# Efficacy of recycled human waste fertilizers

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/efficacy-of-recycled-human-waste-fertilizers
> Updated: 2026-10-22T06:45:19.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

An international research study published in ‘Frontiers in Environmental Science’ has concluded that recycled fertilizers derived from human urine and feces can achieve crop yields comparable to conventional mineral, organic, or organomineral fertilizers.

Analyzing 455 datasets from 202 sources across 32 countries, researchers found that the efficacy of these ecological sanitation systems depends on the raw materials, treatment processes, and application conditions. The study highlighted that urine provides essential nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium. 

While these systems offer a sustainable alternative to address challenges regarding the availability and extraction costs of nutrients like phosphorus, researchers noted that not all products derived from human waste are equally suitable for food crop cultivation, and questions regarding the safety of recycling processes remain.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Study finds ecological sanitation fertilizers match conventional efficacy

A study in ‘Frontiers in Environmental Science’ shows that recycled fertilizers from ecological sanitation systems are as effective as conventional mineral fertilizers.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/study-finds-ecological-sanitation-fertilizers-match-conventional-efficacy

### 2026-10-17: Recycled human waste fertilizer can match mineral fertilizer yields

A study led by NetSan reveals that recycled fertilizer from human waste can match the crop yields of mineral fertilizers, though suitability for food crops varies.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/recycled-human-waste-fertilizer-can-match-mineral-fertilizer-yields

---
Cite as: Efficacy of recycled human waste fertilizers. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/efficacy-of-recycled-human-waste-fertilizers