In a groundbreaking stride toward sustainable sanitation, researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have unveiled a revolutionary invention — a mushroom-powered, waterless toilet that transforms human waste into nutrient-rich compost. The innovation, named MycoToilet, represents a fusion of biology, sustainability, and engineering designed to minimize water consumption and create usable soil from waste.

Turning Waste Into Life

Located at the UBC Botanical Garden, the MycoToilet operates without any water. Instead, it uses mycelium — the root-like structure of fungi — to naturally decompose human waste. Mycelium breaks down organic material, neutralizes odors, and converts waste into a form of compost that can eventually be used to nourish plants.

According to UBC’s research team, this process can produce approximately 600 liters of solid compost and 2,000 liters of liquid fertilizer annually, making it an efficient, zero-waste system that supports ecological cycles.

Sustainable Design for the Future

Traditional toilets are responsible for a significant portion of household water use — as much as 30% in some regions. The MycoToilet aims to change that. By completely eliminating the need for flushing water, it reduces pressure on water systems and cuts greenhouse gas emissions associated with wastewater treatment.

In addition, the system is odorless, compact, and designed for easy maintenance. UBC researchers emphasize that it can be particularly valuable in remote communities, disaster zones, and developing regions where clean water and sewage infrastructure are limited.

How It Works

The toilet separates solid and liquid waste. Solid waste is directed into a chamber containing a network of fungal mycelia. These fungi break down waste materials through natural decomposition, aided by controlled temperature and airflow.
The resulting compost — rich in nutrients — can be used for soil enrichment, while liquid waste undergoes natural filtration and evaporation to prevent contamination.

Beyond the Laboratory

UBC’s Living Labs program has integrated the MycoToilet as part of a larger initiative to explore circular resource systems — turning waste into usable materials and energy. Environmental engineers and biologists at the university are now analyzing the long-term viability of fungal decomposition under various conditions and plan to test similar systems in community settings.

The MycoToilet is also being studied for potential commercial applications in eco-resorts, national parks, and sustainable housing developments worldwide.

A Step Toward a Cleaner Planet

The mushroom-powered toilet exemplifies how nature-inspired innovation can address global sustainability challenges. With growing concerns about water scarcity and pollution, solutions like the MycoToilet highlight the power of biotechnology and ecological design to close the loop between waste and renewal.

UBC researchers hope their creation will inspire more green technologies that harmonize human needs with the planet’s natural systems — turning what was once considered waste into the foundation of new life.