitation.

The MycoToilet tackles the global sanitation crisis affecting over two billion people. Unlike energy-intensive sewage systems or toxic chemical toilets, this fungal-based system offers a clean, efficient alternative. It relies on mycelium's natural enzymatic power to break down waste aerobically.

Laboratory tests show the mycelium liners eliminate over 90% of odor-causing compounds, a key hurdle for composting toilets. The design separates liquids and solids, channeling solids into the mycelium compartment for decomposition. Only four maintenance visits per year are needed.

Projected to produce around 600 liters of compost and 2,000 liters of liquid fertilizer annually, the MycoToilet efficiently recovers vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The structure itself features a rot-resistant charred cedar exterior and a green roof, blending aesthetically with its environment.

A six-week pilot program, initiated in late September 2025, is currently testing the MycoToilet under real-world conditions. If successful, this self-contained, low-maintenance system could offer a viable sanitation solution for parks, remote communities, and regions lacking plumbing infrastructure.