New Playa del Carmen Landfill Cell 60% Complete

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The privately operated landfill managed by Promotora Ambiental is preparing to open its seventh waste containment cell, which is currently 60% complete, according to Alfonso Gómez, the company’s general manager. Over its 14 years of operation, the facility has confined more than two million tons of waste.

Progress and Infrastructure

Work is currently focused on land preparation, including clearing, leveling, and installing an impermeable lining system to begin receiving waste. “We are at 60% completion for the new cell,” Gómez stated. The landfill operates under a 20-year concession agreement, valid until 2031, which includes the construction of 10 containment cells.

“Nearly 75% of the concession period has passed. We estimate that by the end of the term, there will still be capacity for the municipality to decide whether to extend the contract,” Gómez added.

Waste Volume and Sources

The facility processes between 850 and 900 tons of waste daily, with approximately 750 tons originating from Playa del Carmen. The remainder comes from neighboring municipalities and private waste generators.

Circular Economy Initiatives

Promotora Ambiental is aligning its operations with Quintana Roo’s Circular Economy Law by exploring waste-recycling projects. These include mechanized systems to separate recyclables like cardboard, glass, plastics, aluminum, and wood; composting organic waste or converting it into biogas via biodigesters; and processing discarded tires.

Regarding sargassum, Gómez explained that the landfill does not regularly receive the seaweed, as the state manages its own disposal program. However, when it does arrive, it is mixed with sascab (limestone gravel) and used as landfill cover material.

Operational Challenges

While managing large volumes of waste presents challenges, Gómez emphasized that operational issues are resolved quickly. “Experience has allowed us to minimize incidents and optimize space. Waste will always be a challenge, but also an opportunity to create value from what we discard,” he concluded.