Closing the loop

The world food demand is growing. Crops need nutrients for growth so farmers supply fertilisers. However, the production of artificial fertilisers is not sustainable. A circular alternative is needed. Currently, our wastewater is collected all together. Black water is mixed with grey water and taken away in the sewer. However, black water contains most of the nutrients and energy. When black water is separately collected and treated the nutrients can safely be recovered for use as fertilisers closing the cycle between agriculture and our homes. In four cities in Europe, the EU project Run4Life demonstrates local separate systems for treatment of wastewaters and kitchen waste. Recovering fertiliser products and other valuable resources like water and energy.