Carlos Monge Solano, a former councilor and current municipal advisor in Heredia, expressed concerns over Executive Decree No. 44.974-S, describing it as a “poisoned gift” that burdens the next government with a waste crisis lacking resources and infrastructure. He warned of potential health and environmental risks due to inadequate timelines.
“Este decreto es un regalo envenenado, porque está dejando la bomba del manejo de residuos para quien llegue después,” said Monge Solano, Exregidor y actual asesor municipal. “Quien asuma el próximo gobierno heredará una urgencia acumulada sin presupuesto, sin infraestructura acorde y con plazos tan severos que pueden provocar crisis sanitarias y ambientales evitables.”
According to Monge, the decree shifts the waste crisis without proper financing or infrastructure. He highlighted criticisms from mayors Domingo Argüello of Montes de Oca, who called it “impossible” to comply with, and Juan José Vargas of Santa Ana, who questioned its timelines and restrictions. Monge also noted the opposition from 14 municipalities in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), which argue that the decree disregards territorial realities, undermines local autonomy, and jeopardizes waste management.
“The diversity of territories, economies, and societies in the cantons demands phased plans, state resources, and genuine municipal participation,” Monge said. “Otherwise, this will become a major issue for institutional stability and public health.” He added that waste problems cannot be solved by a decree alone but require planning, shared responsibility, resources, and support for local governments.
Fourteen municipalities within the GAM—including San José, Alajuelita, Montes de Oca, Goicoechea, Curridabat, Desamparados, Moravia, Santa Ana, Heredia, Barva, Belén, San Rafael, San Isidro and Tibás—issued a statement opposing Executive Decree No. 44.974-S. They argued that it sets technical goals without available infrastructure or resources while defining regions based on outdated criteria and limiting municipal autonomy. The municipalities requested its suspension in favor of a participatory national plan with regional goals and public investment in infrastructure.
Monge’s background includes serving as a councilor from 2020 to 2024 at the Municipality of Heredia where he was part of the Environmental Affairs Commission and served as vice president of the Planning and Urban Development Commission.
