Hermosillo faces environmental and social challenges linked to waste management and labor inclusion. The Biciclando project offers an innovative response based on circular economy and women’s leadership, turning recyclable collection into an opportunity for sustainable and community development.
The city of Hermosillo faced environmental and social challenges related to waste management and workforce inclusion. As a response, the Biciclando project provides an innovative solution based on circular-economy principles and women’s leadership, transforming waste collection into an opportunity for sustainable and community development.
In Hermosillo, Mexico, women contribute towards a cleaner, more equitable city. Through Biciclando, they turn waste into opportunity. Their efforts support a circular economy that transforms lives and revitalizes the city.
Hermosillo, capital of Sonora, has a population of 944,348 inhabitants. With an arid climate and high rates of waste generation, the city seeks to move toward more sustainable management. Initiatives like Biciclando promote an inclusive circular economy with a gender perspective.
Hermosillo, the capital of Sonora, has an estimated population of 944,348 residents. With an arid climate and high waste production, the city aims to move toward more sustainable management. Initiatives like Biciclando promote an inclusive circular economy with a gender perspective.
Hermosillo faced a double challenge:
Low recycling rate: less than 5% of waste was effectively recycled.
High per capita waste generation: each resident generated over one kilogram of waste per day.
Environmental impact: waste buildup led to soil and water pollution and raised greenhouse gas emissions.
In Sonora, around 243,000 women were engaged in informal work (2024), lacking access to benefits or social security.
The female unemployment rate was 3.6%, compared to 2.4% for men (INEGI, 2025). 32.4% of employed women earned up to one minimum wage, compared to 20.6% of men (COESPO, 2024).
40.2% of the employed population in Sonora works informally.
Source: WRI Mexico. (2023, March). Final Report: Feasibility Analysis and Recommendations. Biciclando Project, Hermosillo, Sonora (Global Mayors Challenge).
Biciclando is a community-based circular economy center model that simultaneously promotes:
• Recovery of recyclable materials in areas with low differentiated waste collection coverage.
• Generation of decent employment for bicicladoras, women trained to collect and commercialize recyclable materials using bicycles with trailers.
Biciclando currently operates in five parts of the city.
1. Women’s employment
Promotes the inclusion of women in safe, decent working conditions with flexible hours and ongoing training. Enhances economic autonomy and community leadership.
2. Circular Economy Center (CEC)
Serves as an operational hub for collecting, sorting, and commercializing recyclable materials, generating economic value, and supporting a local circular economy.
3. Sustainable mobility
Uses electric bicycles for collection, lowering emissions, and promoting active, safe, and healthy mobility throughout the city.
4. Environmental culture and responsible recycling
Promotes waste separation at the source and environmental education in homes, schools, and businesses, encouraging sustainable habits and environmental awareness.
Bicicladoras: women who collect, separate, and sell recyclable materials using electric bicycles.
Average age: 30–49 years.
Monthly salary: USD 430 with full benefits.
Most women have completed upper secondary education.
17 have an additional job besides Biciclando.
Age (in years)
Marital status
Is she a mother?
Children depend 100% economically on her
Children’s age (in years)
Education level
Primary provider for the household
Biciclando is her primary source of income
Additional job aside from Biciclando
Generating Agents
Businesses and institutions that sort and deliver their waste, strengthening the community recycling chain.
378
generating agents
The project supports women’s leadership and economic autonomy, generating decent jobs and transforming their environment through inclusion and equity.
Flexible schedules to balance care, work, and study.
Training in Social Economy and Cooperative Development (INAES).
Knowledge sharing in operations and communication.
Monthly group sessions on assertive communication and teamwork.
Consolidation of the CEC as a safe space for women at risk of violence.
The CEC has become a key community space for responsible waste management and fostering a more sustainable local economy.
ACCUMULATED WEIGHT
39,526 kg
TOTAL ROUTES SERVED
950
AVERAGE DAILY COLLECTION
550Kg
TOTAL INCOME
$ 136,869
AVERAGE DAILY INCOME
$ 962.00
Accumulated weight: 39,526 kg
Accumulated income: $94,892.00 MXN
Highest collection: cardboard
Lowest collection: aluminum
Aerial view of the Circular Economy Center – Biciclando Project, Hermosillo, Mexico.
The bicycle becomes a symbol of change, promoting clean, safe, and active mobility that connects communities and reduces emissions.
Two community bike rides took place on new cycling routes.
Active use of cycling infrastructure by bicicladoras.
Awareness campaign highlighting the benefits of cycling.
The number of cyclists quadrupled (during morning hours) compared to 2023.
Installation and signage of 4.2 km of confibicis, completing 100% of planned lanes.
The communication and socialization strategy was essential for raising awareness about recycling and sustainability. Through on-site activities and a strong digital presence, the project enhanced environmental awareness and community participation around Biciclando.
21 activities:
The strategic use of digital communication was essential for increasing environmental awareness, boosting Biciclando’s message, and encouraging citizen participation through social media.
Views: 672,463
total number of times the project’s content was viewed.
Reach: 156,187
number of unique people who viewed the posts.
Interactions: 12,256
public actions (likes, comments, shares, clicks) reflecting engagement and interest.
Participation and gender focus
Women’s participation enhances project sustainability by boosting commitment, teamwork, leadership, and access to resources.
Coordination
Regular meetings and coordination among all teams and key actors enhance communication, problem-solving, and goal alignment.
Training and technology use
Ongoing training is crucial to improve technical, social, and community skills, boosting safety, performance, and sustainability.
Planning and logistics
Flexible definition of collection routes based on territorial conditions guarantees efficiency and high-quality service.
Recognition and sustainability
Highlighting the work of bicicladoras increases social recognition, reduces stigma, and helps secure policy and institutional support.
Community and Institutional
Involvement
Collaboration among public, private, and community actors, along with ongoing campaigns, enhanced sustainability and fostered an environmental culture focused on responsible recycling.
Want to learn more?
Discover more about Hermosillo and its project, Biciclando, and explore other local actions that are transforming communities around the world.
Visual storytelling and data visualization by Datadot Estudio, co-designed with the SDG Local Action team