The Mérida City Council has proposed a bold measure to combat littering in the streets: imposing fines up to 500 UMAS (approximately 56,570 pesos), the highest penalty in the country. This move is aimed at addressing neighborhood complaints about clandestine dumpsites and illegal waste in multiple areas of Mérida.
Mayor Cecilia Patrón Laviada has expressed her firm commitment to penalizing those who litter public streets, emphasizing that household waste is not allowed on these spaces. The proposal will be sent to the City Council for analysis and regulation.
The proposed fines would increase from 10 to 100 UMAS to 10 to 500 UMAS, aligning with the actions of the environmental police. This measure is part of a broader effort to change the way Mérida residents interact with waste management and prioritize city cleanliness.
To further reinforce this initiative, a Mega Cleanup Operation will be conducted in the El Porvenir neighborhood on Thursday, July 3, offering services and promoting community involvement to maintain a clean and ordered city.
Mérida’s proposed fines would significantly surpass those in other cities, including Ecatepec (6,788-11,000 pesos), Mexico City (1,050-3,800 pesos), Toluca (2,262-5,657 pesos), Cancún (1,131-5,657 pesos), and Nuevo León (20-200 UMAS for depositing dead animals or solid waste).
The implementation of these harsh fines aims to prevent street flooding and modify municipal regulations to penalize those who litter in public spaces. If approved, this measure would set a new standard for addressing environmental issues in Mérida and beyond.
Source: Amexi
