Introduction
Querétaro, Qro. According to the General Director of Urban Environmental Development and Performance, Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), Germán Ruiz Méndez, ten federal entities have local frameworks to implement a circular economy approach for waste management.
Federal Government’s Circular Economy Policy
During the panel on circular economy and decarbonization policy in Mexico at the second edition of the Co2 & Circular Economy Business Summit 2025 in Querétaro, Ruiz Méndez explained that the federal government is working on developing a national circular economy policy. He mentioned that in December, the Sustainable Development and Circular Economy Subsecretariat was created within Semarnat, placing the secretariat in charge of this matter.
“As governments, we are also seeking to harmonize these circular economy concepts. We have identified that ten federal entities already have local frameworks to implement this waste management approach with a circular economy focus,” he stated.
The development of the national policy will encompass public policies and legal frameworks. This includes establishing circular economy development poles, with the first one planned for Hidalgo and interest shown in creating others in Quintana Roo and Mexico City.
Drafting a Circular Economy Law
Meanwhile, a circular economy law is being prepared. Currently, there are ten initiatives from both deputies and senators addressing circular economy elements. The goal is to create a single document for discussion in upcoming weeks.
“Currently, there are 37 million untreated tires scattered across the country, often ending up in final disposal sites or littering streets and drains. This law aims to harmonize circular economy concepts among federal entities with existing regulatory frameworks and those in the process of implementing development programs,” Ruiz Méndez explained.
The primary focus of this law, he said, is to transform waste management systems into a circular economy model emphasizing material reuse. The law will also address regulatory aspects and normative changes, as it aims to align the circular economy general law, waste management prevention and integrated management law, and related regulations.
The national circular economy policy will prioritize a gradual transition from waste management to a circular economy model, Ruiz Méndez emphasized. This gradual approach will be achieved through two mechanisms: general agreements and specific conventions, ensuring a consensus-based transition.
On October 25, Semarnat and the Secretariat of Economy initiated work on integrating the National Circular Economy Policy, starting regional missions in Querétaro for establishing working groups.
Diagnosis
The report “Bases for the Drafting of a Diagnosis of the National Circular Economy Strategy in Mexico,” published by Semarnat in 2024, outlines the progress of deficient entities in designing laws and policy instruments for transitioning to a circular economy.
The report specifies that six states have a circular economy law, waste management law, or related legislation: Baja California, State of Mexico, Morelos, Mexico City, Queretaro, and Quintana Roo. Additionally, seven states have circular economy initiatives, roadmaps, or strategies: Coahuila, Nuevo León, Hidalgo, Yucatan, Oaxaca, Guanajuato, and Jalisco.
