In November 2025, UNDP released its new publication “Transforming the city of Hermosillo: the Biciclando recycling project”, documenting an innovative initiative that promotes circular economy, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability in Mexico.
This publication showcases the experience of the city of Hermosillo implemented between 2022 and 2025 as one of the winning projects of the 2021 Global Mayors Challenge, where UNDP was one of the implementing partners.
The objectives
The project had the following objectives
- Increase the recovery and recycling of solid waste in areas with low selective collection coverage.
- Generate decent and local employment opportunities for women, through the creation of the role of bicicladoras — trained women who collect, separate, and market recyclable materials using electric bicycles.
- Promote community education and environmental awareness to strengthen circular economy practices in the city.
The approach
- Community-based circular economy: Biciclando established a community recycling center, Centro de Economía Circular (CEC), which operates as both a collection point and a training hub for women.
- Inclusive employment: the project provided technical and soft-skills training to women, strengthening their employability, financial literacy, and organizational capacity.
- Digital innovation: a mobile app and GIS tools were used to map routes, optimize waste collection, and connect the bicicladoras with households, businesses, and institutions.
- Participatory communication: awareness campaigns and local events, such as recycling fairs and community rides, helped increase citizen engagement and recognition of women’s environmental leadership.
- Gender-sensitive governance: flexible work schedules, health and safety measures, and psychosocial support were incorporated to address the double work burden and ensure equitable participation.
Key achievements
- Creation of the first women-led circular economy center in Hermosillo, enabling the collection, classification, and sale of recyclable materials.
- Dozens of women trained as bicicladoras, gaining access to stable and dignified employment in the environmental sector.
- Improved household waste separation practices and strengthened community awareness on recycling and sustainability.
- Reduction of waste sent to landfills and promotion of low-carbon transport through the use of electric bicycles.
- Enhanced visibility and social recognition of women as environmental leaders in their neighborhoods.
Lessons learned
The Hermosillo experience demonstrates that the circular economy and gender equality can go hand in hand. The project proved that empowering women as environmental operators not only improves waste management efficiency but also fosters inclusion, social cohesion, and local resilience.
Key success factors included continuous training, strong coordination among local actors, flexible logistics, and clear communication protocols. Sustainable financing mechanisms, through recycling sales, public-private partnerships, and potential eco-shops, are essential for the model’s long-term viability.
Download the guidelines in English here
Download the guidelines in Spanish here
Download the guidelines in French here