The Unpleasant Reality of Port-a-Potties

Have you ever used a port-a-potty? If so, you likely remember it as an unpleasant experience. Even though we use toilets every day without much thought, port-a-potties often elicit a stronger reaction due to their unappealing conditions and smell.

Brophy Tyree’s Vision for Change

According to Brophy Tyree, co-founder and CEO of Wasted, the traditional port-a-potty industry is ripe for innovation. "No one likes the port-a-potty," he admits. However, Tyree sees an opportunity to not only redesign these plastic boxes but also transform the waste they produce into valuable fertilizers for farmers.

From Waste to Fertilizer

Wasted’s founders, including Thor Retzlaff and Taylor Zehren, aim to revolutionize the way we manage human waste. They want to create a more efficient and sustainable system that utilizes the nutrients present in urine and feces.

Farmers have long recognized the value of using manure and other forms of animal waste as fertilizers. "When you talk to a farmer, they completely understand the value proposition right away," Tyree explains. This concept is not new; it’s simply underutilized due to outdated infrastructure and practices.

The Power of Urine

Research suggests that urine contains significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – essential nutrients for plant growth. In fact, one study estimates that wastewater in cities could offset around 13% of global fertilizer demand.

A New Approach to Waste Management

Wasted’s innovative approach involves collecting waste from port-a-potties and processing it into fertilizers. They plan to start by serving as a backup or replacement for traditional sewage systems in regions with underdeveloped sanitation infrastructure.

Why Port-a-Potties First?

Wasted has chosen to focus on port-a-potty businesses due to several reasons:

• Modular and Efficient: Port-a-potty companies often operate on a modular basis, making it easier for Wasted to integrate their system.
• High Volume: The sheer number of port-a-potties in use provides an ample supply of waste for processing.
• Opportunity for Growth: By addressing the needs of this industry, Wasted can expand its operations and create a more significant impact.

A Sustainable Future

Wasted’s vision is to transform waste management into a sustainable practice that benefits both the environment and farmers. Their innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the way we handle human waste and create a more efficient, eco-friendly system.

The Potential Impact

By harnessing the power of urine and feces as fertilizers, Wasted can:

• Reduce Waste: Minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills and decrease the environmental burden.
• Improve Crop Yield: Provide farmers with high-quality fertilizers, leading to increased crop yields and reduced pesticide use.
• Create Jobs: Establish a new industry focused on sustainable waste management and fertilizer production.

Wasted’s groundbreaking approach has the potential to transform the way we manage waste and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.