Michigan and State Rivals Collect Urine for Fertilizer Research
Universities set up yurts with urinals to gather samples for a process that turns waste into nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer.
By Abigail Brooks ·
Researchers estimate that just 4% of the urine produced by University of Michigan staff and students could replace all fertilizer the university currently buys from outside sources. That calculation, first made by Professor Nancy Love in 2017, anchors a new effort to turn human waste into agricultural fuel ahead of the football game between Michigan and Michigan State on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The two schools have organized a collection event named "The Piss Off." Yurts equipped with portable bathrooms will stand on both campuses, allowing fans to contribute samples before the kickoff. The University of Michigan invites attendees to "contribute to the cause" by using the facilities, which will be available at the Ann Arbor Golf & Outing Course from noon to 8 p.m.
The collection is limited to urine from individuals who stand to urinate, as the yurts contain only urinals. The primary goal is to gather material for a fertilizer production process known as "peecycling." This method extracts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from urine to create a nutrient-rich substance for soil.
Stephen Gasteyer, an associate professor of sociology at Michigan State, explained that the event serves two purposes. "One is to actually collect the urine which can be used to produce the fertilizer but the other is to educate people that what comes out of our bodies naturally provides nutrients that can help things grow," he said. He noted that current methods of treating urine consume significant energy and resources, often resulting in the loss of valuable nutrients.
Gasteyer added that the process could yield tangible results for homeowners. "It will provide you with truly beautiful peonies in the front of your house," he said. While urine is generally restricted for use on food crops, it is widely applied to horticultural plants such as lawns and flowerbeds.
The fertilizer produced from the collected samples will be used in research at two locations. The Kellogg Biological Station in Ross Township and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor will both utilize the product. The initiative aims to demonstrate that a standard biological output can be repurposed to support plant growth rather than being disposed of.
Fans can find further details on the University of Michigan's engineering college website. The event positions the in-state rivalry not just as a contest of athletic skill, but as a shared scientific endeavor to rethink how urban centers manage biological waste.
