Join the 11th Rich Earth Summit on Cape Cod: a golden opportunity to explore practical urine diversion tools for watershed health

Register by September 30

The 11th Annual Rich Earth Summit, the global gathering on urine reclamation and source separation systems, will take place this fall in a two-part format: a place-based event in 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.

Day 1 - Planning Pathways for Urine Diversion: A Tool in the Toolbox for Nutrient Pollution Prevention

Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 9 - 5 ET

Location: Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC), 4 Kittridge Rd, Sandwich, MA 02563

The first day of the Summit will explore how urine diversion complements existing nutrient management strategies, offering a cost-effective and measurable tool in the toolbox for watershed protection. Speakers will discuss technological options, costs, municipal planning, and state regulations and policies. Rolling afternoon tours (free) will feature MASSTC’s installations of cutting-edge onsite wastewater systems, research projects, and innovative urine recycling technologies including urine diverting toilets and treatment tools.

Day 2 - Fertilizing the Grassroots: Ecological Sanitation in Practice

Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2025, 8 - 6 ET

Location: The Green Center, 28 Common Way, East Falmouth, MA 02536

Day 2 will be hosted at The Green Center for an immersive day of tours, workshops, demonstrations, and a Toilet Exhibit showcasing a diverse array of urine diversion and composting systems. Participants will explore many scales of urine nutrient reclamation in practice, from homes and gardens to community projects and farm fertilization. The day emphasizes network-building, connecting participants with national leaders in ecological sanitation and local peers to share strategies and collaborate on action steps.

The day will conclude with a community meal (ticketed separately)–to keep the conversations flowing and fertilize new collaborations!

In-Person Rich Earth Summit Details:

Meals: Paid tickets for each day include a light breakfast and catered lunch
Parking at MASSTC is limited - please consider carpooling when possible!
Recordings: Some sessions of the in-person Summit will be recorded and shared after the event
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. 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 would like a further reduced cost ticket, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at julia@richearthinstitute.org.

Virtual Rich Earth Summit: Nov 12 - 14, 2025

The conversation continues globally November 12-14 with the virtual Rich Earth Summit, featuring presentations and collaborative sessions exploring technology, policy, design, and justice in advancing circular sanitation systems.

For more information, visit RichEarthSummit.org

Thank you to our Summit sponsors for helping make this event possible!

‘Liquid Gold’ Level Sponsors:

View more sponsors here.