Using Urine in Compost: The Simple (and Free) Way to Supercharge Your Garden Soil
Learn how to safely use urine in compost to add nitrogen, speed up decomposition, and create rich, healthy soil. Simple ratios and real-life tips.
Some of my ideas make my family roll their eyes, but this one definitely takes the cake. I asked them to help me pee in the compost pile. The boys were delighted (of course). My daughter? Not so much. But every drop counts, and truth be told, the garden’s never complained. And the results kind of speak for themselves.
If you’ve ever wondered whether peeing in your compost is genius or gross, let’s talk about it. Here’s why ‘peecycling’ might be one of the most underrated garden practices out there and how to do it the right way.
Why Urine Works So Well in Compost
Gardeners spend good money on nitrogen fertilizers, but there’s a free, natural source we all produce daily… urine. Fresh human urine is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (the same nutrients listed on fertilizer labels as N-P-K). Basically, it’s free fertilizer your body makes every single day.
If you’ve ever wondered what nitrogen actually does in the soil, I’ve got a whole post about it here.
When added to compost, those nutrients:
- Give the compost microbes a major energy boost
- Balance out all those dry “browns” like leaves and straw
- The end result? Dark, rich compost your plants can actually use right away.
According to a study National Geographic mentioned, one person makes enough ‘liquid gold’ each year to fertilize all the food they’d eat. Wild, right? That’s a lot of potential fertilizer going down the drain.
How to Use Urine in Compost (Safely and Effectively)
You don’t need anything fancy for this, just a good aim and a little common sense. Here’s what’s worked for me over the years.
Use it Fresh
Urine starts breaking down quickly, so it’s best added soon after collection. If you need to store it, keep it sealed and use within a few days.
Dilute for Direct Application
If you’re adding it directly to soil or plants, mix 1 part urine to 10 parts water. Too strong, and you risk burning plants. Compost, however, can handle urine full-strength.
Target the Browns
Compost piles that are heavy on “browns” (leaves, straw, cardboard) benefit most. That little boost of nitrogen wakes the pile right up and keeps it from drying out.
Add Gradually
Add it in slowly as you build layers. That way everything breaks down evenly and you won’t get that strong ammonia smell.
Keep it Discreet and Balanced
If the smell bugs you (or your neighbors), just toss on a handful of leaves or straw after each ‘donation.’ If you’re working in a small space, keep things low-key with an enclosed composting bins (especially if you’ve got close neighbors).
Winter composting slows down microbial activity, but urine can still help keep the pile moist and active. In freezing climates, I’ll sometimes collect and store a little in early spring to jumpstart new compost piles.
What About Using Urine Directly in the Garden?
You can! But dilution is key. Use the 10:1 ratio and water it in well. I use it mostly on fruit trees, ornamentals, and my heavy-feeding veggie beds. It soaks in quick, and the plants don’t seem to mind one bit.
Avoid applying to edible leaves (like lettuce or spinach), just to play it safe. Let soil microbes and time do the cleaning.
Is Urine Safe for Compost?
For healthy individuals, yes. Fresh urine is sterile when it leaves the body. The only real concern is if someone’s on medication or lots of supplements. Some of that can end up in their urine, but not enough to stress about.
That’s why I stick to using urine from people in my own household (a perk of knowing exactly what everyone’s taking). Most studies say it’s not something to worry about once it’s composted, but I still like to play it safe.
When in doubt, use it for ornamental plants or non-edible compost piles.
Does It Really Work? (What I’ve Noticed Over Time)
After years of adding urine to our compost, I can tell you it works. The pile heats up faster, breaks down better, and the finished compost feels… different. Softer. Almost silky between your fingers.
If you’re the curious type, grab a compost thermometer. You’ll actually see how much heat your ‘liquid gold’ adds.
Urine’s just one of the tricks I use. Mix it with other natural soil boosters, and your soil will thank you. When I’ve skipped it for a while, the difference shows. The pile takes longer to decompose and tends to dry out, especially during summer. A little ‘liquid gold’ goes a long way.
Tips for Success (and Avoiding Weird Looks)
Want to make peecycling a bit more practical? Here’s what’s worked for me and kept the family from complaining too much.
- Use carbon-rich cover material (leaves, straw, sawdust) to mask any odor.
- Keep a dedicated spot for it—one section of your compost pile or a smaller bin just for urine-treated waste.
- Don’t overdo it. Too much nitrogen can create an ammonia smell or slimy texture. If that happens, just add more browns.
- Stay practical: If peeing outside isn’t an option, you can collect urine in a wide-mouth container or jar and add it during your composting routine.
Honestly, once you see how fast your pile finishes, you’ll forget why it ever sounded weird. Around here, it’s just part of the routine now.
Everything You’re Curious (but Maybe a Little Hesitant) to Ask
I know, this topic brings up a lot of “but what about…” questions. Let’s tackle the big ones.
Some Bathroom Reading Material (I couldn’t help myself)
If you want to dig deeper into the science (and maybe laugh a little while you’re at it), these are worth a read.
Liquid Gold: The Lore and Logic of Using Urine to Grow Plants by Carol Steinfeld
The Humanure Handbook by Joseph Jenkins (included in Kindle Unlimited)
Thinking about giving ‘liquid gold’ a try? Save this post on Pinterest so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to test it out.
Urine might be one of the most underappreciated tools on the homestead. It’s free, it’s renewable, and your garden will absolutely love it. Once you get past the awkward factor, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.
Once that compost is ready, spread it over tired and depleted soil and watch things come back to life. It’s simple, free, and a little bit funny when you think about where it started.
So go ahead, join the peecycling revolution. Your compost pile (and your harvest) will thank you.
And if you want to know what else you can toss into your compost bin, check out my full guide on what you can and can’t compost on your homestead.