Workshop 7 (synthesis): Towards a recycling society: Systems approach to small-scale reuse of human waste

Abstract

Population increase and growing quantities of human excreta create serious problems and high risks for people's health. Alternative solutions are becoming crucial to improve urban living conditions, and to shorten water and nutrient flows into circulation of used water and nutrient in human excreta. The speakers presented a wide range of experiences of "closing the loops" and thereby turning potential waste into productive use. The focus of the workshop deliberations was on simplifying the hygienisation of urine and faeces and the reuse in food production by using urine-diverting toilets, as well as innovative ways to recycle sewage after various stages of treatment.