The BeeVi eco-friendly toilet, developed by the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea, is not just an innovation in sustainable living—it’s also making students’ lives easier by turning human waste into energy and cryptocurrency.
Transforming Waste Into Resources
Created by Cho Jae-weon, an environmental engineering professor at UNIST, the BeeVi toilet redirects human waste into an underground tank where microorganisms decompose it into methane gas. This biogas is then converted into energy used to power buildings on campus and produce fertilizer.
The toilet system conserves water by suctioning waste directly into the storage tank, reducing the need for flushing.
Cryptocurrency Rewards
BeeVi users are rewarded with an internal cryptocurrency called “Ggool” (Korean for “Honey”). Each use earns students 10 Ggool, which they can spend on campus for coffee, instant noodles, books, and more.
“By recognizing the value of waste, I am contributing to a circular economy,” Professor Cho explained.
The Energy Potential of Waste
An average person produces 500 grams of feces daily, which can generate about 50 liters of methane gas. This is enough to produce 0.5 kWh of electricity—sufficient to power an electric car for 1.2 kilometers.
If all campus toilets are replaced with BeeVi, the potential for clean energy production is enormous.
Changing Perspectives on Waste
Heo Hui-jin, a UNIST alumna, shared her newfound appreciation for waste: “I no longer see feces as dirty—it’s a treasure. I even talk about waste during meals while thinking about books I want to buy.”
Beyond BeeVi: The Rise of Eco-Friendly Toilets
The BeeVi isn’t the only waterless, sustainable toilet system. The Tiger Toilet, for instance, uses tiger worms housed in an underground container to digest human waste. The worms break down the waste into water, carbon dioxide, and nutrient-rich vermicompost, making it an excellent fertilizer.
Broader Implications
Such innovations reflect the growing emphasis on resource efficiency and sustainability. By turning waste into valuable resources, solutions like BeeVi and Tiger Toilet help reduce environmental impact while fostering a circular economy.
