The 11th Annual Rich Earth Summit, the global gathering on urine reclamation and ecological sanitation, will take place this fall in a two-part format: a place-based event on Cape Cod (October 15–16), followed by a global virtual convening (November 12–14). 

 

Hosted by the Rich Earth Institute, the Summit brings together researchers, regulators, planners, designers, and community members to explore how urine diversion can serve as a practical, cost-effective option for preventing nutrient pollution in sensitive watersheds—while contributing to sustainable agriculture and climate resilient infrastructure. 

 

Cape Cod’s coastal estuaries and freshwater ponds are experiencing severe nutrient pollution, leading to harmful algal blooms, and threatening ecosystems, drinking water, and the local economy. Much of this pollution comes from septic systems, with urine contributing 70% of the nitrogen and 50% of the phosphorus in wastewater. By separating urine at the source, communities can reduce nutrient loads to local water bodies. As an added benefit, the diverted urine can be processed into a sustainable fertilizer for use on farms instead of imported synthetic fertilizer. 

 

The in-person Rich Earth Summit will provide a comprehensive introduction to how urine diversion can work at many scales and facilitate exploration of practical options for Cape Cod–informed by insights from research and implementation projects across the country. Rich Earth is delighted to partner with both the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) and The Green Center for two diverse days of programming–read an overview below or visit our full Summit schedule for more details.