People caught throwing trash in public spaces in Baja California could soon face community service as a penalty after the state congress approved a new reform.
Lawmakers passed the measure as an amendment to Article 66 of the state law on waste prevention and management, adding community service to the list of sanctions for dumping garbage in streets, public areas or vacant lots.
The initiative was introduced by state lawmaker Michelle Tejeda and approved as part of a report from the Assembly’s Environment and Sustainable Development Committee.
Lawmakers said the change is meant to improve how waste is managed and reduce pollution in public spaces, while also protecting residents’ right to a healthy environment.
New penalties for littering
The reform addresses a problem that affects both public health and the environment. Under the new rules, dumping trash in public areas or empty lots will be formally treated as an infraction and could lead to community service.
Those assigned community service would carry out environmental cleanup or conservation work in the area affected by the violation. The measure also gives state and local authorities stronger tools to enforce waste regulations.
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Tejeda said the accumulation of garbage in parks, sidewalks, roadways and vacant lots often creates unsanitary conditions.
Consequences of dumping trash
Among the problems linked to littering are the spread of pests, clogged drainage systems that can lead to flooding, unpleasant odors, visual pollution and exposure to harmful pathogens.
Tejeda said these impacts tend to be felt more strongly in lower-income neighborhoods, where basic infrastructure is often limited.
According to data from Mexico’s national statistics agency, INEGI, Baja California collects between 3,000 and 4,500 tons of trash every day, while the state has fewer than 30 sites for final disposal of urban solid waste.
In Mexicali alone, the state public services commission has removed more than 150,000 tons of garbage from drains and drainage channels over the past three years.
Lawmakers said the reform is meant to encourage greater civic responsibility while helping protect public health and the environment across Baja California.
