Can Urine Be Recycled? WeHa Library Program To Explore That Idea

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Often, embracing outside-the-box environmental initiatives requires an open mind and the topic of an upcoming West Hartford Public Library program requires just that.

On Tuesday, July 30, the library system is hosting a virtual program on something called "Peecycling."

And the first three letters of that word are exactly what you think it is.

"Peecycling" is the use of human urine to be processed and used as clean water and fertilizer.

Tuesday's program is at 6:30 p.m. and registration in advance is required to obtain log-in information.

Representatives of "The Rich Earth Institute" will be on hand to discuss "the paradigm-shifting practice of peecycling: reclaiming our 'waste' as a resource to protect our watershed and support local farms."

According to an announcement of the program, "human urine contains vital nutrients for growing crops."

But the way urine is processed traditionally might not be so good for the environment, according to Rich Earth.

"When flushed, urine contributes to nutrient pollution, causing harmful algal blooms and damaging aquatic ecosystems," reads a program announcement.

"Instead of becoming pollution, urine can be recycled as a safe, effective fertilizer for farms and gardens."

For more information and to register to learn about "peecycling," click on this link.

For more information on 'peecycling' from The Rich Earth Institute, click on this link.

For a recent University of Michigan study on 'peecycling,' click on this link.