Types of Recyclables

In Mexico, the management of recyclable solid waste, such as plastics, glass, aluminum, cardboard, and other materials, is an important issue in terms of environmental conservation and sustainability.

1. Plastic is one of the most common materials in solid waste. In Mexico, initiatives are being implemented to increase the recycling of plastics, especially PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles and other plastic packaging.
2. Glass is an easily recyclable material and can be reused almost indefinitely. Efforts are currently being made to promote the selective collection of glass and its recycling. There are collection programs in communities and cities that facilitate the separation and recycling of glass, although the recycling rate can still be improved.
3. Aluminum is another highly recyclable and valuable material. In Mexico, the aluminum recycling industry has grown, and the collection and recycling of aluminum cans, as well as other aluminum products, are actively promoted. Aluminum reuse saves energy and natural resources, making its recycling economically viable and environmentally beneficial.
4. Cardboard and paper are widely used recyclable materials in Mexico. They are collected in selective collection programs and sent to recycling plants for processing.

In general, although efforts are being made to improve the management of recyclable solid waste in Mexico, there is still room to increase recycling rates, improve collection and recycling infrastructure, and promote greater public awareness of the importance of recycling and waste reduction.

Processing

The processing of recyclable materials in Mexico generally follows a set of steps from the moment they reach the end of their useful life to their transformation into secondary raw materials that can be used to manufacture new products:

Recyclable materials, such as plastics, glass, aluminum, cardboard, and paper, reach the end of their useful life when they are discarded by consumers. Recyclable materials are separated to remove contaminants and classify them by type.

Separating types of waste at home or in industry is fundamental to improving their processing and recycling for several key reasons: It facilitates recycling, improves the quality of recycled materials, waste separation at the source helps maintain the quality of recycled materials, reduces processing costs, increases the recycling rate, and promotes environmental awareness. By actively participating in waste separation and recycling, people can better understand the impact of their actions on the environment and adopt more responsible and sustainable practices in their daily lives.

These materials are collected through municipal collection programs, recycling points, recycling companies, or informal recycling cooperatives.

Once separated, recyclable materials are compacted into bales or bundles to facilitate their storage and transportation. These bales are transported to recycling plants or processing centers by trucks, trains, or ships, depending on the location and scale of the recycling process.

At recycling plants, recyclable materials undergo specific processes according to their type. For example, plastic can be shredded into flakes, glass can be crushed into glass fragments, and aluminum can be melted to form ingots. These processed materials are ready to be used as secondary raw materials in the manufacture of new products.

The secondary raw materials obtained from recycling are used in the manufacture of a wide range of recycled products. For example, recycled plastic can be used to manufacture bottles, bags, furniture, and other products; recycled glass can be used to make packaging, tiles, and fiberglass; recycled aluminum can be used to manufacture new cans and aluminum products; and recycled cardboard can be used to manufacture boxes, packaging paper, and paper products.

Products made from recycled materials are sold and distributed in the market, where they can be purchased by consumers and businesses. The cycle is completed when these recycled products reach the end of their useful life and can be recycled again, thus closing the recycling loop.

Why Do We Recycle?

In Mexico, large quantities of urban solid waste (RSU) are generated each year. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), in 2018, Mexico generated approximately 53.1 million metric tons of urban solid waste. This figure may vary from year to year and has been increasing due to the country’s demographic and economic growth.

Waste generation in Quintana Roo, especially in tourist areas such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, is significant due to the high flow of visitors and population growth. Urban solid waste is a particular challenge, as tourism and urban development contribute to an increase in waste production.

Recycling and sustainable resource management are intrinsically linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Their purpose is to promote a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future for all, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. Here are some of the goals we work on:

SDG 12: Responsible production and consumption: This goal focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. Recycling plays a crucial role in reducing waste and promoting more responsible consumption practices. By recycling and reusing materials, the need to extract natural resources is reduced, and the environmental impact associated with the production of new goods is minimized.

SDG 13: Climate action: Sustainable resource management, including recycling, contributes to mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with production and waste disposal. For example, recycling aluminum and paper can save a significant amount of energy compared to producing these materials from virgin raw materials, helping to reduce carbon emissions.

SDG 14: Life below water: Marine pollution, including plastics, is a major threat to underwater life. Recycling can help reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the oceans, thereby protecting marine biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems.

SDG 15: Life on land: Sustainable resource management, including practices such as reforestation and soil conservation, is closely related to the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity. Recycling contributes to this goal by reducing the need for deforestation for raw material extraction and minimizing soil pollution caused by waste disposal.

SDG 9: Industry, innovation, and infrastructure: Recycling fosters innovation in waste management technologies and in the manufacturing of more sustainable products. Additionally, investment in recycling infrastructure and efficient waste management systems is crucial for advancing towards a circular economy model, where resources are used more efficiently, and waste is minimized.

Sustainable Tips

Become a sustainable traveler, here are some tips:

• Avoid single-use plastics: Carry a reusable water bottle with you and refill it at drinking water sources instead of buying plastic bottles. Bring reusable bags for shopping and avoid disposable plastic utensils.
• Consume local products: Choose to eat at restaurants that use local and seasonal ingredients, thus supporting the local economy and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
• Choose public transportation or bicycles: Use public transportation whenever possible or rent a bicycle to get around the city. This reduces carbon emissions and allows you to experience the destination in a more authentic way.
• Use refillable containers: When purchasing beverages, such as beer, look for options in refillable containers instead of disposable cans or bottles. This reduces the amount of waste generated during your trip.
• Use low-impact products: Opt for hygiene and personal care products that are environmentally friendly, such as solid shampoos, biodegradable soaps, and sunscreens that avoid harming coral reefs.
• Buy second-hand clothing: If you need to buy clothes during your trip, consider visiting thrift stores or local markets to find unique garments and reduce the demand for new clothing.
• Avoid food waste: Plan your meals in advance to avoid ordering more than you can eat and bring reusable containers to store leftovers. Support restaurants that donate their food surplus to local food banks.

Choose tourist experiences with responsible providers: By opting for these providers, you contribute to environmental conservation, respect for local culture, safety and legality of activities, and transparency and commitment from service providers. To identify these providers, research before booking, look for certifications and approval seals, and inquire about their sustainable practices. By doing so, you can enjoy ethical and responsible tourism experiences, benefiting both the environment and local communities.