10th Annual Rich Earth Summit

The 2024 Rich Earth Summit marks the 10th annual global gathering on urine reclamation, organized by the Rich Earth Institute. Urine, rich in essential plant nutrients, can be reclaimed as a sustainable fertilizer to prevent nutrient pollution in watersheds and conserve water resources. This process, known as “peecycling,” is a vital strategy for both nutrient management and sustainable sanitation solutions. The Summit brings together researchers, practitioners, and advocates from around the world to share knowledge, showcase innovative projects, and foster new collaborations. 

The Rich Earth Summit will include introductory sessions for those new to the topic as well as advanced presentations on cutting-edge research and practical implementation projects. The hybrid format allows participation both virtually and in-person. Interactive virtual sessions will enable participants to explore new ideas and make global connections. The in-person Summit component, hosted in Brattleboro, Vermont, will feature an exhibit from Wasted* and an Open House at the Research Center of Rich Earth and Brightwater Tools.

Sarah Nahar, M.Div, Syracuse University, will present the Summit Keynote: “To Have Excretory Justice, We Have to Deal With Our Crap.” 

✨ View the full Summit Agenda. ✨

2024 Summit topics include: 

• Urine treatment and processing (including concentration, microbial dynamics, and contaminant removal) 
• Container-based systems and sanitation justice 
• Urine fertilizer applications in sustainable agriculture 
• Navigating policy and regulatory pathways  
• Design and sociotechnical dynamics
• Virtual tours of urine recycling facilities
• Knowledge-sharing strategies and collective action initiatives
• Engaging youth in circular sanitation solutions 

Why Source Separation? 

Separating human waste at the source, rather than combining it into one, dilute wastewater stream, can enable tight, efficient cycles of resource recovery. Source separation increases the value of the resource: contamination and dilution are minimized while processing is simplified. 

About Rich Earth Institute

Since 2012, the Rich Earth Institute has been a leader in promoting the practice of peecycling, advocating for regional nutrient sovereignty and climate-resilient sanitation. The Institute operates the first and largest community-scale urine recycling program in the United States, contributing to a growing global movement for circular sanitation systems. 

Hybrid Event

The Summit will be hosted virtually via Zoom--all attendees will receive the link to attend the Summit for all three days. The in-person hub for the Summit will be hosted at Potash Hill (2582 South Road, Marlboro, VT, 05344).  

Ticket Pricing

Tickets are sold on a pay-what-you-can basis to ensure the Summit is accessible to all. We encourage you to choose the price that works best for you. When choosing your price please consider the number of people who might be watching with you.

Your registration gives you access to three days of Summit virtual programming, including keynote speaker Sarah Nahar, 8 themed panels featuring 36 presentations, 3 roundtable discussions, 3 introductory presentations, and interactive engagement opportunities. You’ll also receive access to video recordings and saved chats from the entire Summit.

If you’re able to contribute more, we invite you to consider an additional donation to support the Summit and help cover the costs for those who cannot pay.

We strive to make the Summit open to everyone—attending should never be a financial hardship. If you need a free (virtual) or further reduced cost (in-person) ticket, please reach out to us at media@richearthinstitute.org.