Mexico City Pushes Waste Separation, Taxi Electrification

This week in sustainability news: Beginning in 2026, Mexico City will require residents to separate their household waste into organic, recyclable, and nonrecyclable categories. The city has also launched a new program to modernize and electrify its taxi fleet, providing up to MX$200,000 (US$11,127) for drivers and companies who switch to zero-emission vehicles. Meanwhile, PVEM Senator María del Rocío Corona has introduced a proposal that would mandate the transition of government fleets to zero- or low-emission vehicles as a response to the public health risks associated with Mexico’s high levels of air pollution. 

More news below:

Mexico City to Mandate Waste Separation in 2026

Mexico City has launched the “Transform Your City: Every Waste in Its Place” campaign, a citywide initiative that will require residents to separate household waste into organic, recyclable, and nonrecyclable categories starting Jan. 1, 2026. Rolled out by Mayor Clara Brugada, the initiative aims to reduce the volume of materials sent to landfills and increase the recovery of reusable resources. Under the new rules, households must deliver separated waste directly to collection trucks, although no penalties will be levied during the initial preparation phase in 2026. 

Mexico City Launches Taxi Modernization, Electrification Program

Mexico City also launched a new program aimed at accelerating the modernization and electrification of its taxi fleet. Spearheaded by Brugada, the Sustainable Taxi Replacement Program will offer financial incentives of up to MX$200,000 (US$11,127) per vehicle for companies and drivers who replace their outdated models. Financial support will vary depending on the type of vehicle used to replace an existing taxi. The city government will provide up to MX$100,000 (US$5,563) for purchases of gasoline-powered taxis, MX$150,000 (US$8,345) for purchases of hybrid vehicles, and up to MX$200,000 (US$11,127) for purchases of fully electric taxis. 

Senator Proposes Zero-Emission Fleets to Combat Air Pollution

Senator Corona has introduced a proposal that would require all public vehicle procurement to meet new sustainability criteria. The proposal seeks to mandate the transition of government fleets to zero- or low-emission vehicles as a response to the public health risks associated with Mexico’s high levels of air pollution. According to the World Bank, air pollution kills nearly 33,000 Mexicans every year, causing one in 17 (5.9%) of all deaths in the country. About 20,000 of these deaths are due to outdoor air pollution, mainly in towns and cities.

ASEA Certifies 33 Hydrocarbon Sites for Environmental Performance

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and Agency for Safety, Energy and Environment (ASEA) awarded Environmental Quality and Clean Industry certificates to 33 facilities in the hydrocarbon sector that participated in the National Environmental Audit Program (PNAA), recognizing improvements in energy efficiency and environmental performance. The facilities completed audits under the PNAA and met requirements related to emissions control, waste management, and resource efficiency. Companies receiving certifications include Orsan, Hidrosina, OXXO Gas, Servicio Fácil, Gasolinera Solidaridad, Gasoductos Servicios Corporativos, Compresión Altamira, F Tapias México II, Operadora CICSA, Transportadora del Norte SH, and Asfaltos Mesoamericanos.