Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — The Environmental Regulations and Sanitation Department has identified more than 150 active microdumps. The illegal dumping areas used by residents have been detected in different parts of Playa del Carmen greenspaces.
According to Liane Alina Aké Canto, the Secretaría of Municipal Public Services, items such as mattresses, tires, electronics and household waste are the most commonly found off public roads.
Aké Canto says the illegal dumping poses a serious environmental and public health risk, especially during the rainy season since they promote the proliferation of harmful fauna and diseases such as dengue fever.
Aké Canto says these pollution hotspots where citizens toss unwanted items and household in unauthorized spaces cause others to do the same, which multiplies the accumulation of garbage.
During city cleanup sessions, the garbage is removed and recyclable waste separated with the support of collection centers to prevent everything from ending up in the landfill.
She noted that as part of the efforts to counter the problem, the Department has strengthened its public services brigade program in collaboration with other municipal departments.
The city of Cancun has created a special task force in coordination with the garbage collection company to patrol areas for illegal dumping. The force has been active for approximately eight months and, with assistance from police, have arrested and fined hundreds for illegal littering.
