A group of researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) have launched a new prototype for a waterless toilet, which uses mushroom root networks to decompose human waste into compost. The MycoToilet, which opened for use on 26 September in the university’s Botanical Gardens, is the result of several years of development by lead researcher Joseph Dahmen and his team. …The system uses mycelia, the underground networks of fungi, to break down solid waste in lined compartments while separating liquid waste for use as fertiliser. “Fungi are very good at breaking down biomass, including human and animal waste,” says Dr Steven Hallam, a Professor in UBC’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology. “No added water, electricity or chemicals are required.” …”If successful, the MycoToilet could provide a self-contained, cost-effective solution for managing waste in parks, municipalities, remote communities and developing regions,” Joseph says.