Puerto Vallarta Issues First Fine and Closure for Garbage Violations—An OXXO Store Shut Down

Puerto Vallarta authorities have taken action against businesses failing to comply with garbage collection regulations, issuing their first fine of 11,000 pesos and temporarily closing an OXXO store for repeatedly putting out trash outside designated hours. The enforcement followed a citizen complaint filed through CPS Noticias and Tribuna de la Bahía.

In the TV Mar program Denúncialo, frustrated residents reported that employees of the OXXO store on Francisco Medina Ascencio Boulevard, near IMSS Hospital 42, were dumping garbage on the sidewalk and in a planter at all hours.

“Despite multiple complaints to OXXO’s offices and direct conversations with the store manager, they ignored us, claiming the tree in the planter was their property and using it as a trash bin,” the complaint stated.

The municipal government responded swiftly. The Directorate of Inspection, Surveillance, and Civil Liability, led by César Mejía Amezcua, issued an official Visit Order and Inspection Report (folio number 0041/2025) to Cadena Comercial OXXO SA de CV.

Authorities cited the store for violating Article 86, Section III of Puerto Vallarta’s Ecological Regulations, along with Article 229, Section VII of the regulations governing commercial operations. During the initial inspection, inspectors found garbage bags placed outside the store in a public space outside of collection hours. The manager was warned that continued violations could result in penalties, including closure.

Three days later, inspectors returned for a follow-up visit (folio number 0189/2025) and found the store still failing to comply.

“We requested their municipal operating license and reminded them of the garbage collection rules. Since they had already received a prior citation, along with photo and video evidence, we issued a fine and ordered the store’s closure,” the report stated.

The Puerto Vallarta municipal government has now begun enforcing garbage collection rules more strictly. While the first sanctions targeted businesses, officials warn that fines will also be issued to residents who violate collection schedules.