Mexico City Launches Circular Economy Strategy for Waste

The Mexico City government, through the Ministry of Environment (SEDEMA) and in coordination with the Ministry of Works and Services (SOBSE), launched the Ciudad Circular: Basura Cero (Circular City: Zero Trash) strategy, a plan aimed at transforming how waste is managed and reused across the capital.

Julia Álvarez, Director, SEDEMA, said the initiative represents one of the city’s most significant urban transformations, positioning waste management as a central component of the administration’s agenda. She emphasized that the strategy focuses not only on expanding infrastructure but also on changing societal practices and promoting shared responsibility.

Under the new framework, the city will address two main types of waste: urban solid waste from households, offices, and schools, and special handling waste, which requires differentiated treatment due to its volume or characteristics. The plan includes strengthening regulatory compliance, improving monitoring of large waste generators, and relaunching programs such as community composting in residential units. Álvarez Icaza said most of the city’s waste can have a second life if managed properly.

Clara Brugada, Mexico City Mayor, said the strategy will be a key legacy of her administration, positioning the capital as a national reference in circular economy practices. “Our goal is to ensure that 50% of the city’s waste does not go to landfills but is transformed. We will implement an integrated urban circularity strategy to reduce pollution and increase recycling and reuse in economic activities,” Brugada said.

The strategy includes modernizing the Bordo Poniente composting plant, expanding public infrastructure for organic waste treatment, and building a specialized facility for tire recycling. These measures aim to create a more efficient and sustainable waste management system.

A new public agency, the Agency for Integrated Waste Management, will formally oversee the administration of the system, coordinating collection, separation, treatment, and reuse efforts in collaboration with boroughs, the private sector, and citizens.