Mexico City, ECOCE Expand Local Recycling Program

Mexico City’s Ministry of the Environment (SEDEMA) and ECOCE announced new commitments to strengthen the Mercado de Trueque (Barter Market) program, which promotes recycling practices and prevents thousands of tons of waste from reaching landfills.

The program, coordinated through SEDEMA’s Directorate General of Policy Coordination and Environmental Culture, invites residents to exchange recyclable materials in an orderly manner. Organizers said the initiative aims to reduce the environmental impact of solid waste and keep it from entering landfills, dumps, sewers, or ecosystems such as rivers and seas.

Under the agreement, SEDEMA and ECOCE established guidelines for the reception, collection, transportation and traceability of urban solid waste. The materials will be directed to recycling plants in compliance with environmental laws and standards. The agreement also incorporates objectives related to circular economy practices and environmental education in coordination with industry and government authorities.

The program acts as a meeting point between citizens, education, and sustainability, says Jorge Terrazas, General Director, ECOCE. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging responsible habits in everyday life to build a stronger environmental culture.

Between 2019 and August 2025, Mercado de Trueque recovered 199,179kg of recyclable materials through ECOCE’s participation. Of that total, 35% was glass (69,432kg), 18% cardboard (36,211kg), and 17% PET (34,504kg), with the rest consisting of laminated cardboard, paper, high-density polyethylene, tinplate, aluminum, and flexible plastic packaging.

As part of its commitments, ECOCE will support SEDEMA in organizing events across Mexico City’s boroughs. The association will provide trucks and containers for collection, separate recyclable materials, and prepare environmental reports documenting the results of each edition.

Minister of the Environment Julia Álvarez says that the alliances are essential to strengthening the program. She adds that SEDEMA will expand educational components with awareness activities and outreach to encourage citizen participation in environmental practices.