Ciudad Juárez, April 13, 2026 – Ciudad Juárez is grappling with an escalating waste problem as the amount of garbage generated per inhabitant steadily increases, now nearing one kilogram per day. This trend places significant pressure on the city’s sanitation infrastructure, with waste collection volumes rising by almost 19 percent over the past three years, as recently reported by El Heraldo de Juárez.
Alarming Rise in Per Capita Waste Generation
Official data from the General Directorate of Public Services reveals a concerning upward trajectory in individual waste output. In 2023, each resident of Ciudad Juárez produced an average of 0.83 kilograms of waste daily. This figure climbed to 0.94 kilograms in 2024 and reached 0.99 kilograms in 2025, marking the highest level recorded in recent history. While the first two months of 2026 show a slight decrease to 0.96 kilograms daily, the overall generation remains at elevated levels.
Total Waste Collection Surges
This individual increase is mirrored in the city’s total waste collection figures. From 2023 to 2025, Ciudad Juárez witnessed an accumulated increase of 85,150 tons of garbage, representing a substantial growth of approximately 18.9 percent. This corresponds directly to the rise in per capita generation.
Specifically, in 2023, the city collected 450,148.38 tons of urban solid waste. This surged to 507,106.62 tons in 2024, an increase of 56,958 tons, or 12.65 percent, in a single year. By 2025, the volume reached 535,299.32 tons, an additional 28,192 tons compared to 2024, reflecting a 5.56 percent growth. For the early months of 2026, 84,461.47 tons have already been collected, suggesting that the upward trend is likely to continue throughout the year.
Current Waste Collection Operations
Currently, waste collection in this border city is managed through 274 routes distributed across four zones, ensuring full coverage of the population. Residents receive a minimum of three collections per week, with daily service provided in the city’s central area.
Challenges and Future Outlook
The continuous increase in waste generation presents significant challenges for Ciudad Juárez’s environmental sustainability and public health. Authorities and residents alike face the imperative of addressing this growing problem through improved waste management strategies, increased recycling efforts, and public awareness campaigns to reduce consumption and promote responsible disposal practices.
The data underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of rising waste volumes and ensure a healthier, cleaner future for Ciudad Juárez.
Source: https://oem.com.mx/elheraldodejuarez/local/crece-la-basura-por-habitante-en-ciudad-juarez-generacion-per-capita-roza-el-kilo-diario-29444227
