Yes, You Can Actually Get Paid to Poop — Here's How
Looking for a side hustle that's... unconventional? Believe it or not, your poop could be your next paycheck. Some medical organizations are willing to pay top dollar for healthy stool samples, which are used in everything from microbiome research to treating serious gut infections like Clostridium difficile (C. diff).
So if you're healthy and regular, you might literally be flushing money down the toilet. Here’s how to turn your bathroom breaks into a side income — and maybe even help save lives in the process.
💰 How Much Can You Make Selling Your Poop?
Depending on the organization, stool donors can earn anything from a few bucks per visit to six figures annually:
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HumanMicrobes pays $500 per donation. Yes, you read that right. Daily donors could make up to $180,000 per year.
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GoodNature offers $25–$75 per visit, with the potential to earn up to $1,500/month. Bonus: They offer incentives for consistent donations.
Just like any other gig, be sure to confirm payment terms before getting started.
🏥 Where Can You Sell Your Poop?
Not everyone is eligible to join the stool donor club. Companies have strict health criteria — and sometimes geographic restrictions.
GoodNature
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Locations: Irving, CA & Tempe, AZ
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Requirements: 18–50 years old, healthy weight, non-smoker, no GI diseases or substance abuse
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Frequency: 3–6 donations/week
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Perks: Same-day pay via reloadable card; potential bonuses for frequent donors
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Remote Option: If you live outside their cities, you might still qualify for their Research & Development program and mail in your samples.
HumanMicrobes
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Location: Nationwide (as long as dry ice is available locally)
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Requirements: Excellent physical & mental health, ideally under 30, specific stool type, limited antibiotic use
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Pay: $500 per donation, with potential add-ons for special preparation
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Shipping: Costs covered by HumanMicrobes or recipient
📝 How to Start Selling Your Poop
Ready to cash in on your colon? Here's how the process typically works:
1. Apply Online
Start by filling out an application form. Expect detailed questions about your lifestyle, diet, medical history, and bathroom habits.
2. Health Screenings
If your application is approved, you’ll need to complete health evaluations. For instance, GoodNature requires:
3. Start Donating
Once cleared, you’ll either donate in person (GoodNature) or collect and ship your samples from home (HumanMicrobes). It takes about 20 minutes per donation.
🦠 Why Would Anyone Pay for This?
It might sound strange, but healthy stool samples are in high demand. They're critical in developing treatments for gut-related illnesses and restoring healthy microbiomes in patients suffering from C. diff and other conditions.
Your poop might just be life-saving.
🚽 Too Weird? Other Odd Ways to Make Money
Still not sold on the idea of turning your toilet into a side hustle? No judgment. There are plenty of other unconventional ways to make money — from renting out your driveway to getting paid for your opinions.
But if you’re healthy, open-minded, and okay talking about #2, selling your poop might be the most surprisingly lucrative gig you never considered.
Pro tip: Don’t just go running to the bathroom with a Ziploc bag. Do your homework, apply properly, and follow all medical guidelines. It’s a real science, not just a stinky side hustle.
