Introduction to Clara Brugada and Her Role
Clara Brugada Molina, the Jefa de Gobierno (Head of Government) of Mexico City, has pledged to transform the city’s waste management by ensuring that 50% of generated waste is recycled or repurposed by 2030. This initiative aims to minimize the amount of waste reaching landfills and give valuable materials a second life.
Mandatory Waste Separation Begins in 2026
Starting January 1, 2026, Mexico City residents will be required to separate their waste into organic, recyclable, and non-recyclable categories before disposal. This change is part of the “Transforma tu Ciudad: cada residuo en su lugar” (Transform Your City: Every Waste in Its Place) campaign.
Training for Waste Management Personnel
To facilitate this transition, waste management workers, environmental educators from SEDEMA (Mexico City’s Environmental Secretariat), and Pilares facilitators have undergone training to guide citizens in proper waste separation.
Campaign Kickoff and Key Details
At the campaign’s launch event in Parque de La República Democrática de Alemania, colonia Pro Hogar, Clara Brugada Molina distributed three different colored containers for organic waste (green), recyclables (gray), and non-recyclables (orange) to residents. She emphasized the importance of adopting these new habits at home and explained how waste can be repurposed or recycled.
Current Waste Composition and Goals
Currently, about 7,000 tonnes of waste end up in sanitary landfills daily. Of these, 56% are organic waste, 21% are recyclable inorganic waste, and another 21% are non-recyclable. Brugada Molina aims to shift the narrative from “garbage” to “residual resources,” highlighting their potential for reuse, recycling, or transformation.
Support and Collaboration
The Agencia de Gestión Integral de Residuos (AGIR) director, Roberto Castillo Cruz, noted that only 15% of waste is currently separated. However, with this campaign, they expect to increase this figure to 75%. Additionally, SEDEMA environmental educators and Pilares facilitators will disseminate information in communities, schools, and local spaces.
Alcaldía Azcapotzalco’s Preparation
Azcapotzalco’s alcaldesa, Nancy Núñez Reséndiz, confirmed her demarcation’s readiness to implement this strategy. The area has video-monitored dumpsites, ongoing cascajo, tire, furniture, and appliance collection, and was the first alcaldía to install a fixed recycling center in Alameda Norte, demonstrating commitment to responsible waste management.
Union Support
Hugo Alonso Ortiz, general secretary of the Sindicato Único de Trabajadores de la Ciudad de México, affirmed that waste management workers are now trained and ready. He also highlighted that new vehicles will strengthen the service, ensuring safe and efficient waste transportation.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main goal of Clara Brugada Molina’s initiative? The primary objective is to ensure that 50% of waste generated in Mexico City is recycled or repurposed by 2030, minimizing waste sent to landfills and giving valuable materials a second life.
- When does the mandatory waste separation begin? The requirement to separate waste into organic, recyclable, and non-recyclable categories starts on January 1, 2026.
- Who has been trained to support this initiative? Waste management workers, environmental educators from SEDEMA, and Pilares facilitators have undergone training to guide citizens in proper waste separation.
- What percentage of waste is currently separated? Only 15% of waste is presently separated.
- What is the expected increase in waste separation due to the campaign? The campaign aims to raise waste separation to 75%.
