Mexico City Warns of 25% Holiday Spike in Household Waste

The governments of Mexico City and the State of Mexico have urged residents to adopt more responsible consumption and waste management practices during the December holiday season, citing a sharp rise in household waste. According to Mexico City’s Ministry of Environment (SEDEMA), the capital produced up to 25% more waste during the holidays, while data from the State of Mexico’s Ministry for the Environment and Sustainable Development indicate households generate between 1 and 1.25 kilograms of waste per person per day during this period.

Authorities have launched a “Sustainable Christmas” campaign, promoting the principle of the “three Rs” — reduce, reuse, and recycle — to limit waste during the holidays and foster long-term environmentally responsible habits. Residents are encouraged to buy only what is necessary, choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging, avoid disposable bags and utensils, and prioritize local products to reduce transportation emissions.

The campaign also emphasizes reusing materials, such as decorations, bags, boxes, and wrapping paper, and creating ornaments from recycled items. Recycling is another focus, with officials urging households to separate and compact waste, avoid single-use plastics, and minimize battery-operated toys to reduce environmental impact. Proper disposal of batteries and electronic waste is highlighted to prevent soil and water contamination.

At the launch of Mexico City’s initiative at Reforma 222 shopping center, Mayor Claudia Brugada and State Minister of Environment Julia Álvarez Icaza Ramírez emphasized the importance of sustainable holiday practices. “Each day, we in Mexico City generate 8,500 tons of waste, and we need to find ways to transform it,” Brugada said, calling on residents to use recycled materials and encouraging shopping centers to participate.

“Mexico City is the capital of sustainability and transformation… it must also be the capital of waste management,” Icaza added, noting the campaign’s partnership with Fibra Dahnos reflects the city government’s approach of collaborating with the private sector to advance large-scale environmental initiatives and achieve measurable results.