Telefónica Movistar Mexico’s 23rd consecutive ESR distinction and ISO 14001 recertification underscore a structured shift toward circular economy models in Mexico’s telecommunications sector. By dismantling more than 10,400 network sites and launching the Planeta Movistar e-waste campaign, the company is addressing the country’s low 3.3% regional recycling rate and tightening environmental traceability requirements.
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Telefónica Movistar Mexico has been awarded the Socially Responsible Company (ESR) distinction by the Mexican Center for Philanthropy (CEMEFI) for the 23rd consecutive year. The recognition, announced as the company marks 25 years of operation in Mexico, highlights its performance in sustainability and its contribution to fostering an inclusive digital environment.
The company ranks among leading corporations recognized by CEMEFI, positioning itself as a relevant player in the telecommunications sector’s transition toward a circular economy. Central to this recognition is its large-scale infrastructure management strategy. During 2025, Telefónica Movistar Mexico implemented a circular economy program that dismantled more than 10,400 network sites, recovering over 850 tons of materials, which were reintegrated into the national productive chain.
Since 2021, the company has dismantled more than 9,000 infrastructure sites and reused over 90,000 network devices across the region. These efforts have resulted in the recycling of more than 2,000 tons of electrical equipment and 3,000 tons of metal structures, achieving full material recovery. The extraction of copper, aluminum, and steel from towers, antennas, and transformers aims to prevent soil and water contamination.
Planeta Movistar Campaign and E-waste Goals
In Feb. 2026, the company expanded its environmental strategy through the “Planeta Movistar” campaign. The initiative established collection points in more than 190 customer service centers across 21 states in Mexico. The program is open to the public and accepts smartphones, smartwatches, cables, and other unused electronic devices. The company set an initial target to collect at least one ton of electronic waste in 2026.
“Through Planeta Movistar, we are strengthening our permanent recycling program, through which we have collected and processed more than 17,000 tons of electronic waste over the past 14 years,” said Natalia Guerra, Director of Public Affairs, Regulation, and Wholesale Business, Movistar Mexico. “We are committed to promoting a greener digital environment for future generations. This program also aims to raise awareness about proper e-waste disposal and reduce environmental risks.”
To support the rollout, the company trained 58% of its customer service staff in proper waste handling protocols. Participants who register their waste receive a tracking code through the “Gretel” system, ensuring full traceability. This system enables the company to monitor the final disposal of materials through authorized providers with the required regulatory permits.
“We receive the materials and transfer them to certified providers with the necessary regulatory authorizations to handle this type of waste,” Guerra said. “We ensure proper registration and tracking through our Gretel waste management system, guaranteeing responsible final disposal.”
The urgency of these initiatives is underscored by data from the International E-Waste Observatory, which reported that Mexico generated 1.5 million tons of electronic waste in 2022, equivalent to 9.23 kg per capita annually. Across Mexico and Central America, only 3.3% of the 1.811 million tons of e-waste generated in 2022 was formally recycled, highlighting significant gaps in waste management systems.
Environmental Certification Renewals
Telefónica Movistar Mexico further strengthened its operational framework by obtaining its seventh recertification of its Environmental Management System (EMS). In October 2025, the company renewed its ISO 14001:2015 certification, an international standard it has maintained since 2004.
The ISO 14001:2015 certification, valid for three years, requires organizations to identify, control, and reduce environmental impacts through measurable performance indicators. Additionally, the company maintained its ISO 9001 quality management certification throughout 2025.
“Obtaining ISO 14001:2015 certification goes beyond compliance — it demonstrates that our environmental management is structured, measurable, and verifiable,” Guerra said. “At Telefónica Movistar México, we believe sustainability must be embedded in every business decision and operational process.”