Costa Rica faces an imminent collapse of its sanitary landfills in the Greater Metropolitan Area as it enters 2026, with no clear solutions in sight. This situation arises nine months after the regionalization decree on waste management by Minister Mary Munive.
According to a report by Teletica, Vice President and Minister Munive warned that the La Carpio landfill will close between April and May, while El Huaso in Aserrí has seen its lifespan reduced from three years to just 11 months due to increased waste and diversion from other areas. This could lead to a collapse in the Greater Metropolitan Area and trigger a domino effect in other regions. Munive urged the population to recycle, reduce waste, and use composting centers. She also called on the Legislative Assembly to approve bill 25.271 for constructing a biodigester capable of processing 800 tons daily and generating electricity.
Teletica also reported that Deputy Katherine Moreira and San José Mayor Diego Miranda pointed out that despite legislative and municipal efforts to find solutions, lack of coordination, absence of the Ministry of Health at working tables, and recent decrees complicating tenders have delayed progress. They warned that the crisis is already affecting residents’ costs and that projects like new landfills or biodigesters are only viable if multiple municipalities collaborate. Without integrated state decisions, they said, a collapse in waste management seems almost inevitable.
A report by El Mundo indicated that former councilor and municipal advisor Carlos Monge described Executive Decree 44.974-S promoted by Minister Munive as a “poisoned gift” for the next administration, warning it shifts the solid waste crisis without funding, infrastructure, or reasonable timelines. This concern has been echoed by several mayors and a joint statement from 14 municipalities in the Greater Metropolitan Area.
The Ministry of Health of Costa Rica is responsible for overseeing the national health system’s planning, regulation, and supervision of public health actions, including health surveillance, promotion, and regulation of health establishments and products.
