Municipal omission of garbage collection violates fundamental rightsOmisión municipal de recolección de basura viola derechos fundamentales

Document Review Res. Nº 2026017083 CONSTITUTIONAL CHAMBER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUSTICE. San José, at nine hours and twenty minutes on the fifteenth of May, two thousand twenty-six.

Constitutional rights petition (recurso de amparo) filed under case number 26-011581-0007-CO, brought by [Nombre 001], identity card number [Valor 001], on behalf of the RESIDENTS OF BARRIO LOS HERNÁNDEZ, LAS VUELTAS DE PALO SECO, against the MUNICIPALIDAD DE PARRITA.

Whereas:

1.- By written submission received by the Chamber's Secretariat on April 5, 2026, the petitioning party filed the constitutional rights petition. They state that on January 9, 2024, a request was submitted to the Municipalidad de Parrita for garbage collection service for 27 homes in Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas de Palo Seco. The petitioner maintains that through official memorandum GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Environmental Management Department indicated that the route was viable. The petitioner further notes that the mayor of Parrita, by official memorandum DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, indicated that field visits would be conducted to determine costs and initiate the service. The petitioner claims that the service has not been initiated, leaving the community in a situation of sanitary vulnerability.

2.- By order of the Chamber's President at 10:01 hours on April 16, 2026, the proceedings were initiated.

