Our Story
The most sustainable agriculture products on the planet!
The Carbon-Neutral Distillation Process at the PAE Living Building
We help identify and collect undervalued resources and/or waste. The PAE Living Building, in Portland, Oregon, is the first building in the world to manufacture (or create) carbon neutral fertilizer products from waste.
A team of engineers developed an ultra pure distillation process able to capture nutrients from waste water. Ammonia vapor is condensed as, ammonium bicarbonate. This clear solution is a ready-to-use agricultural amendment with a high pH and containing approximately 5% ammonium-N.
What is left is treated again by adding magnesium which precipitates out Phosphorous creating a slurry. Once the slurry is collected and dried it is very effective slow-release phosphorus rich fertilizer.
The remaining sterile waste containing salt, trace constituents, and other organic compounds are safely disposed.
We give tours monthly of the system. Please contact us if you are interested in joining or would like to book a private group tour. We love visitors!
Who We Are
Nutrient Recovery Services (NRS) is a collection of engineers, scientists, and designers creating ecologically sound agricultural additives and fertilizers. Our contribution to a circular nutrient economy is a critical component to repairing the way we produce food and fiber in our communities. Together with our partner organizations we are working to create the change we want to see.
Our Team
Pete Muñoz is a Professional Engineer (PE) and a Senior Practice Lead at Biohabitats, based in Portland, Oregon. With over 25 years of experience in natural systems engineering, Pete is a specialist in ecological water treatment and decentralized infrastructure. He played a central role in the engineering and implementation of the wastewater and nutrient recovery systems at the PAE Living Building. Pete provides NRS with the technical oversight and engineering rigors necessary to manufacture high-quality, carbon-neutral fertilizers, ensuring the distillation process is both scientifically sound and environmentally restorative.
Co-Founder
Pat Lando is Executive Director of Recode, a Portland-based nonprofit dedicated to legalizing sustainable building and sanitation systems. A licensed landscape architect and leading expert in nature-based solutions, Pat works at the intersection of technical innovation and building code reform. His deep knowledge of regulatory pathways ensures that NRS operates at the forefront of safe, compliant, and ecologically restorative infrastructure.
Co-Founder
Technical AdvisorDr. Harold Leverenz is a Senior Researcher at UC Davis and a Professional Engineer specializing in the recovery of resources from waste streams. With a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering, he is a global authority on nutrient recycling, decentralized wastewater treatment, and ammonia distillation—the core processes utilized by NRS. Harold has authored numerous peer-reviewed studies and industry-standard texts on water reuse. As an advisor to NRS, he provides the research-backed validation and technical insights that underpin the efficacy and sustainability of the company's circular fertilizer products.
Chief Marketing OfficerAnthony P. Munoz is the founder of Leap For The Moon, Inc., a brand strategy and design consultancy based in the Chicago area. With over 30 years of experience in marketing, design, and user experience, Anthony specializes in the strategic translation of complex technologies into meaningful brand stories. As the marketing lead for NRS, he bridges the gap between high-level environmental engineering and the consumer market, ensuring that the mission of circular nutrient recovery is accessible, compelling, and market-ready. His work focuses on creating the visual and narrative frameworks that allow innovative sustainability projects to thrive and scale.