Lajas may charge other towns for use of its landfill

Lajas Mayor Jayson Martínez Maldonado said he is focused on exploring alternative revenue sources, including charging other municipalities for garbage disposal at the southwestern town’s landfill. (Facebook via Oficina Municipal para el Manejo de Emergencias de Lajas)

By The Star Staff

As Puerto Rico continues to face fiscal challenges, the southwestern municipality of Lajas is feeling the impact and may charge other towns for dumping waste in its landfill.

With dwindling federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and equalization programs, Mayor Jayson Martínez Maldonado has noted that his municipality is operating on a tight budget. In a radio interview, the mayor emphasized his determination to explore alternative revenue sources, including charging other municipalities for garbage disposal at Lajas’ landfill.

A key part of the plan is the construction of a super cell at the landfill site. Martínez confirmed that the necessary permits for the project have already been secured. The situation in Lajas has developed against the backdrop of Puerto Rico’s ongoing financial crisis, which has forced many municipalities to struggle to maintain public services and infrastructure.

The proposed super cell initiative is expected to generate much-needed funds for Lajas while addressing regional waste management concerns. As the island’s fiscal crisis continues, innovative approaches to revenue generation have become essential for towns in Puerto Rico. With the mayor’s focus on exploring alternative funding sources, Lajas serves as an example of local governments adapting to financial hardship to maintain services for their communities.

In 2024, island towns faced a continuing fiscal crisis, marked by debt restructuring efforts, challenges in debt repayment and efforts to improve municipal finances. While some municipalities showed progress in improving property tax collection, others faced challenges in managing their budgets.