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UBC’s MycoToilet is a waterless sanitation research prototype that separates liquid and solid waste, then uses a mycelium-lined compartment and microbial activity to process the solids. UBC reported preliminary laboratory odor results, but field performance and the safety of treated material remain under evaluation; the system is not established as a consumer product.
How the MycoToilet is designed to work
The University of British Columbia reported launching the MycoToilet at the UBC Botanical Garden in September 2025. It is a modular design built around an existing waste-separating composting toilet. Liquid and solid waste are separated, and the solids enter a compartment lined with a biodegradable mycelium biocomposite insert.
According to the project team, fungi in the liner absorb odors while microbial communities help break down the material. The Biogenic Architecture Lab describes the design as combining mycelium’s thermal resistance with engineered communities of thermophilic bacteria. The team says those bacteria contribute to breaking down harmful pathogens; that design description is not, by itself, proof that treated waste is pathogen-free or safe to reuse.
UBC microbiology professor Steven Hallam described fungi as effective at breaking down biomass, including human and animal waste, and said fungal enzymes transform material into simpler compounds while supporting microbial communities that accelerate decomposition. These are the biological principles behind the prototype, not a guarantee of a particular treatment outcome in every installation.
#1 Best Overall
- Urine-Separating Compost System: Waterless composting toilet with urine diverting technology for off-grid use without additives or mixing required
- High-Capacity Design: Spacious construction accommodates extended use between emptying cycles, suitable for residential and remote applications
- No Water Required: Completely waterless operation eliminates the need for plumbing connections and conserves water resources
- Versatile Installation Options: Suitable for homesteads, converted school buses, cottages, cabins, and other off-grid living spaces
- Low Maintenance Operation: Simple design requires no chemical additives, mixing, or complex maintenance procedures for hassle-free composting
What the evidence shows so far
Preliminary odor testing
UBC Science reported that preliminary laboratory tests found the mycelium liners removed more than 90 per cent of odor-causing compounds. This is a lab result reported by UBC, not evidence of long-term odor control under all field conditions.
Field performance and reuse safety remain under evaluation
UBC’s project page describes field testing, waste monitoring, and rigorous safety testing of treated soil products as objectives. It does not report a completed field-performance assessment or final safety validation for the treated material. Nutrient recovery and useful soil products are intended outcomes, not yet established permission for unrestricted use.
Rank #2
- DESIGNED FOR THE ADVENTURER - No Electric, No Plumbing, No Hassle. The NOMAD is the simple, affordable compost toilet solution built for rugged environments. No power source or wiring required—perfect for truck campers, pop-up tents, primitive camping, and remote field setups.
- ODOR FREE URINE DIVERTING SYSTEM - Built with a proven separation design that keeps liquids and solids apart to prevent odor—without chemicals, black tanks, or septic connections. Stay longer outdoors without relying on dump stations or chemical toilets.
- PORTABLE AND SPACE SAVING - Compact footprint fits in truck beds, car trunks, TentBox-style rooftop tents, rental camper vans, small boats, and temporary field shelters. Lightweight and easy to move, store, load, or deploy wherever nature takes you.
- SIMPLE BAG SYSTEM - No special liners required. The system works with widely available 8-gallon bags for easy clean-up and fast campsite turnaround. A great option for day boaters, weekend adventurers, hunters, and guides.
- DURABLE, LOW MAINTENANCE - Made for mud, dust, weather, and repeated weekend trips. Just add composting medium, use, tie off the bag, and dispose per local guidelines. Made with rugged materials and manufactured with care in the USA.
Composting toilets are an established technology, according to UBC’s Campus as a Living Lab project page. That general status should not be confused with validation of this particular prototype or its outputs.
Built for places without conventional plumbing
The launch report describes a wheelchair-accessible modular structure made with prefabricated timber panels, a cedar exterior, a green roof, and a low-power fan. UBC reports a design schedule of four maintenance visits per year; this is the stated schedule for this prototype, not a general rule for composting toilets.
The Tool Desk
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- Sets up in minutes and offers low maintenance operation
- User friendly design featuring liquid/solid separator
- Minimal maintenance and no frequent dumping
- Perfect for tiny homes, cottages, boats, garages, cabins, RVs and more
- H: 19.8" / W: 15.75" / D: 24" with seat height at 18"
The project is intended to explore sanitation in settings without plumbing. UBC identifies parks and remote communities, while the project page also mentions rural communities, refugee camps, and disaster settings as potential applications. These are proposed contexts, not documented deployments or validated use cases in each setting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is developing it—and what is available now
The project brings together architecture and microbiology. UBC’s project page names Joseph Dahmen, Daniel Mosquin, Steven Hallam, and Chris Moraes among the team; the Biogenic Architecture Lab identifies Dahmen and Hallam as lead researchers. Dahmen, the project lead and an associate professor in UBC’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, said the aim was to make a familiar daily routine a pleasant experience that reminds users of ecological cycles.
Rank #4
- No one - and I mean no one - will beat my customer service and individual support
- Easy to install by any reasonably handy person.
- Absolutely No Odor. No Maintenance. 5 Year Warranty.
- Huge Capacity. 2 people using full time will empty every 4-6 weeks. Easy empty in 5 minutes.
- A vast improvement over older composting toilet designs. This one works!
The project sources do not establish that the MycoToilet or its mycelium insert is available to buy. A waste-separating composting toilet is the relevant broader product category for people exploring decentralized sanitation, but a commercial product in that category is not the same thing as UBC’s prototype.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT: Composting toilet ideal for mobile use with dimensions of 12.3” (H) x 15.0” (D) x 13.4” (W) and a weight of just 10.4 lbs. Fits in the storage compartments of many campervans.
- ADJUSTABLE & ERGONOMIC: Features an adjustable seat that can be set to either 12.0” or 17.2”. The ergonomically shaped seat ensures maximum comfort. Tested to support up to 330.7 lbs, ensuring an always comfortable experience.
- ODORLESS & SPILL-PROOF: Enjoy an odor-free experience with a clean separation of urine and solids - no need for chemicals, water or electricity. The innovative TROBOLO SafeShell System adds an extra layer of protection against smells and liquid spills.
- SECURE & TRAVEL-READY: One of a few portable toilets designed with a firmly closing toilet lid. Includes a practical fastening system for added safety during travel. Made from durable materials to withstand all outdoor conditions.
- LONG-LASTING & EFFICIENT: Supports 10-20 uses for urination and 8-12 uses for defecation before the containers need to be emptied. Built-in urine level indicator for quick checks of filling level.
Sources
- UBC Science, “UBC launches world’s first mushroom-powered, waterless toilet” (September 29, 2025)
- UBC Campus as a Living Lab, “MycoToilet: Demonstration of a Mycelium-Based Composting Toilet Sustainable Places & Communities”
- UBC Biogenic Architecture Lab, “Modular MycoToilet”
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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