Circular Sanitation in Practice
IMPLEMENTATIONS IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is home to many pioneers in resource recovery, making circular sanitation far more than just a concept: it’s a growing reality. These five case studies showcase innovative, decentralized systems that treat human waste and used water as resources. From alpine huts to urban housing, each case study demonstrates how circular sanitation can be applied in various contexts . Explore the projects, partners, and impacts behind each initiative.
CRESSY
Geneva’s First Circular Sanitation Building
Designed by Cooperative Équilibre, this 13-unit apartment building showcases Geneva’s first fully circular sanitation system. Dry toilets, urine-based fertilizer (Pitribon), and garden-based greywater treatment create a closed-loop model.
CHAMANNA CLUOZZA
Alpine Sanitation in the Swiss National Park
Located at an elevation of 1,889 m above sea level, this remote mountain hut treats all wastewater on-site using three vermifilters and two constructed wetlands, with treated water safely infiltrated into the surrounding alpine environment. Built in collaboration with Vuna LLC, the energy-free, seasonal, low-tech system is designed for 40 population equivalents and protects a pristine ecosystem.
LA BISTOQUETTE
Urban Sanitation Meets the Sponge City
Set to be populated in 2025, this 103-unit cooperative with 2,400 m² of commercial space features a circular wastewater system. It includes urine separation into Aurin fertilizer, brownwater treatment via vermifiltration, and greywater treatment through planted wetlands and biochar filtration. The treated water is reused for flushing and irrigation, with surplus directed to rainwater infrastructure. Developed with aneco and Vuna Nexus, the cooperative is a model of urban sponge city design.
GERMAN PAVILLION
Sanitation at the Venice Architecture Biennale
In 2023, an autonomous, off-grid sanitation system was installed in the German Pavilion. The system featured urine drying, composting, and handwashing water reuse, and was co-developed by Eawag, IDRO, Finizio, Ogmo, and Urinall.
COMPOSTING HUMAN OUTPUT – USTER
Compost from Dry Toilets and its Legal Clarity
Since 2022, waste from mobile dry toilets is turned into quality compost. This impact project resulted in a pathway towards a clear legal framework and is carried out in collaboration with Kompotoi, Kunz Baumschule and supported by Eawag researchers and cantonal authorities.