The Guadalajara city government inaugurated a fifth permanent textile collection point, part of ongoing environmental policies aimed at international leadership.
On June 5, 2025, Guadalajara municipal officials inaugurated the fifth permanent “Textile Collection Center” (Centro de Acopio de Textiles), reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainable waste management and setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship nationwide. Mayor Fernando García Romo presided over the opening ceremony in the Parque Mirador Independencia neighborhood, where the new center will accept fabric, clothing, and other textile items for recycling.
In his opening remarks, Mayor García Romo noted that the center aligns with the capital’s broader efforts to reduce landfill waste and promote circular economy principles. “Guadalajara aspires to be a global exemplar in sustainable urban practices,” he said. “By establishing permanent collection points and encouraging households to separate textiles, we divert significant waste from landfills, conserve resources, and support local recycling initiatives.”
The new center can process up to 10 tons of textiles per month. It features covered drop‐off bays, staff‐supervised sorting stations, and a network linking to local recycling cooperatives and authorized recyclers. Collected materials will be sorted into three categories: wearable clothing, reusable fabrics for industrial use, and fibers for insulation and upholstery manufacturing. “Approximately 60 percent of textiles we gather can be upcycled directly into second‐hand stores across Jalisco,” explained environmental manager Laura Espinoza. “The remainder will be shredded and repurposed, reducing demand for raw fibers.”
Guadalajara’s environmental department reported that, since launching the first collection point in early 2024, they have recovered over 150 tons of textiles citywide. That volume averted roughly 315 tons of CO₂ emissions—equivalent to removing 68 passenger vehicles from the road for a year. The new site at Parque Mirador Independencia completes a network of five centers strategically located to serve all major urban districts. Each center operates Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended evening hours on Thursdays to accommodate working families.
In addition to collection infrastructure, the city launched an accompanying awareness campaign under the hashtag #RopaResponsable (#ResponsibleClothing). Billboards, social media ads, and school outreach programs emphasize the environmental and economic benefits of textile recycling. Volunteers from local nonprofit groups—such as Rescate Textil Jalisco—will distribute flyers door‐to‐door in identified neighborhoods, offering free home pick‐up services for households with over 20 kilograms of textiles.
Participants at the ribbon‐cutting included representatives from circular economy startups that will process sorted fabrics. One such entrepreneur, Alejandra Torres, plans to transform discarded cotton T-shirts into eco‐friendly cleaning rags. “We’ve invested MXN 4 million in equipment to set up a small manufacturing line here in Zapopan,” Torres said. “The city’s collection network makes it viable to source enough raw material consistently, ensuring stable operations and jobs for recycled‐textile workers.”
Local schools and universities pledged support by organizing monthly clothing drives. Students at the University of Guadalajara’s SustainAbility Club already collected 2 tons of usable garments during a pilot drive in April. “We’ll continue partnering with municipal centers to expand awareness and scale impact,” said club coordinator Diego Molina. Additionally, textile collection events are scheduled for June 8 at select public squares, where citizens can donate items directly and learn about upcycling workshops.
Public reaction to the new center has been overwhelmingly positive. Housewife María Isabel Ramírez said that segmenting clothing waste used to feel burdensome, but having nearby drop‐off locations changes that. “Now I can sort out my children’s outgrown clothes and bring them here every month,” she shared. “I feel like I’m contributing to a cleaner city and teaching my kids the importance of reusing.”
With rising textile waste posing global environmental challenges—an estimated 92 million tons of clothing waste generated worldwide in 2024—Guadalajara’s initiative demonstrates how municipal policies can drive community action. As the city scales its network, officials aim to integrate partnerships with local businesses to create donation incentives and loyalty rewards, encouraging widespread participation.
In closing, Mayor García Romo reaffirmed the administration’s pledge: “Today’s inauguration is a call to all Guadalajarenses—let us embrace responsible consumption and recycling. Our city’s future depends on collective action.” The newly opened Textile Collection Center marks a significant milestone in Guadalajara’s environmental roadmap, solidifying its role as a leader in sustainable urban management.
