Tulum Landfill to Remain Under Environmental Monitoring for 20 Years

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Although Tulum’s landfill ceased operations over a year ago, municipal authorities continue remediation and monitoring efforts at the site, which will remain under environmental supervision for approximately 20 years.

Cristian Moguel, director general of Public Infrastructure, said that in 2025 about 8.4 million pesos (roughly $420,000) were allocated for rehabilitation and monitoring work within the closed area. Tasks included reinforcing the perimeter fence, conducting specialized technical studies, and rehabilitating the basins used for leachate management.

Moguel explained that closing a landfill does not end environmental obligations, as regulations require ongoing monitoring to verify the stabilization of accumulated waste and prevent potential harm to the natural environment.

Periodic analyses and technical evaluations are carried out related to the decomposition of organic matter, along with environmental controls aimed at preventing leaks or health risks from the former dump.

The work is coordinated with various state and environmental agencies, including the Procuraduría de Protección al Ambiente (PPA), the Secretaría de Ecología y Medio Ambiente (SEMA), and state government authorities, who receive regular reports on the site’s condition.

Moguel added that a new phase of intervention is planned for this year under the Annual Operating Program, driven by additional environmental requirements to strengthen control measures in the area.

A priority has been containing wildlife and animals that might enter the area, due to the risk posed by the site’s proximity to the Tulum International Airport. Security measures around the perimeter have been reinforced to restrict access by both unauthorized people and animal species.