Poop Recycling Project

So here’s what everyone’s been waiting for ! The Poop Recycling Project

which is actually a lot of fun!

We actually don’t have to collect dung samples or clean out the enclosures as the men working here do that . Last week the volunteers that were already here had to change all the sawdust in the Boma ( inside sleeping quarters) and we didn’t as we were on induction – we won’t have to do it next time either as its done every 2 weeks or so and we will have left by then 🙂

we sometimes get poop on us when we are removing the remains of the branches that the Ellies are given for overnight food.

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  • So this is where it starts ... Fresh from the elephant

So this is where it starts… Fresh from the elephant!

Next the poop is mixed with water and allowed to boil for 10 mins to remove the bacteria
Next the poop is mixed with water and allowed to boil for 10 mins to remove the bacteria

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The poop is mixed 1 part poop to 2 parts shredded paper, egg boxes or cardboard
The poop is mixed 1 part poop to 2 parts shredded paper, egg boxes or cardboard

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Next water is added and it is mushed up with an electric musher
Next water is added and it is mushed up with an electric musher
Next Arnold scoops it out onto a sieve to get rid of the excess water and puts a dollop onto a plastic sheet
Next Arnold scoops it out onto a sieve to get rid of the excess water and puts a dollop onto a plastic sheet

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The volunteers press out the poop mixture into a flat patty
The volunteers press out the poop mixture into a flat patty
Today's Poop Team Alex, Louisa, Davina and Karen
Today’s Poop Team
Alex, Louisa, Davina and Karen
The poop patty is then flattened more with a wire screen and the excess moisture is soaked up with a sponge
The poop patty is then flattened more with a wire screen and the excess moisture is soaked up with a sponge

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The Pattys are left to dry for at least 6 hours in the sun

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The finished product – poop paper!

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Finished products designed by volunteers!

The last one is mine – a picture of Keisha 🙂

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