Background on the Situation
In 2020, Mexico City took a significant step towards sustainability by implementing the “Zero Waste” policy, which banned single-use plastic items such as bags, utensils, and packaging. By January 2021, the regulation prohibited the commercialization, distribution, and delivery of products like unicel trays, utensils, lids, straws, spoons, and coffee capsules that were not compostable under the reform of Article 25 of the Solid Wastes Law.
Alongside this, the NACDMX-010-AMBT-2019 environmental norm was published, establishing technical specifications for a plastic product to be considered compostable and thus legal in the capital. The aim was clear: promote a circular economy and significantly reduce non-recyclable waste.
The Silent Return of Unicel
Despite the legal framework and technical guidelines, a simple visit to various markets, street stalls (fondas), or economical kitchens reveals that single-use plastics have returned. In neighborhoods like Mixcoac, Granjas México, and Del Valle, unicel trays, thin plastic utensils, and non-compliant bags are once again in use.
Many popular establishments, especially economical kitchens, have resorted to these materials not due to ignorance of the law but because they face structural challenges in complying with it.
Challenges of Compliance Amidst Daily Operations
Operating a restaurant with investment margins differs greatly from running a kitchen that survives on daily menu sales. The compostable options authorized by Mexico City’s Environmental Secretariat (SEDEMA) are costly and often inaccessible to small businesses. Currently, only seven companies have official authorization to commercialize these products in the city.
While SEDEMA and INVEA have conducted inspections—verifying over 2,900 establishments and applying more than 70,000 sanctions so far—enforcement remains uneven. Central areas or corporate zones see more vigilance, whereas popular neighborhoods experience fewer operations and persistent lack of information.
It’s essential to understand that blaming those who resolve with limited resources for a system yet to facilitate alternatives is not fair. Street vendors, popular kitchens, and roadside stalls are integral to the city’s food chain and daily life. For the “Zero Waste” plan to have a genuine impact, tailored and affordable solutions addressing their specific contexts are necessary.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the Zero Waste policy in Mexico City? The policy, implemented in 2020, aimed to reduce single-use plastics by banning items such as unicel trays, utensils, and packaging.
- Why have single-use plastics returned? The COVID-19 pandemic led many businesses to resume using disposable plastics in the name of hygiene and safety, despite subsequent studies debunking their effectiveness against the virus. Additionally, compostable alternatives were often expensive, scarce, or unavailable in certain areas.
- What challenges do small businesses face in complying with the law? Smaller establishments, like kitchens relying on daily menu sales, find it difficult to afford the costly compostable options authorized by SEDEMA. Only seven companies currently have official authorization to commercialize these products in the city.
- How effective has enforcement been? While SEDEMA and INVEA have conducted inspections, enforcement remains uneven. Central areas or corporate zones see more vigilance, whereas popular neighborhoods experience fewer operations and persistent lack of information.
