$2.8 Million Grant For 'Reinvented Toilets' Approved By Barnstable Co. Commissioners

BARNSTABLE, MA — Ever heard of "reinvented toilets?" Well, the Barnstable County Commissioners recently approved a grant to establish them on Cape Cod.

The Barnstable County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a $2.8 million grant agreement with the Gates Foundation to support the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) — a division of the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment — to establish the first U.S.-based ISO 30500 certification platform for non-sewered sanitation systems, commonly known as “reinvented toilets.”

Brian Baumgaertel, Director of MASSTC, and Sara Wigginton, Deputy Director of the Wastewater Division and MASSTC Program Manager, joined the Commissioners to present the proposal and answer questions.

These advanced self-contained systems are designed for areas without centralized sewer infrastructure and are vital for improving public health and environmental conditions in underserved communities worldwide. The initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #6: access to clean water and sanitation for all, officials said.

As part of the project MASSTC will hire and train three new staff members.

A certification testing coordinator, a system operator, and a temporary lab assistant will conduct performance testing, manage operations, and ensure compliance with international standards, officials said.

“This puts us on the global map,” said Vice Chair Mark Forest. “MASSTC is no longer just a Cape Cod leader—it’s now part of an international effort to solve one of the world’s most pressing public health challenges.”

Testing is expected to begin in early 2026. With continued support from the Gates Foundation and collaboration with the National Sanitation Foundation, the goal is to bring reinvented toilet systems to market by 2027, officials said.

The program is designed to be financially self-sustaining beyond the grant period through vendor testing fees.

MASSTC was selected following a site visit by the Gates Foundation’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene team, who praised the center’s technical expertise, proven track record in wastewater technology testing, and expanding laboratory capabilities.

The project will also involve working with consultants to achieve laboratory accreditation and to develop a secure, purpose-built testing facility.

In addition to global applications, this technology could benefit Cape Cod directly by offering alternatives to traditional septic systems and by expanding housing possibilities on smaller lots and in environmentally-sensitive areas, officials note.