Plastic recycling in Morelos, Mexico: actors, networks, and challenges in a circular economy context

Abstract

Plastic recycling has become a central strategy in circular economy agendas, particularly in contexts where waste management systems face structural limitations. This study examines the actors, networks, and challenges shaping plastic recycling in Morelos, Mexico, within a circular economy framework. Using a case study approach, the research combines a systematic literature review following the PRISMA-ScR protocol with semi-structured interviews conducted with stakeholders operating at local, national, and international levels. The empirical analysis applies network analysis to map relationships among actors involved in recycling activities and to identify the challenges they recognise within the system. Results show that plastic recycling in Morelos operates through multi-actor and multi-scalar networks that combine formal and informal arrangements. Informal actors play a crucial role in material recovery and circulation, yet they often remain excluded from formal governance structures and face precarious working conditions. The analysis also identifies the presence of intermediary actors who facilitate the aggregation and circulation of recyclable materials, as well as governance challenges related to price instability, weak institutional coordination, and limited waste separation practices. In addition, evidence suggests that local power dynamics, including the presence of organized crime, may influence recycling networks and create additional challenges for recycling activities. These findings indicate that recycling systems are shaped not only by regulatory frameworks and market conditions but also by complex governance arrangements involving diverse actors. The study contributes to discussions on circular economy implementation in the Global South by highlighting the governance dynamics that sustain recycling systems beyond formal policy frameworks.