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A new regulation has come into effect in Cancun this week fining beachgoers for littering public beaches with glass bottles amid new efforts to boost cleanliness levels.
The measure comes at a time when Cancun’s beaches are seeing their popularity skyrocket, with over 47 Mexican Caribbean white-sand beaches earning a Blue Flag distinction in 2024.
Although the coastal destination is currently in the midst of the quiet shoulder season, it is just a matter of weeks until travel numbers begin climbing as the busy winter season approaches.
With millions of travelers expected to still flock to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean this year, here’s the latest on Cancun’s new beach fine.
Officials Given Green Light To Fine Littering Travelers On Cancun Beaches
Cancun is above all a destination known for its stunning array of white-sand beaches, which grow in popularity year after year.
Offering powdery sands and azure waters, Cancun’s numerous public beaches are by far the city’s most prominent attraction, welcoming thousands of daily travelers during the high season.
And with beaches increasingly crowded, officials have been dealing with a growing issue: littering and waste left behind by travelers.
It’s not uncommon for visitors to enjoy a drink or two when spending an afternoon under the blazing Caribbean sun.
While travelers are encouraged to drink during their holidays, a worrying number of visitors are leaving everything from single-use plastic items and glass bottles on public beaches.
Despite numerous campaigns urging visitors to opt for more eco-friendly practices like recycling, authorities regularly clean tons of waste from public beaches across Cancun, tarnishing not only the stellar reputation of the city’s pristine coastline but also damaging local plant and animal wildlife.
This week, Cancun lawmakers decided to take a more drastic approach to the issue with the approval of a new regulation that imposes fines of up to $330 for serious offences.
In a session held by the city council, decision-makers approved an additional section to Article 62 of the Municipal Civic Justice Regulation, which deals with matters of public order and cleanliness, among other measures.
According to Arsa Caribe, one of several beach cleaning subcontractors hired by the city of Cancun, the amount of glass waste across city beaches has grown by over 40% in the past year as travel numbers continue to skyrocket.
While it’s unlikely travelers will regularly encounter the maximum fine of up to $330, law enforcement officers will be keeping a close eye on travelers’ beach behavior this winter.
Visitors are encouraged to tidy up after their Cancun beach visit by gathering and sorting trash into recycling bins, which can be found throughout the city’s large public beaches, including Deflines, Del Nino, and others.
Cancun Receives Record Number Of Blue Flag-Certified Beaches For The 2024-2025 Season
In what is a testament to Cancun’s commitment to upkeep excellent beach cleanliness, the coastal destination has received a record 13 Blue-Flag certifications for the 2024 season.
Each year, the Blue Flag organization awards the highly sought-after Blue Flag designation to beaches that meet more than 20 stringent criteria, ranging from safety and accessibility to environmental cleanliness.
Nearly all of Cancun’s public beaches, including those found along the Resort Zone, are Blue-Flag certified, meaning travelers can expect mostly spotless beaches during their next visit.
Although littering remains an issue, Cancun has hired more beach cleaners to ensure a pristine experience for locals & residents.
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Peter Wilson
Thursday 3rd of October 2024
It is mostly the young locals that drink on the beaches at night time that leave the waste on the beaches. Tourist. Have more respect.I go to the beach at 6am and it is disgusting seeing locals leaving their garbage as they Drunkenly stumble from the beaches.
first last
Thursday 3rd of October 2024
Re: Fines for littering. Considering your readership and the country discussed, ALL monetary disclosures should state in which currency. Particulary México. The "$" is used for both the MX peso and US dollar.