Playa del Carmen Recycles Record 628 Tons of Waste

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — In a context of growing climate urgency, the Playa del Carmen 2025 environmental management plan has focused on sustainability. Under the leadership of Mayor Estefanía Mercado, programs such as Reciclatón and Kilo Verde achieved unprecedented collection, surpassing 628 tons of recyclable waste. These results consolidate a comprehensive strategy centered on environmental responsibility and active citizen participation.

Sustainability Programs That Changed the Paradigm

The administration of Estefanía Mercado, through the Secretariat of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change, established a strategy based on reduction, reuse, recycling, and valorization of byproducts. During the period from January to December 2025, the results were tangible and break down as follows:

• The Reciclatón program allowed the collection of more than 613 tons of waste.
• The Kilo Verde program added 15 additional tons to the total figure.

The Kilo Verde strategy not only focuses on recycling but also promotes the care of native flora, as the collected recyclable material is exchanged for plants from the region, fostering an ecological culture among participants.

Sustained Growth and Circular Economy

Samantha Álvarez, Secretary of Sustainable Environment and Climate Change, highlighted that both programs have maintained sustained growth. This progress is directly reflected in three key indicators for the administration:

• Increase in the number of collection points.
• Growth in the number of participants.
• Greater volume of waste collected.

This waste is subsequently channeled to recycling companies, ensuring its proper processing and final disposal. Secretary Álvarez emphasized the importance of the logistics implemented in Playa del Carmen for the correct management of urban waste.

“These programs, which are carried out monthly at different points in the municipality, facilitate the correct collection of waste, reduce pressure on landfills, and contribute to decreasing environmental pollution, promoting the circular economy and responsible resource utilization in Playa del Carmen,” she emphasized.

Collection and Waste Classification Logistics

Currently, the municipality operates with a robust collection structure, encouraging participation from various sectors, including government agencies, Playa del Carmen citizens, hotels, businesses, the private sector, developers, and recycling companies.

The collection infrastructure consists of:

• 14 Temporary Collection Points: Operate on the first Friday of each month.
• 1 Permanent Collection Point: Functions continuously.

During the collection days, a wide range of materials are received and classified, from urban solid waste to those that represent significant risk if handled improperly.

Commitment Reaffirmed for 2026

The head of the department reported that the Reciclatón and Kilo Verde programs will continue their operation during 2026, reaffirming the municipal government’s commitment to environmental protection and promoting citizen participation in these processes.

The start dates for 2026 are already scheduled:

• The first edition of Reciclatón 2026 will take place on January 9 at the 14 Temporary Collection Points.
• The Kilo Verde program, focused on ecological culture and care of native flora, will begin activities on January 23 at the domes of the Mundo Hábitat subdivision and the Gonzalo Guerrero neighborhood in the city.

The challenge for the municipal government is to maintain this pace in 2026 and ensure that channeling to recycling companies translates into a real and measurable impact for the region’s circular economy. Citizen participation will undoubtedly be the decisive factor in determining the success of this program continuity.