Canadian Researchers Deploy Mycelium to Transform Human Waste into Compost
- Marc Violo
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Too long to read? Go for the highlights below.
University of British Columbia launched the world's first mushroom-powered waterless toilet, using fungal networks to convert human waste into nutrient-rich compost
Laboratory tests indicate mycelium liners remove over 90% of odour-causing compounds whilst supporting microbial decomposition without water, electricity, or chemicals
The system requires only four maintenance visits annually and is expected to produce 600 litres of soil and 2,000 litres of liquid fertiliser per year
The fungal kingdom's remarkable ability to decompose organic matter has long fascinated biologists. Now, researchers at the University of British Columbia have harnessed this natural process to address a decidedly unglamorous challenge: human waste management in areas without plumbing infrastructure.
Mycelium Meets Sanitation
The MycoToilet, which opened at UBC's Botanical Garden on 26 September, represents a novel application of mycelium, the extensive root-like networks that form the vegetative part of fungi. The waterless system separates liquid from solid waste, directing solids into mycelium-lined compartments where fungal enzymes and microbial communities break down material into compost.
The biological mechanism relies on fungi's natural capabilities. These organisms produce enzymes that transform complex organic compounds into simpler substances whilst fostering microbial communities that accelerate decomposition. The process occurs aerobically, avoiding the unpleasant odours typically associated with anaerobic composting systems. Laboratory testing suggests the mycelium liners eliminate more than 90% of odour-causing compounds.
Joseph Dahmen, associate professor at UBC's School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and project lead, emphasises the system's departure from conventional composting toilet designs. The team sought to create an experience that reinforces ecological connections rather than generates aversion, addressing the negative perceptions often attached to waterless sanitation systems.
Operational Practicality and Environmental Advantages
The modular structure requires minimal intervention, with just four scheduled maintenance visits annually. This streamlined operational approach addresses a key barrier to municipal adoption of composting toilets, where uncertainty about maintenance demands often deters implementation.
Unlike chemical toilets containing formaldehyde and other compounds that necessitate treating waste as hazardous material, the MycoToilet operates without added water, electricity, or chemicals. The design incorporates prefabricated timber panels with a charred cedar exterior providing natural rot resistance and antimicrobial properties. A green roof supports local flora and fauna, whilst a low-power fan maintains air circulation.
The wheelchair-accessible facility features stainless steel finishes and ventilated cedar structures. Its skylit design integrates into the forest setting near UBC's tree walk, with the physical appearance deliberately conceived to eliminate typical associations with composting systems.
Microbial Interactions Under Study
Dr Steven Hallam, professor in UBC's Department of Microbiology and Immunology, explains that fungi excel at breaking down biomass, including human and animal waste. The current six-week pilot programme will monitor how microbial communities interact with the mushroom networks to optimise aerobic decomposition processes.
Once fully operational, the system is projected to generate approximately 600 litres of soil and 2,000 litres of liquid fertiliser annually. This output transforms maintenance from a disposal challenge into resource generation, potentially reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers.
Applications Beyond Urban Centres
The technology holds particular relevance for locations lacking conventional sewerage infrastructure. Parks, remote communities, and developing regions could benefit from a self-contained waste management solution that operates independently of water supply and electrical grids.
The project received support from Canada's Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council through its New Frontiers in Research Fund, alongside UBC's Campus as a Living Lab initiative, the SEEDS Sustainability Programme, and the BioProducts Institute. The Microbial Cell Systems for Sustainable Living research cluster provided networking support.
Scaling Biological Solutions
The MycoToilet exemplifies how fungal biology can address practical infrastructure challenges. By leveraging mycelium's inherent capacity to decompose organic matter, the system offers an alternative to both water-intensive conventional toilets and chemical-dependent portable facilities.
The pilot phase will determine whether the biological processes perform consistently with real-world usage patterns and environmental conditions. If successful, the technology could provide municipalities and organisations with a viable option for sustainable waste management in settings where traditional plumbing proves impractical or prohibitively expensive.
The convergence of architectural design, microbiology, and mycological science in this application demonstrates fungi's expanding role beyond food production and pharmaceuticals, extending into fundamental urban and rural infrastructure systems.