THE PLASTICS RECYCLE POTENTIAL IN BAJA CALIFORNIA MEXICO

摘要

The demand for plastics in the world has grown dramatically over the last decades. Many countries have developed recycling technologies and facilities; nevertheless Mexico has not taken a full advantage of this trend. In this paper it is analyzed the case of plastics waste generation in the Mexican state of Baja California which is privileged for its geographical location bordering the United States. Analyses were made concerning the amount of plastics generated as waste, the types of plastics generators and about the different destinations of this type of waste. It was found that local recycling industries for plastics are absent. The main flow of plastic waste generated in Baja California is exported to the United States and China. It is concluded that the state of Baja California has a great potential for the installation of plastic recycling industries and exportation; even though a conscious and planned plastic separation strategies are necessary in order to facilitate the former.