The MycoToilet uses fungal networks to transform human waste into compost, offering a sustainable sanitation solution for parks, remote communities, and areas without plumbing infrastructure
UBC unveils groundbreaking mushroom-based waterless toilet
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed the MycoToilet—an innovative waterless sanitation system that harnesses fungal networks to transform human waste into valuable compost. Launched at UBC Botanical Garden on September 26, this prototype represents a leap forward in sustainable infrastructure for parks, remote areas, and communities lacking traditional plumbing.
“We set out to reimagine an everyday necessity as something that connects people to natural cycles,” explained Joseph Dahmen, associate professor at UBC’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and the project’s lead researcher. “Our goal was to overcome the stigma surrounding composting toilets by delivering a solution that’s hygienic, inviting, and user-friendly.”
Engineered for simplicity and accessibility
As explained here, the modular design requires only quarterly maintenance visits and meets full wheelchair accessibility standards. “We’ve eliminated the operational concerns that typically deter municipalities from adopting composting systems,” Dahmen noted. “The maintenance schedule is predetermined, ventilation is built-in, and the entire system functions reliably.”
In contrast to conventional chemical toilets that use formaldehyde and produce hazardous waste, the MycoToilet provides an eco-conscious alternative without compromising on comfort or cleanliness.
The structure features prefabricated timber panels with a charred cedar exterior—a treatment that enhances both rot resistance and antimicrobial properties. A living roof supports native vegetation and biodiversity, while an energy-efficient fan maintains continuous airflow.
Nestled along UBC’s tree walk, the skylit facility integrates seamlessly with its forest surroundings. An accessible ramp welcomes visitors to an interior finished with timber and stainless steel, where ventilated cedar chambers and odor-neutralizing mycelium compartments eliminate the typical drawbacks of traditional composting toilets.
The science behind the system
The toilet’s back-end technology separates liquids from solids. Solid waste enters chambers lined with mycelia—the branching filaments that form mushroom root systems—where fungi naturally absorb odors while microorganisms decompose the material into nutrient-dense compost.
“Fungi excel at breaking down organic matter through specialized enzymes that convert complex materials into simpler forms,” said Dr. Steven Hallam, professor in UBC’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology. “They simultaneously foster microbial ecosystems that speed up decomposition—all without water, electricity, or chemical additives.”
The research team is investigating how fungal-bacterial interactions can optimize aerobic decomposition and prevent the unpleasant odors associated with oxygen-depleted composting. Laboratory experiments indicate that mycelium liners eliminate over 90 percent of odor-causing compounds.
Real-world testing underway
A six-week pilot program is evaluating the system’s performance with actual users while tracking the mycelia’s waste-processing capabilities. At full capacity, the MycoToilet is projected to generate approximately 600 liters of enriched soil and 2,000 liters of liquid fertilizer annually—transforming waste management into a resource production process while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers.
“Success here could establish a scalable, economical sanitation solution for municipalities, parks, isolated communities, and developing regions worldwide,” Dahmen emphasized.
The initiative brought together experts from SALA and the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, with funding from NSERC’s New Frontiers in Research Fund, UBC’s Campus as a Living Lab, the UBC SEEDS Sustainability Program, and the BioProducts Institute, alongside collaborative support from the MCELLS research cluster.