Introduction
Starting January 1, 2023, Mexico City implemented a mandatory waste separation system for household solid waste under the program called “Transforma tu ciudad, cada basura en su lugar.” This initiative was announced by the capital’s Chief of Government, Clara Brugada, with the goal of recycling or repurposing at least 50% of the approximately 8,600 tons of waste produced daily in the capital. The program aims to improve municipal waste management.
The Separation System
Through the Agency of Integral Waste Management (AGIR), this plan requires separating waste into three categories: organic, recyclable inorganic, and non-recyclable inorganic. Each category has color-coded containers for proper processing, following a collection calendar based on waste type.
Waste Categories
- Recyclable Waste: Materials that can be transformed into new products, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, metals, aluminum, clothing, textiles, wood, and multi-layered packaging like Tetrapack.
- Collection Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
- Non-Recyclable Waste: Items that cannot be reused due to their nature or use, like diapers, medical waste, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, tampons, bandages, swabs, condoms, and used handkerchiefs.
- Collection Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
- Special Waste: Large or specific waste items such as mattresses, furniture, electronics, batteries, and tires. These are collected only on Sundays. Improperly separated or misplaced waste will not be collected.
Delivery Methods
Waste should be separated by category, preferably clean and dry. For containers and bottles, it’s recommended to crush them before disposal.
Cat Litter Management
- Conventional Cat Litter: Inorganic non-recyclable waste.
- Organic Cat Litter: Organic waste.
- Hydrosoluble Cat Litter: Can be flushed down the toilet.
Used Cooking Oil Disposal
Cool, filter, and store used cooking oil in a clean, puncture-resistant bottle with a clearly labeled content identifier. Never pour used cooking oil down the drain. It should be deposited at the Barter Market or the Bioaditivo Plant in the Abastos Central.
Special Waste Disposal
- Used Syringes and Expired Medications: Place used syringes in rigid, puncture-resistant containers and label them for proper handling as per environmental authorities’ guidelines. Expired medications can be dropped off at health centers, hospitals, and pharmacies with official SINGREM containers. Verify drop-off locations by clicking here.
- Lack of Containers in Your Area: Separate waste at home and dispose of it on the designated collection day. Alternatively, coordinate with your building administration and neighbors to use containers.
Key Questions and Answers
- What types of waste are recyclable? Paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, metals, aluminum, clothing, textiles, wood, and multi-layered packaging like Tetrapack.
- What waste cannot be recycled? Diapers, medical waste, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, tampons, bandages, swabs, condoms, and used handkerchiefs.
- How should I dispose of large or special waste items? Mattresses, furniture, electronics, batteries, and tires are collected on Sundays. Ensure they are properly separated.
- What should I do with used cat litter? Conventional cat litter is inorganic non-recyclable waste, organic cat litter goes to organic waste, and hydrosoluble cat litter can be flushed down the toilet.
- How do I dispose of used cooking oil? Cool, filter, and store it in a clean bottle; never pour it down the drain. Deposit it at designated locations.
- Where can I dispose of used syringes and expired medications? Used syringes should be placed in rigid containers, labeled for proper handling. Expired medications can be dropped off at health centers, hospitals, and pharmacies with official SINGREM containers.
- What if there are no waste separation containers in my area? Separate your waste at home and dispose of it on the designated collection day. Alternatively, coordinate with your building administration and neighbors to use containers.
