Riviera Maya Hotels Criticized for Improper Sargassum Disposal

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Hotels along the Riviera Maya lack authorized sites to dispose of sargassum they collect, instead dumping the seaweed in landfills where it mixes with solid waste, according to executives from Dakatso, a company that produces concrete-like materials from the algae.

During a press conference where they showcased their “sargacreto” products, Dakatso director Dagoberto Ruíz suggested it would be worthwhile to ask hotel operators where they take their sargassum and how they manage it, as poor practices persist that exacerbate the environmental crisis caused by seaweed influxes.

Among the problematic methods are removing sargassum from beaches—often along with sand—which worsens coastal erosion, and improper final disposal that contaminates the subsoil.

Ruíz criticized previous administrations for burying sargassum to “recover beaches,” effectively leaving decomposing organic matter near the ocean. “When currents rise, they pollute the Caribbean water with leachate, turning it chocolate-colored,” he said.

Architect David Jauregui, who oversees technical operations, explained that the company collects sargassum from the water. When seaweed washes ashore, they use a screening system to separate and return sand before processing the material.

Sargacreto Applications

Regarding the “sargacreto” produced at their two plants, executives noted that one of last year’s major projects was Section 5 of the Maya Train, where they used 3,200 tons of sargassum over six months.

At their treatment plants, they use 40 to 45 kilograms of fresh sargassum to produce each construction piece they manufacture.

Dakatso expressed willingness to collaborate on more public or private projects. This follows President Claudia Sheinbaum’s announcement that the Cancún-Isla Blanca highway will use sargacreto for its sidewalks.