Understanding the Circular Economy
The circular economy aims to move away from the disposable model, focusing on minimizing environmental impact caused by single-use goods. It promotes strategies such as recycling resources, waste reduction, and the development of sustainable, durable, and adaptable products for multiple life cycles.
Mexico’s Current Waste Management
According to the document “Bases for the Development of a Diagnostic of the National Strategy for Circular Economy in Mexico,” published by SEMARNAT in August of the previous year, only 0.4% of materials used in Mexico’s economy are recycled or reused, compared to the global average of 7.2%.
Circular Economy in the National Development Plan
The recently published Plan Nacional de Desarrollo (PND) 2025-2030, on April 15 of this year, includes strategy 4.3.3, where the current government commits to “promoting the circular economy to optimize resource use, improve waste management, and prevent pollution, reducing pressure on the environment.”
Claudia Sheinbaum’s Initiatives
Since her inauguration as president, Claudia Sheinbaum announced a circular economy project in Tula, Hidalgo. This initiative will involve waste recycling, wastewater treatment, renewable energy generation, and the construction of 10 waste treatment plants across the country.
Water Management in Circular Economy
The PND also addresses water management in its strategy 4.6.3, proposing to “modernize and expand infrastructure for collecting, distributing, and treating wastewater from both municipal and industrial sources to improve its quality and promote sustainable reuse.”
In 2021, SEMARNAT reported that 39.9% of generated wastewater was treated, with 51.8% from municipal sources and 25.1% from industrial sources. Although the number of treatment plants has increased significantly over the past 20 years, challenges remain to ensure water reuse across various activities.
Priorities and Challenges
The current administration’s dedication to sustainable development (Eje 4) and specific strategies for circular economy promotion and water treatment indicate their priorities. However, there are still issues to address, such as dignifying waste management workers, 65.5% of whom are in the informal sector.
Citizen Participation
Citizens play a crucial role in separating waste, recycling, repairing, and responsibly consuming. The time for a circular economy has come.
Expert Opinion
Marco Lara, Senior Economist at BBVA Mexico
