Mexicali, Baja California – The Government of Mexicali launched an extensive inspection campaign yesterday. This was part of its campaign to fight the buildup of discarded tires. In the first phase of Mexicali tire inspections, authorities examined 90 local tire shops. They did this to confirm they held valid permits and handled waste tires correctly.
Rosa Castañeda, Director of the Environmental Protection Directorate (DPA), underscored the operation’s collaborative nature. “We coordinated closely with the Municipal Police’s Ecological Unit. This was to ensure that every establishment complies with environmental licenses and proper disposal procedures,” she said. Inspectors reviewed each site for four critical requirements: a current environmental license, a tire collection certificate, noise emission controls, and a finalized manifest for tire disposal.
Seven establishments were immediately shut down for failing to meet multiple standards. Owners faced fines as high as 130 Unidades de Medida y Actualización (UMAs), equivalent to 14,690 pesos, for violations ranging from missing permits to improper waste manifests. Castañeda stressed that these penalties serve both to enforce regulations and to educate operators on their environmental responsibilities.
Mexicali Tire Inspections
The Mexicali tire inspections program follows mounting concerns over health hazards and environmental damage posed by abandoned tires. Accumulated scrap tires can trap water, fostering mosquito breeding grounds that amplify the risk of dengue and other vector-borne diseases. They also pose a fire risk and create unsightly conditions in neighborhoods.
Castañeda outlined plans to expand the campaign in the coming weeks. “We will continue inspecting every tire shop in the city. Our aim is to raise awareness about the importance of proper disposal,” she explained. “Our goal is to direct scrap tires exclusively to authorized collection centers. In this way, they can be recycled or safely processed.”
Local shop owners have expressed mixed reactions. Some praised the government for taking decisive action against environmental neglect. Others voiced concern over the financial and logistical burden of securing new permits and adapting facilities. The DPA has pledged guidance to assist small businesses. This includes meeting compliance requirements and connecting them with licensed waste handlers.
Beyond enforcement, the DPA is launching a public outreach initiative. Citizens are encouraged to report unauthorized tire accumulation and to learn about legal disposal options. The Environmental Protection offices at 508 Reforma Avenue remain open for business, and residents may call 5-58-16-00, ext. 4084 for more information on how to dispose of tires at no extra charge.
By targeting the root causes of scrap tire accumulation, city officials aim to protect public health. They also want to preserve Mexicali’s urban environment. As the Mexicali tire inspections campaign unfolds, residents can expect stricter oversight. Also, clearer pathways for compliant waste management will be provided. Local authorities believe that sustained inspections and community engagement will reduce illegal tire dumping. Additionally, risks associated with this will be minimized across the municipality.
