Mexico Launches National Coastal Plastic Cleanup Initiative

The National Great Coastal and Beach Cleanup Campaign, launched by the federal government, aims to eliminate 100% of plastics from these ecosystems by 2030. Authorities report that approximately 12,000t of plastic end up daily on Mexico’s coasts.

Alicia Bárcena, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), presented the initiative during the June 5 morning press conference. The minister emphasized that cleanup actions will take place across the country’s 17 coastal states, starting with 63 beaches. She also noted that the operation will involve 2,500 naval personnel supported by 2,000 volunteers from various schools nationwide.

Another measure to be implemented is reducing the use of plastics to prevent them from reaching beaches and seas, while encouraging the use of recycled or recyclable materials. “We call on the public to join this great beach cleanup campaign,” Bárcena said. She explained that 15,000t of plastic are generated daily in Mexico, of which 80% ends up on coasts and beaches.

The campaign launched today includes activities in Puerto Progreso, Yucatan; Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo; Acapulco, Guerrero; San Felipe, Baja California; and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. “Our goal is to reduce at least 3,000t/y so that in the next five years, we can eliminate at least the arrival of plastic to the oceans,” Bárcena stated.

Evelyn Salgado, Governor, Guerrero, highlighted that the initiative gathered more than 400 volunteers and added that restaurant owners and service providers would also participate. “We know that caring for our beaches is a shared responsibility and a commitment to future generations,” she said. Meanwhile, Joaquín Díaz, Governor, Yucatan, said activities like these are essential to safeguarding the health of coastal areas. He also stressed the importance of this effort as the state’s biodiversity depends on ecosystems such as shorelines, mangroves, reefs, and nature reserves.

Paola Bauche, Head of Jalisco’s Ministry of Environment and Territorial Development, stated that preserving marine ecosystems, forests, rivers, and wetlands is very important for the state government. She mentioned that today, six beaches in Puerto Vallarta will be cleaned with the support of more than 1,000 volunteers. Similarly, Marina del Pilar Ávila, Governor, Baja California, emphasized the work of over 500 volunteers in the local campaign.

In observance of World Environment Day, celebrated every June 5, INEGI published important data on the management of municipal solid waste in Mexico. During 2022, Mexico collected an average of 108,146t of garbage daily, with 66.7% collected door-to-door. According to these figures, one-third of the collection was concentrated in Mexico City, with 15,557t, representing 14.4%; the State of Mexico, with 11,227t or 10.4%; and Jalisco, with 8,814t, accounting for 8.2% of the total. Meanwhile, the average daily amount of materials separated at recycling centers was 1,254t, representing just 1.15%. Of the total sorted, 2.5% corresponded to PET plastics.

Globally, over 400Mt of plastic are produced each year, half of which are designed for single use. Of this amount, less than 10% is recycled. It is estimated that 11Mt ends up annually in lakes, rivers, and oceans. Furthermore, the annual social and environmental cost of plastic pollution ranges between US$300 million and US$600 million, according to data from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).