Benito Juárez, Quintana Roo — The municipality’s Ecology Department has closed a business in the El Milagro neighborhood and launched an administrative proceeding for improper handling of special waste, specifically used vegetable oil and grease.
During the inspection, Benito Juárez Municipal Secretary Pablo Gutiérrez Fernández accompanied officials, reaffirming the city’s commitment to environmental compliance.
Inspectors found irregularities in how the business managed and disposed of the waste. In addition to the closure, the department will file a complaint with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Procuraduría de Protección al Ambiente), citing potential serious environmental harm and a possible environmental crime.
Ecology Director Fernando Haro said responsible management of such waste is essential to prevent soil, water, and ecosystem contamination. The city maintains a zero-tolerance policy for practices that threaten the environment.
Haro reminded that large generators, such as restaurants and food preparation businesses, must have a waste management plan approved by the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (SEMA).
For small generators, the Ecology Department promotes the Reciclatón program, where residents and businesses can properly dispose of used vegetable oil at upcoming collection drives on July 25, August 8 and 29, November 7 and 28, and December 12, at the following locations:
- SEQ Esplanade
- Pabellón Cumbres
- CONALEP II
- Walmart Polígono Sur
- La Gran Plaza parking lot
- Chedraui Lak’in parking lot
- Casino Jubilee parking lot
- Chedraui Multiplaza ChacMool (Santa Fe) parking lot
There are also two permanent drop-off points for used vegetable oil: Parque de la Equidad on Avenida Cancún and the Enrique Barocio Library, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
