Recicla Electrónicos México promotes Mexico’s circular economy by giving electronic waste a second life

The mismanagement of obsolete electronic products, such as computers and cell phones, is a global problem that is also widespread in Mexico. With a management system for electronic waste, Recicla Electrónicos México (REMSA) makes sure these products don’t end up as garbage but get a second life. Located in the city of Querétaro, this social enterprise works with individual consumers and companies all over Mexico, offering a management system for obsolete electronic products that guarantees their recycling and reuse.

The REMSA team is motivated by their drive to counter the planned obsolescence of electronic devices that has been common practice among manufacturing companies. As a result, in Mexico alone, around 1.3 million tons of electronic waste are generated each year and the mismanagement of obsolete electronics is a growing problem.

REMSA’s electronic waste management system provides a clean and efficient answer. The so-called Punto Verde (“Green Point”), raises awareness among people and companies about a new and more responsible circular economy model. It motivates them to send their electronics in packages at no cost through the “Junta, Entrega y Recicla (JER)” (Collect, Deliver and Recycle) digital app. Once the package arrives at the REMSA facilities, the electronics are disassembled and recycled or reused in projects, prototypes or educational kits. With their new user value added, these parts are then donated to the “Saber Ayuda” program or sold through REMSA’s physical and online EcoMaker store.

The electronic waste management cycle promoted by REMSA not only benefits the environment, but it also builds community. The company facilitates a network of Punto Verde Ambassadors, proactive people who provide solutions to pollution in their own living areas, spreading the use of the JER app among friends and family and sharing notes, photos and news on their social networks to inform others about electronics recycling. REMSA also offers boys and girls a space to explore technology and supports students and young professionals to develop their own electronic waste projects at a low cost.

Programme support:

To date, Recicla Electrónicos México has created over one hundred jobs and reached millions of Mexicans with their services. By participating in the Mexico accelerator, the REMSA team will increase their reach and impact, and improve their market approach. Strongly identifying with IKEA’s vision and waste strategy, they will work with IKEA coaches and New Ventures mentors to professionalize their processes.

REMSA will also improve their market approach, further developing their Business-to-business (B2B) channel to potentialise their impact.