Climate-Smart Solid Waste Management in Mexico

Mexico has been a leader in Latin America by demonstrating how landfill gas (LFG) management systems can improve environmental and community outcomes. Between 2004 and 2020, an LFG collection and power plant in the city of Monterrey, Nuevo León, reduced CO2 emissions by 5.7 MtCO2 e and delivered millions of dollars in municipality savings by providing low-cost electricity to power the metro system and public lighting, with revenues supporting a “proof of concept” solar energy supply to public schools in a low-income community in the Monterrey metropolitan area. The project, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the World Bank, has served as a pilot to systematically build capacity, test operating models, and understand regulatory needs for widespread replication.