John Culpepper and Katie Culpepper, two of the co-founders of Compost for Good, constructed the HURD facility and have been working to develop and refine its innovative composting processes for several years.

The facility recently received official registration from the state Department of Environmental Conservation and employs a unique composting process that uses diverted urine as a nitrogen source in a high-temperature composting regimen. Compost for Good is a project supported by AdkAction, based in Keeseville, and the Adirondack North Country Association, based in Saranac Lake, and the research conducted at the HURD facility has been generously funded by the Cloudsplitter Foundation.

A significant portion of the plant nutrients that humans excrete is contained in urine. By capturing and repurposing these nutrients, the HURD facility could significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production of chemical fertilizers and help prevent excess nutrients from polluting water systems. Notably, phosphorus, a critical nutrient found in urine, is typically sourced from mined fertilizers, often linked to regions of the world with ongoing human conflict. Additionally, excess phosphorus and nitrogen released from wastewater treatment plants are responsible for the degradation of both freshwater rivers and lakes and coastal estuaries and other salt water bodies.

“At Compost for Good, we are dedicated to advancing eco-sanitation practices that turn waste into valuable resources,” John Culpepper said in a release. “Composting human urine is a pivotal part of this effort. By capturing and transforming this often-overlooked resource, we can reduce the environmental impact of conventional fertilizers, reduce the nutrient overloading created by conventional wastewater treatment facilities, and enrich our soils with essential nutrients. This project is not just about recycling; it’s about creating a sustainable future where eco-sanitation plays a key role in fostering environmental resilience in the Adirondacks and beyond. For long-term sustainability it is crucial to reimagine urine through the lens of resource capture, instead of through the lens of waste management.”

Human Urine Research and Demonstration facility in Jay (Provided photo)

“We are incredibly proud of the work being done at the HURD facility,” AdkAction Executive Director Sawyer Bailey added. “This project is a prime example of how simple, innovative solutions can have a profound impact on both the environment and our communities. By capturing valuable nutrients from what would otherwise be waste, we’re contributing to a more sustainable future, and we’re excited to share this work with the world.”

To date, the demonstration facility has processed over 1,600 gallons of urine, resulting in the production of many cubic yards of high-quality, nutrient-dense compost. This compost will soon be utilized in plant trials, representing a significant advancement in the project’s research and development efforts.

The Compost for Good team has shared their groundbreaking work at various regional, national and international conferences and workshops, and they believe they may be among the first in the world to implement this innovative technology at such a scale.

The composting process at the HURD facility is straightforward yet highly effective. Urine, water and a carbon source — such as densified wood pellets — are combined in precise ratios, creating an environment where microbes feed on the nutrients in the urine, break down the carbon source and stabilize the nutrients. During the composting process, the material is heated by microbial activity to over 131 degrees F for at least three days, meeting the EPA’s gold standard for composting. The result is a rich, finished compost with a texture and smell similar to healthy forest soil. This method is safe, low-cost and environmentally beneficial, with the formulas tested at the HURD facility effectively killing pathogens and neutralizing known pharmaceuticals.

For more information about the HURD facility and its research, or to schedule a visit, contact John Culpepper at john@adkaction.org.

AdkAction is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create projects that address unmet needs, promote vibrant communities and preserve the natural beauty of the Adirondacks for all. Learn more at www.AdkAction.org.