How does the trash system work here in Mexico
Depending on where you live in Mexico the trash collection system is handled differently. I can’t speak for the entire country but I have lived in a few different states and I’ve seen how some of my trash gets dealt with.
Roadway Trash in Mexico
When I first drove across the border from Texas into the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon I noticed a significant amount of trash piled up along the side of the highway. Most of it was plastic bottles, piss bottles from truckers. This was a bit of a culture shock for me especially since I recycle for money.
Trash System In Puebla
Puebla was the first Mexican state that I lived in. In the town I was staying the trash collecting system was organized fairly well. (I lived in a small mountain town called Teteles de Avilla Castillo). The trash truck came by twice a week. What I loved the most was the soundtrack the trash truck played on the speaker as it was coming by.
I know most of the residential garage would go a small patch of land where it was then sorted. I’m not sure what was done with the trash after, but I never smelt burning trash like I have in other portions of the country.
The recycling industry was pretty active in this portion of Puebla. At least two to three times a week a few independent recyclers would come by to purchase any plastic bottles, cans, or scrap metal. There was also a glass recycling plant in the area and there are not many glass recyclers here in Mexico.
I know most of the residential garage would go a small patch of land where it was then sorted. I’m not sure what was done with the trash after, but I never smelt burning trash like I have in other portions of the country.
The recycling industry was pretty active in this portion of Puebla. At least two to three times a week a few independent recyclers would come by to purchase any plastic bottles, cans, or scrap metal. There was also a glass recycling plant in the area and there are not many glass recyclers here in Mexico.
Trash System In Chiapas
I did not stay to long in Chiapas to fully get a grip of the trash system however, I did notice the smell of burning trash often. This could be because I lived just outside of the town of San Cristobal De Las Casas. The town that I was renting is called San Rafael, it was further up the mountain l from the big city(25 min drive). Just as a side note the internet connection is not very good outside of the San Cristobal De Las Casas metro area.
I also noticed in the town of San Cristobal De Las Casas there was a lot more trash piled up along the creeks.
I also noticed in the town of San Cristobal De Las Casas there was a lot more trash piled up along the creeks.
Trash System In Yucatán
This is where I’ve spent most of my time here in Mexico. I was able to see how the trash system works to some extent. There is still a lot I don’t know, but I have seen enough to know that Yucatáns trash collection system is broken and there is a demand for a better solution.
I’ve lived in Chelem, Progreso, Sitpatch, and In Chicxulub Pueblo. In all of the places I’ve lived there has been a residential trash collection system but at the same time there have pockets of trash piles throughout all neighborhoods I’ve lived in. These trash piles are not just in the outer edges of neighborhoods, they are sometimes right in the middle of a residential area. In Some cases right on the beach.
Trash burning is common here in the Yucatán peninsula even though in some places it prohibited like Progreso. In the residential area I live in there is a trash collection system but all of the trash gets burned at least once a week of not twice. Most people in my community have no idea this is happening. I discover this one day after walking dogs in the forest just outside of my neighborhood. I felt a bit guilty seeing my own trash getting set on fire every Tuesday and Saturday with wind blowing the smoke right back to my neighborhood.
I’ve lived in Chelem, Progreso, Sitpatch, and In Chicxulub Pueblo. In all of the places I’ve lived there has been a residential trash collection system but at the same time there have pockets of trash piles throughout all neighborhoods I’ve lived in. These trash piles are not just in the outer edges of neighborhoods, they are sometimes right in the middle of a residential area. In Some cases right on the beach.
Trash burning is common here in the Yucatán peninsula even though in some places it prohibited like Progreso. In the residential area I live in there is a trash collection system but all of the trash gets burned at least once a week of not twice. Most people in my community have no idea this is happening. I discover this one day after walking dogs in the forest just outside of my neighborhood. I felt a bit guilty seeing my own trash getting set on fire every Tuesday and Saturday with wind blowing the smoke right back to my neighborhood.
Landscape and Construction debris in the Yucatán peninsula
In addition to residential trash construction and landscape trash is a big issue here. In my neighborhood which advertises itself as an environmentally friendly place in nature there are several piles of trash scattered on the outskirts of the neighborhood. Some of the old wells have cables and trash shoved inside of them. In my opinion, it’s very disrespectful to do this to the land, especially your own land.
In some places on highway 176 from Cholul to Chicxulub Puerto there are isolated pockets of construction and residential trash piled up just off the highway. The majority of it is closer to Chicxulub Puerto right before the mangrove area.
In some places on highway 176 from Cholul to Chicxulub Puerto there are isolated pockets of construction and residential trash piled up just off the highway. The majority of it is closer to Chicxulub Puerto right before the mangrove area.
Recycling Trash in Yucatán
A lot of the trash piles contain recycled material that you can get paid for. Recycling helps reduce the amount of road trash which is a huge eyesore, especially in a Mexican state that prides itself for its nature tourism.
I was recycling in the States before I came to Mexico. I still do it even though I have an American business that is profitable. I personally like making extra money. Recycling for me is a win-win. I am grateful for every peso I make. And I feel good knowing I’m doing my part to Minimize the trash problem.
I was recycling in the States before I came to Mexico. I still do it even though I have an American business that is profitable. I personally like making extra money. Recycling for me is a win-win. I am grateful for every peso I make. And I feel good knowing I’m doing my part to Minimize the trash problem.
We all have to do our part even as tourist
The trash system here in Mexico and in the world needs improvement but it really takes all of us to do our part. I think every person should know where your trash goes when it leaves the house. Awareness is the first step to changing anything.