Urine-separation and reuse trial

Abstract

Urine-separating toilets (UST) have been used as an effective source control measure in many parts of Europe for years. The purpose of UST is to separate nutrients (N, P, K) at source to avoid mixing with faecal matter. Urine separation reduces water use and nutrient discharges to sewage treatment systems and the receiving environment, and increases the potential for closing the nutrient loop since the stored urine can be used as a fertiliser. UST technology ranges from single and dual flush systems to dry (composting) toilets. This paper will firstly provide a brief background on UST and the reuse of urine in Europe, and then describe its application to 20 homes at The Ecovillage at Currumbin.