Peru

Our sustainability project in the world’s second driest capital city

For many people, having a toilet is something taken for granted, but there are places where the lack of one is felt every day. In Peru, Separett works together with Sanima to install waterless toilets where the need is greatest.

“Going to the toilet is personal, which is why we do not like to talk about the global sanitation challenge,” says CEO Arturo Llaxacondor.

A slightly pixelated Arturo appears on the screen. It is midday in Peru, and work continues at full speed despite the ongoing pandemic.

“We have adapted to the COVID situation and are pleased that the work can continue. It shows how important our service is – especially for those who do not have a toilet.” Peru was one of the countries with the strictest restrictions during the pandemic, and it was not until September that Sanima was able to reopen its customer service and sales programme. These are important functions for Sanima, which is not a charity organisation. “We aim to solve environmental challenges through a market-based approach. We offer a subscription-based service that we charge for, but the price is only 2.5% of the user’s income.”

Standardised solutions were needed

Sanima’s income is not enough to cover all costs, so external funding and international collaboration are essential. Many of the toilets, for example, are supplied by Separett – a collaboration that began back in 2014. “We needed a partner that could provide standardised solutions, and we got in touch with Separett’s CEO. He was very interested, partly because he wanted to help people, but also because he wanted to learn more about South America.”

Separett’s CEO and the rest of the organisation have learned a great deal. Since its founding, Sanima has reached more than 3,000 users, removed more than 300 tonnes of waste and won more than 10 awards. “Our goal for 2021 is to reach more than 2,000 households. Our collaboration with Separett is crucial in this, as they provide cost-effective toilet solutions that include everything needed to create change. The areas where we are currently working are part of Peru’s sanitation challenge – the next major challenge is urban areas.”

Waterless toilets are the future

Arturo is not afraid of challenges – and there are likely to be more of them. “Current toilet solutions based on waterborne sewage systems are doomed,” Arturo says. “These solutions have an expiry date because they require water – a resource that is already scarce. It is clear that as climate change progresses, we will need solutions that do not require water, which is essential for human life. I believe that, in a hundred years, people will look back and wonder: what were they thinking?”

Facts about Sanima

Sanima, formerly X-Runner, was founded in 2012 by Isabel Medem and Jessica Altenberg. The organisation installs waterless toilets and collects waste from users and communities. Today, Sanima operates outside Lima, Peru.

Image 1: Salesperson Rosa Barrios uses a map to look for potential customers.

Image 2: Customer Gloria Canchaya has just received a new toilet installed by Sanima. She is one of the 3,000 customers Sanima has reached.

Image 3: A Sanima employee carries heavy buckets of sawdust and waste bags for use with waterless toilets. The materials last for approximately one week.

Read more about our collaboration on Sanima’s website.