The State of Waste Management and Street Sweepers in Mexico
Every day, 2,396 street sweepers in Mexico City tackle an astonishing 169 roads, roughly equating to 3,167 kilometers, and collect a staggering 548 tons of waste. Yet, despite their tireless efforts, they often work in precarious conditions, sometimes even without proper equipment.
The modern city, with its gleaming skyscrapers and bustling streets, is often seen as a monument to human innovation. Yet behind this facade, there's an army of unsung heroes—street sweepers. In Mexico City alone, thousands work tirelessly to maintain the urban landscape. But are they equipped well enough, and are we doing enough to manage the waste they collect?
According to the Secretariat of Works and Services of the Government of Mexico City, the metropolis employs 2,396 street sweepers in three shifts—morning, afternoon, and night. These dedicated individuals are grouped into 172 crews that operate 190 vehicles and 26 suction sweepers. Every day, they tackle an astonishing 169 roads, equating to roughly 3,167 kilometers of primary roads, and collect 548 tons of waste.
