SIRDO - Sistema Integral de Reciclamiento de Desechos Orgánicos (Grupo de Tecnología Alternativa)
A dry/ecological sanitation system developed since 1978 by the Grupo de Tecnología Alternativa (GTA), coordinated by architect Josefina Mena Abraham.
illustrative atlas image · Khitryi Khriak / Pexels01 The context
The dry SIRDO is a double-chamber composting toilet with solar heating that treats excreta and organic waste without water, producing biofertilizer. Its community management placed women at the center of the technical, economic and social operation of the system. It operated in multiple states for decades.
02 How it works
03 What it stands on
The evidence 1 ›
04 Lessons learned
SIRDO proved that ecological sanitation with economic incentives and women's leadership reduces fecal coliforms and generates value (biofertilizer), but its continuity as a community PROGRAM depends on sustained accompaniment and market demand. The community management component of the 1970s-90s shows no recent signal (historical/paused); in parallel, GTA continues to sell the technology as a commercial product.