Amish communities are known for their sustainable and traditional farming practices.
While they primarily utilize animal manure as a natural and safe solution for soil fertilization, there are rare instances where human waste, also known as humanure, is used.
This practice is not widespread and tends to vary based on individual preferences within the community.
Some Amish households treat human waste with lime and mix it with animal waste before using it on agricultural fields.
The Amish primarily utilize animal manure for fertilizing their fields.
Not many are composting their manure before using it because it takes extra time.
The Amish vs Michigan: Legal Battle Over Waste Disposal
Between 2015 and 2023, the Amish in Lenawee County, Michigan, dealt with a stressful legal problem concerning waste disposal.
The big issue was what they did with their poop. They collected their waste from their outhouses in buckets, treated it with lime, mixed it with animal waste, and spread it on pastures.
They did not use human waste as fertilizer on fields where food for humans was grown.
Health officials posted notices on their homes, saying they were not fit to live in. The county even threatened to take their homes away if they didn’t follow sewage rules.
Lenawee County sued every Amish family there.
The Amish said this was part of their simple way of life and should be protected by their religious beliefs.
Critics argued it was odd that the county was targeting the Amish when large farms nearby spread tons of manure daily without any issues.
The ACLU and law firms Wright & Schulte LLC and Cooper, Bender & Bender helped the Amish families fight back. They filed counterclaims, arguing that the county violated their rights.
They wanted the lawsuits dropped and an order to let the Amish stay on their farms and practice their religion freely.
In 2023, Lenawee County settled the lawsuits with its Amish community over septic system refusal due to religion. The settlement avoided home demolition and property liens.
In the settlement, Lenawee County agreed to cover $425,000 in lawyer fees.
The Amish had to pay $350 once and $75 every year for each parcel.
They also needed to install a vault toilet on each parcel, pay $410 for each toilet and permit, and regularly test septage for farming, reporting the results to the county health department, among other tasks.
⇒ Quick Note: The Amish community in Lenawee County sticks to their traditional way of life, using wells for water, outhouses instead of toilets, and avoiding electricity, phones, and cars.
Legal and Health Aspects of Using Human Waste
The use of human waste as fertilizer is tricky.
When used, it should be composted or treated to reduce health risks, as it can contain harmful bacteria and viruses.
Using raw human waste directly on fields is avoided because of environmental issues such as runoff.
Regulations are in place to ensure the proper handling and application of humanure, particularly on crops intended for human consumption.
Amish Approach to Sustainability
Sustainability is a core value in Amish culture. They prioritize organic farming methods and work closely with nature.
This approach includes the efficient use of all resources, which may sometimes include the recycling of human waste as fertilizer.
However, it is important to note that such practices require careful management to prevent health risks and ensure environmental safety.
Common Fertilization Practices in Amish Farming
Across most Amish farms, animal manure remains the primary fertilizer due to its availability and nutrient-rich composition.
The Amish are also known for their minimal use of chemical fertilizers, focusing instead on natural means like compost and organic matter to enrich their soils.
Wrapping It Up
While some Amish communities may use humanure, it is not a widespread practice. Their focus remains on traditional, sustainable farming methods, with a strong preference for animal manure as the primary fertilizer.