Mexico City, August 14, 2026 – Mexico City is turning trash into treasure, as 240 tons of recyclable waste generated during the recent World Cup celebrations are being transformed into urban furniture for public spaces. The initiative, spearheaded by the Mexico City government, aims to give a second life to plastic and PET collected during the 39-day event.
From Fan Fest to Functional Furniture: A Sustainable Transformation
The World Cup festivities, which included public screenings across the city, resulted in a total of 298 tons of waste. Of this, a significant 240 tons were identified as recyclable materials, primarily plastic and PET. Clara Brugada, Head of Government, announced on July 22 that these materials would be repurposed into urban equipment.
“All these tons of garbage will be transformed into recycled urban equipment,” Brugada stated during a press conference, highlighting the city’s commitment to sustainability and waste management.
First Pieces Unveiled in Public Spaces
The first examples of this innovative urban furniture are already in place. During a tour of the new Utopía Elena Poniatowska Amor in the Coyoacán borough, benches, planters, and pollinator gardens made from the recycled waste were observed. These pieces are integrated into a museum dedicated to raising awareness about climate change, alongside eco-technologies such as rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, and solar heaters.
Similar benches have also been spotted at the Mexico City Government Building, in front of the offices of the Secretariat of Public Works and Services, further demonstrating the widespread adoption of this sustainable solution.
Plastic and PET: Key Materials in the Recycling Effort
Raúl Basulto Luviano, Secretary of Public Works and Services of Mexico City, confirmed that the furniture is primarily made from plastic, specifically water or soda bottles and PET. This focus on plastic waste addresses a significant portion of the recyclable materials collected.
The Recycling Process: From Collection to Creation
The recyclable materials destined for urban furniture were collected between June 11 and July 19 from various locations across the city. These included the football festivals in the 16 boroughs, the Fan Fest in the Zócalo, and areas in the Historic Center and Paseo de la Reforma where World Cup matches were screened.
The Agency for Comprehensive Waste Management (AGIR) is responsible for the transformation process. In addition to benches, planters, and pollinator gardens, the recycled PET will also be used to manufacture trash containers and lighting poles. The initiative also plans to process aluminum cans to create other types of urban furniture.
Mexico City’s Broader Sustainability Goals
This project aligns with Mexico City’s broader waste management strategy. Since January 1, 2026, a new waste separation scheme has been implemented, featuring a calendar for the collection of organic, recyclable inorganic, and non-recyclable inorganic waste. The city has set an ambitious goal to transform 50% of its recyclable waste by 2030, and this World Cup waste initiative is a significant step towards achieving that target.
The transformation of World Cup waste into functional urban furniture not only addresses the immediate issue of waste management but also serves as a tangible example of circular economy principles in action, promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices within the city.
Source: https://www.chilango.com/noticias/asi-lucen-las-bancas-hechas-con-basura-del-mundial-que-pondran-en-cdmx/
