Illustration of open waste burning contributing to air pollution and environmental damage in rural Mexico.

Burning Issues: How Household Waste in Mexico is Harming the Planet and Your Health

Jordan Keane in Climate & Environment September 2025 • 5 min read.

"New research reveals the hidden dangers of open waste burning, its impact on climate change, and the health risks faced by communities in Mexico."

In a world grappling with climate change and environmental degradation, the seemingly small act of burning household waste has emerged as a significant contributor to these global challenges. New research from Mexico sheds light on the detrimental effects of uncontrolled waste burning, revealing its impact on air quality, climate change, and the health of local communities. This article delves into the findings, exploring the problem, its consequences, and potential pathways toward a sustainable solution.

The practice of open waste burning, common in many developing countries, involves the combustion of household refuse in backyards, open spaces, or unofficial dumps. This method, while seemingly convenient, releases a cocktail of pollutants, including black carbon, into the atmosphere. Black carbon, a potent component of particulate matter, significantly contributes to global warming and poses severe health risks. This study focuses on Mexico, a country where this practice is prevalent, to quantify the extent of the problem and explore its ramifications.

This research unveils the critical role of household waste in exacerbating climate change and impacting public health. It highlights the urgent need for effective waste management strategies and policies to mitigate the harmful effects of open burning. By examining the situation in Mexico, we can better understand the global implications and explore solutions for a cleaner and healthier environment. The findings presented here serve as a call to action, emphasizing the importance of addressing this critical issue in developing countries and beyond.

The Scope of the Problem: Uncontrolled Burning in Mexico

Illustration of open waste burning contributing to air pollution and environmental damage in rural Mexico.

The study, focusing on the Municipality of Huejutla in Mexico, revealed a startling prevalence of open waste burning. The research team found that a significant portion of the municipality's waste was disposed of through uncontrolled burning. In rural areas, the situation was particularly dire, with a staggering 92% of households reportedly burning their waste in backyards or unofficial dumps. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for waste management infrastructure in these communities.

The consequences extend beyond immediate environmental impacts. Researchers found that uncontrolled burning was responsible for 24% of the total municipal solid waste generated. Furthermore, the practice had a significant impact on the environment, accounting for approximately 6% of the total emissions and 8.5% of fuel-related CO2 emissions within the municipality. The data clearly illustrates how open burning contributes significantly to the broader issue of climate change. Moreover, the black carbon emitted from backyard burning was considerably more potent than methane released from waste disposal in official dumpsites.

Lack of access to proper waste collection services.
Limited awareness of the environmental and health impacts.
Burning as a convenient method of waste disposal.
Absence of alternative waste management options.

The study also examined local health data, revealing a higher incidence of respiratory diseases in rural areas compared to urban areas, a trend often the reverse in many parts of the world. This suggests that open burning of waste could be a significant factor in poorer respiratory health in rural communities, demanding further investigation. The results from this study emphasize that including black carbon emissions from uncontrolled burning in international greenhouse gas inventories is critical. It highlights the importance of addressing the health risks faced by communities in developing countries, where this practice is common. It underscores the need for interventions and solutions.

Moving Forward: Towards a Sustainable Future

The findings of this research provide crucial insights into the challenges posed by open waste burning in Mexico. It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive waste management strategies, improved infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns. By addressing these issues, Mexico can reduce its contribution to climate change, improve air quality, and protect the health of its citizens. This research serves as a vital step in the direction of sustainable practices, providing a blueprint for change that can be applied in communities across the world. The journey towards a healthier, cleaner environment is possible, and it begins with understanding and addressing the burning issues that affect us all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.01.042, Alternate LINK

Title: Uncontrolled Burning Of Solid Waste By Households In Mexico Is A Significant Contributor To Climate Change In The Country

Subject: General Environmental Science

Journal: Environmental Research

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Natalia Reyna-Bensusan, David C. Wilson, Stephen R. Smith

Published: 2018-05-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are the primary pollutants released during open waste burning, and why is "black carbon" particularly concerning?

Open waste burning releases a cocktail of pollutants, with black carbon being a particularly potent component. Black carbon, a component of particulate matter, significantly contributes to global warming and poses severe health risks. The focus on black carbon is due to its disproportionate impact on both climate and respiratory health, making it a critical target for mitigation efforts. The emissions include CO2, a greenhouse gas, and other harmful particulates which affect the environment, and human health.

What factors contribute to the prevalence of open waste burning in communities like the Municipality of Huejutla in Mexico?

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of open waste burning in areas like the Municipality of Huejutla. These include a lack of access to proper waste collection services, limited awareness of the environmental and health impacts, the convenience of burning as a disposal method, and the absence of alternative waste management options. Addressing these underlying issues is essential for transitioning to more sustainable waste management practices.

How does open waste burning in Mexico specifically contribute to climate change, and what data supports this?

Open waste burning in Mexico contributes to climate change through the release of pollutants like black carbon and CO2. Research indicates that uncontrolled burning accounts for approximately 6% of total emissions and 8.5% of fuel-related CO2 emissions within the Municipality of Huejutla. Furthermore, the emitted black carbon is considerably more potent than methane released from waste disposal in official dumpsites, exacerbating its climate impact. Waste management is a solution that would prevent the use of open waste burning.

The research mentions a higher incidence of respiratory diseases in rural areas of Mexico. How is this connected to open waste burning, and what are the potential implications for public health?

The higher incidence of respiratory diseases in rural areas of Mexico is linked to open waste burning, as the practice releases harmful pollutants directly into the air. This can lead to poorer respiratory health in these communities compared to urban areas, where waste management practices might be better implemented. The implications for public health include increased rates of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory ailments, highlighting the need for interventions to reduce open waste burning and protect public health.

What steps are needed to transition towards a more sustainable waste management system in Mexico, and how can the findings of this research be applied in other developing countries facing similar challenges?

Transitioning to a sustainable waste management system in Mexico requires comprehensive waste management strategies, improved infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns. The findings of this research, including the quantification of emissions and the assessment of health impacts, can be used as a blueprint for change in other developing countries. This includes prioritizing waste collection services, educating communities about the risks of open burning, implementing alternative waste management technologies, and integrating black carbon emissions into international greenhouse gas inventories. By learning from Mexico's experience, other nations can accelerate their progress towards cleaner, healthier environments.