ReLEAF is an innovative dry toilet that eliminates the need for flushing by utilizing a composting system for waste and a urine separation system for irrigation, offering a sustainable and resource-efficient sanitation solution.
Define the problem/need you are solving or addressing with your project. How does it address the Open Call criteria, such as environmental impact, social engagement, circularity, user experience, resource efficiency, and community-driven solutions?
Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, yet traditional flush toilets waste significant amounts of clean water each day. In remote or resource-limited areas, access to proper sanitation remains a challenge, leading to environmental pollution and health hazards. ReLEAF addresses these challenges by introducing a dry toilet equipped with a composting and urine separation system. This innovative design eliminates water use for flushing, conserving precious resources while transforming waste into compost and natural fertilizer, thereby promoting circularity. The system is easy to implement in off-grid communities, enhancing sanitation access and fostering self-sufficiency. Designed with user comfort in mind, it integrates seamlessly into various environments, reducing maintenance and odors. ReLEAF aligns with environmental impact goals, improves public health, and encourages community-driven solutions by empowering users to manage waste responsibly, redefining sanitation as eco-friendly, resource-efficient, and socially engaged.
Please describe your project, reflecting on the concept, inspiration, materials, technical aspects, methods and process(es).
ReLEAF reimagines sanitation with a water-free dry toilet that combines composting and urine separation to provide a sustainable waste management system. Inspired by nature’s closed-loop cycles, the design transforms waste into valuable resources while minimizing environmental impact. The urine separation system enhances efficient composting by preventing excess moisture, which accelerates decomposition and reduces odors. Rainwater collected from the roof is used for handwashing and directed into a container where it mixes with urine for dilution before being utilized for irrigation. Solid waste is deposited into a chamber, which is then covered with sawdust, humus soil, or ash after each use to promote decomposition and control odors. Once full, the contents are transferred to an external compost pile for complete composting before being used as fertilizer. The system is constructed using natural materials and designed for simplicity and modularity, ensuring it remains user-friendly and easily adaptable to diverse environments
What do you think makes your project innovative compared to the existing efforts and ideas in the field it addresses?
ReLEAF is unique in its combination of urine separation with a water-free, modular dry toilet system that eliminates water waste while promoting efficient composting. Unlike basic dry toilets that often resemble mere holes in the ground, this system provides a thoughtful solution that transforms an unpleasant resource into a valuable cycle. By separating urine and using it along with collected rainwater for dilution, ReLEAF accelerates composting, reduces odors, and prevents excess moisture. Instead of merely hiding or burying waste, this project addresses the often-taboo subject of human waste by reimagining it as a resource. The system’s modular design guarantees ease of use, adaptability, and minimal maintenance, making it suitable for various settings, including off-grid communities. Built from natural materials, this innovative solution embraces circularity by turning waste into compost and fertilizer, thus offering a sustainable, user-centered approach to waste management.
Does it impact or reflect young people need(s) and how?
ReLEAF reflects the needs of young people by addressing their concerns regarding sustainability, environmental impact, and resource conservation. As younger generations become increasingly aware of eco-friendly solutions, this composting toilet system contributes to reducing water waste, highlighting a significant global issue. It encourages them to rethink daily habits; for instance, many flush toilets without acknowledging the volume of water being consumed and its broader ecological impact. By transforming human waste into fertilizer, the system promotes sustainability and self-sufficiency. Its modular, simple design makes it accessible for eco-conscious individuals, whether they reside off-grid or in urban settings. By fostering a mindset of circularity and responsibility toward the environment, ReLEAF empowers young people to adopt greener lifestyles and reconsider the everyday actions they take that contribute to a larger ecological footprint.
