Puerto Vallarta has launched a new recycling initiative called the “Environmental Route,” designed to collect glass, aluminum, cardboard, and plastic directly from homes. Spearheaded by the municipal government in partnership with waste management company Red Ambiental, the program aims to reduce landfill waste and promote a more sustainable city.
The launch event took place at the La Lija sports and cultural complex and was led by Javier Alonso Navarro Chávez, Director of Efficient Municipal Services. The program was officially introduced by Councilwoman María de Jesús López Delgado, head of the Municipal Commission for Efficient Services, alongside other local officials and Red Ambiental representatives Carlos Cisneros and Horacio Guerra.
A Greener Approach to Waste Management
Biologist Vincent O’Halloran Lepe, the city’s Manager of Territory and Sustainable City, inaugurated the program on behalf of Mayor Luis Munguía. In his remarks, he emphasized the city’s commitment to better solid waste management and praised the improvements at the local landfill. “This is a government that is truly working toward a greener and more sustainable Vallarta,” he said.
How the Program Works
The “Environmental Route” will operate separately from the regular urban solid waste (MSW) collection. Residents are asked to separate their recyclable materials in advance—glass, aluminum, cardboard, and plastic—which will then be picked up by specially designated trucks.
“There are ten routes mapped out to cover the city,” explained Navarro Chávez. “Schedules and frequencies are already planned, and collection will take place in coordination with Citizen Participation committees.”
Efforts will focus on identifying residents, schools, and businesses willing to participate. Schools will also be engaged through a complementary program called Environmental Heroes, developed by Red Ambiental to promote environmental awareness among students.
Electric Trucks Hit the Road
Red Ambiental unveiled two fully electric Volkswagen trucks, valued at over 8 million pesos, which will handle the separate collection. “These units reflect our commitment to sustainability,” said Red Ambiental’s Carlos Cisneros. “With this new route, we expect to reach over 18,500 homes. This isn’t just about keeping Vallarta clean—it’s about building a sustainable future.”
Coverage and Impact
The two electric trucks will operate Monday through Saturday, visiting between 10 and 16 neighborhoods each day. The Environmental Route will run during hours that do not overlap with regular garbage collection.
In its initial phase, the program will manage about 1% of the city’s total waste—Puerto Vallarta currently generates around 11,500 tons of waste per month. All collected recyclable material will be delivered to a designated processing center for reuse.
Municipal officials hope this is just the beginning of a broader shift in how the city handles waste. By involving the community and modernizing collection methods, Puerto Vallarta aims to lead by example in environmental responsibility.