Cancún’s Zero Waste Plan Aims to Cut Hotel Waste by 20%

Cancún, Mexico — In a decisive step toward global sustainability, the Benito Juárez government reaffirmed its commitment to transform Cancún into a Zero Waste destination. This agreement was formalized through the signing of a strategic agreement with UN Tourism and UN Environment, within the framework of the recent International Tourism Fair (FITUR) held in Madrid.

The initiative not only has the backing of international organizations but also local private sector support, as 45 lodging establishments have formally joined this project to date, committing to implement immediate waste management strategies, according to Ana Paty Peralta, municipal president of Benito Juárez.

The main goal of this coalition is clear: reduce waste generation by at least 20% in participating establishments, setting a precedent for the tourism industry of the Mexican Caribbean.

“We renewed this agreement with UN Tourism and UN Environment for the reduction of plastics and glass in hotels. This will apply to 45 hotels in the city that will be entering this program to reduce at least 20% of these materials,” stated the mayor.

The aim is to establish comprehensive management through the implementation of advanced separation and recycling systems in hotels, reduction of single-use plastics, and optimization of supplies, which will have the backing of UN agencies to meet global circular economy standards.

“We will be conducting constant evaluations in these participating hotels with the goal of reducing the use of these materials in hotels,” she explained.

With this agreement, Cancún seeks to balance its commercial success with the preservation of surrounding ecosystems, ensuring a cleaner future for residents and visitors.

The initiative consists of a three-year project with an estimated cost of 12 million pesos. Of the total funding, five million pesos will be financed by the Tui Care Foundation, with the remainder managed through collection of the Environmental Sanitation Right Tax and contributions from hoteliers via an alliance with the Cancún, Puerto Morelos and Isla Mujeres Hotel Association, as well as other organizations interested in having a clean destination.