Quintana Roo Regulates Large Waste Generators

The State Attorney for Environmental Protection (PPA) is seeking to regulate large waste generators that do not have a Management Plan detailing how they manage their waste internally and its final destination.

Alonso Fernández Lemmen Meyer, head of the state agency, said this regulation process began with at least 10 large commercial chains operating in the state, as well as convenience stores with up to 1,200 branches, in addition to cinema chains, restaurants, and shopping centers that can generate up to 400 tons of waste daily.

The interviewee noted that they have imposed sanctions on large generators for not having a Waste Management Plan; these fines are governed by the Law for the Prevention, Comprehensive Management, and Circular Economy of Waste of the State of Quintana Roo and its regulations, and are calculated based on the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA). In case of serious violations, the regulations indicate that sanctions range from 1,000 to 20,000 UMA.

He emphasized that they sanction companies handling priority products marked by the law, those that are difficult to collect and reuse at the end of their useful life, such as tires, appliances, plastics, oils, glass, and pharmaceuticals, as these companies are obligated to share the responsibility for managing these wastes.

“The strategy is focused on businesses with large infrastructure and multiple branches to generate a broad impact, which seeks to permeate to smaller businesses,” he explained.

To date, they have sanctioned supermarket chains, convenience stores, pharmacies, tire shops, and commercial plazas. Regarding cinemas and convenience stores, they are working with them because some have up to 1,200 branches throughout Quintana Roo.

“No resistance has been encountered from the companies because they are aware of the need for these changes and have areas dedicated to social and environmental responsibility,” he stated.

He mentioned that regarding real estate or construction developments, they are also requiring a Waste Management Plan for the special handling wastes they generate, such as rubble.

“At the same time, work is being done on the transition from single-use plastics. Although the previous law had become ‘dead letter’ after the pause due to the pandemic, the regulation does contemplate it,” he stated.

He explained that currently, notices are being sent to establishments because the goal is not to sanction for revenue purposes, but to support the transition to more sustainable options, socializing with business chambers (Canaco, Canadevi, Canacintra, Coparmex) and subsequently, with informal and semi-fixed commerce.

“Governor Mara Lezama has emphasized that the waste issue is a priority due to the fragility of the region’s karst soil. The objective is to prevent waste from reaching the water table, lagoons, or ocean, as natural resources are the main support of tourism,” concluded the interviewee.