Dr. Sarphati is often quoted as a source of inspiration. His importance is illustrated on the website of Waternet.
Dr. Samuel Sarphati was a 19th-century physician and urban planner in Amsterdam, who transformed sanitation practices, particularly through the reuse of human excreta as manure. His work addressed critical public health issues.
Sarphati recognised the dire sanitation conditions in Amsterdam, where human waste contaminated streets and canals, leading to frequent disease outbreaks. His medical practice revealed a direct correlation between sanitation and public health, motivating him to advocate for systematic changes in urban infrastructure.
In 1847 Sarphati established the first municipal waste and manure-processing company in Amsterdam. This initiative collected street refuse and human waste, converting them into compost. By doing so, he not only improved hygiene but also promoted sustainable agricultural practices through the recycling of nutrients back into the soil. His efforts resulted in cleaner streets and healthier living conditions for the city's residents. Sarphati's approach exemplified a circular economy, where waste was not discarded but repurposed for agricultural use. The transformation of excreta into fertiliser not only addressed sanitation issues but also enhanced food security.
Sarphati's legacy continues to influence contemporary sanitation initiatives. In recognition of his contributions, various awards and programs, such as the Sarphati Sanitation Challenge, have been established to support entrepreneurial solutions in sanitation.
The situation in the Netherlands in the 19th century is well described in ‘The Dutch Great Stink' : The End of the Cesspit Era in the Pre-Industrial Towns of Leiden and Haarlem.