At first glance, the MycoToilet might sound like something out of a sci-fi eco-village. But this sleek, cedar-clad structure nestled in the UBC Botanical Garden is very real—and very revolutionary. Launched on September 26, 2025, by researchers at the University of British Columbia, it’s the world’s first mushroom-powered waterless toilet. That’s right: no plumbing, no chemicals, no electricity. Just fungi doing what they do best—breaking things down.

The MycoToilet sits nestled in the UBC Botanical Garden, blending sustainable design with natural surroundings.  
→ (Image: UBC News)

The secret lies in mycelium, the root-like networks that connect mushrooms underground. These fungal threads are nature’s cleanup crew, producing enzymes that transform waste into simpler compounds while supporting microbial communities that speed up decomposition. “Fungi are very good at breaking down biomass, including human and animal waste,” explains Dr. Steven Hallam, professor of microbiology and immunology at UBC.

Here’s how it works: when someone uses the toilet, solid and liquid waste are separated. The solids enter a compartment lined with mycelium, which absorbs odors and kickstarts composting. Lab tests show the system removes over 90% of odor-causing compounds—a major win for anyone who’s ever wrinkled their nose at a composting toilet. The liquids are stored separately and, under ideal conditions, become self-sterile, making them usable for irrigation.

But this isn’t just about science—it’s about design, dignity, and access. The MycoToilet is modular, wheelchair-accessible, and built with prefabricated timber panels and a charred cedar exterior that’s naturally rot-resistant and antimicrobial. A green roof supports local plants, while a solar-powered fan keeps air circulating. Inside, stainless steel fixtures and skylights create a space that feels more spa than outhouse.

“We wanted to turn a daily routine everyone knows into a pleasant experience that reminds us of our connection to ecological cycles,” says project lead Joseph Dahmen, associate professor at UBC’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. “Composting toilets often carry negative associations. We aimed to create a system that’s clean, comfortable and easy to use”.

Why does this matter now? Because sanitation is still a global challenge. Millions live without access to safe toilets, and even in developed regions, chemical toilets are common in parks and remote areas—bringing environmental downsides and unpleasant user experiences. The MycoToilet flips that script. It’s designed to be dropped into places without infrastructure, offering a self-contained, low-maintenance solution that only needs servicing four times a year.

Over the next six weeks, UBC researchers will monitor the pilot system to see how well it performs with real users. If successful, the toilet could produce 600 liters of soil and 2,000 liters of liquid fertilizer annually, turning waste into a resource and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.

This isn’t just a toilet—it’s a glimpse into a future where sustainability meets everyday life in unexpected ways. As climate pressures mount and cities rethink infrastructure, innovations like the MycoToilet could become part of a broader movement toward biogenic architecture—designs that work with nature, not against it.

So next time you think about the humble toilet, consider this: mushrooms might just be the key to cleaner cities, healthier ecosystems, and a more dignified way to go. Keep an eye on UBC’s pilot—because if it works, the ripple effects could reach far beyond the garden.

Source: UBC