3.- Virginia Quesada Fallas, in her capacity as president of the Municipal Council (Concejo Municipal) of Parrita, reports under oath. She states: "1.- The Municipalidad de Parrita received, on January 9, 2024, a written submission from the residents of Barrio Las Vueltas de Palo Seco, addressed to the MUNICIPAL COUNCIL (CONCEJO MUNICIPAL). In it they state '… we would like to request the Garbage Collection Service for our neighborhood, Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas…'. (See folio 1, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 2.- That, by Agreement N°10, Article Four, Correspondence, matter nº07, of Regular Session N°004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipalidad de Parrita on January 15, 2024, the Municipal Council communicated the following to the applicant: (See folios 2 through 5, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 3.- This agreement was communicated, on January 16, 2024, by email (Communication of agreement: Request for financial study to determine whether solid waste collection service can be provided in the community of Las Vueltas) to the Municipal Finance and Environmental Administrators. (See folios 6 through 7, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 4.- On March 15, 2024, the Municipal Council sent a second reminder by email to the Finance and Environmental Administrators, informing them that Agreement N°10, Article Four, Correspondence, matter nº07, of Regular Session N°004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipalidad de Parrita on January 15, 2024, remained UNANSWERED. (See folios 8 through 9, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 5.- On March 19, 2024, through official memorandum GDUS-DGA-005-2024, the Environmental Administrator responded to Agreement N°10, Article Four, Correspondence, matter nº07, of Regular Session N°004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipalidad de Parrita on January 15, 2024, indicating that the Municipality has a contract that provides solid waste collection and final disposal services, which allows the Municipality to add new routes more quickly and efficiently, the decision resting with the Municipal Mayor's Office. This is far from what the petitioner expressed regarding the existence of 'VIABILITY.' By the principle of financial balance and viability, this requires a study that establishes it as such. The official memorandum referenced by the petitioner is neither an authorization nor does it constitute viability for the immediate inclusion of a service of that nature. (See folios 10 through 11, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 6.- On June 4, 2024, through official memorandum DAM-289-2024, the Mayor's Office informed the now-petitioner that the information-gathering process is underway to determine a possible start date. (See folios 13 through 14, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) PRAYER FOR RELIEF: Under these circumstances, the present matter not only demonstrates that we have not violated the petitioner's fundamental rights on the part of the Municipal Council, but it is clear that we, as a collegial body, are awaiting the final decision by the Municipal Mayor's Office, either to approve or reject the request once the corresponding studies are submitted to this Council." 4.- Roberto Rímola Real, in his capacity as mayor of Parrita, reports under oath. He states: "1.- The Municipalidad de Parrita received, on January 9, 2024, a written submission from the residents of Barrio Las Vueltas de Palo Seco, addressed to the MUNICIPAL COUNCIL. In it they state '… we would like to request the Garbage Collection Service for our neighborhood, Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas…'. (See folio 1, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 2.- That, by Agreement N°10, Article Four, Correspondence, matter nº07, of Regular Session N°004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipalidad de Parrita on January 15, 2024, the Municipal Council communicated the following to the applicant: (See folios 2 through 5, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 3.- This agreement was communicated, on January 16, 2024, by email (Communication of agreement: Request for financial study to determine whether solid waste collection service can be provided in the community of Las Vueltas) to the Municipal Finance and Environmental Administrators. (See folios 6 through 7, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 4.- On March 15, 2024, the Municipal Council sent a second reminder by email to the Finance and Environmental Administrators, informing them that Agreement N°10, Article Four, Correspondence, matter nº07, of Regular Session N°004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipalidad de Parrita on January 15, 2024, remained unanswered. (See folios 8 through 9, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 5.- On March 19, 2024, through official memorandum GDUS-DGA-005-2024, the Environmental Administrator responded to Agreement N°10, Article Four, Correspondence, matter nº07, of Regular Session N°004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipalidad de Parrita on January 15, 2024, indicating that the Municipality has a contract that provides solid waste collection and final disposal services, which allows the Municipality to add new routes more quickly and efficiently, the decision resting with the Municipal Mayor's Office. This is far from what the petitioner expressed regarding the existence of 'VIABILITY.' By the principle of financial balance and viability, this requires a study that establishes it as such. The official memorandum referenced by the petitioner is neither an authorization nor does it constitute viability for the immediate inclusion of a service of that nature. (See folios 10 through 11, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 6.- On June 4, 2024, through official memorandum DAM-289-2024, the Mayor's Office informed the now-petitioner that the information-gathering process is underway to determine a possible start date. (See folios 13 through 14, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) The Municipalidad de Parrita is currently conducting a general review of the Solid Waste Collection and Final Disposal service, given that the service has been operating at a deficit. Expanding routes would mean increasing operating costs that could prove unsustainable. Nevertheless, we are awaiting the administrative offices to submit to this office the financial sustainability study that will determine whether expanding routes — such as the one the now-petitioner requests — is possible. PRAYER FOR RELIEF: Under these circumstances, the present matter not only demonstrates that we have not violated the petitioner's fundamental rights on the part of this Municipality, since we adhere to the Principle of Legality and Financial Viability in order not to incur commitments contrary to applicable regulations. Accordingly, we request that the present constitutional rights petition be DISMISSED in all its aspects and that the Municipalidad de Parrita be released from all responsibility." 5.- By written submission incorporated into the digital file on May 9, 2026, the petitioner states: "FIRST: On the unjustified delay and the 'endless study.' The Municipality acknowledges that it received our request on January 9, 2024. Despite the fact that the Municipal Council ordered the technical and financial studies more than two years ago (Agreement N°10 of January 15, 2024), as of today, May 2026, they allege they are still 'conducting the analysis.' It is unacceptable for an administration to require more than 24 months to determine the viability of a collection route, which constitutes a flagrant violation of the principle of prompt and effective justice. SECOND: On the confirmed technical viability. The respondent's own report cites official memorandum GDUS-DGA-005-2024 from the Environmental Administrator, which confirms that the current contract with the private company allows new routes to be added quickly and efficiently. There is no real technical impediment; what exists is a lack of political will. Moreover, our community lies directly along the route to the municipal dump, so the logistics do not involve a significant detour or a disproportionate increase in operating costs. THIRD: On financial sustainability and the duty to pay taxes. The Municipality argues that the service is running at a deficit. However, they fail to mention that including our community in the formal route will immediately generate collection fee charges for each of the affected homes. As taxpayers, we are fully prepared to pay those fees, which are designed precisely to cover the cost of the service and ensure its sustainability, thereby eliminating the deficit argument. FOURTH: Pattern of non-compliance (Expediente N° 26-012264-0007-CO). This is not an isolated case. The Municipalidad de Parrita maintains a pattern of evasive responses to the community's public health needs, as seen in expediente 26-012264-0007-CO, where similar arguments are used to avoid providing a definitive solution to urgent sanitation problems. PRAYER FOR RELIEF: For the foregoing reasons, I respectfully request that this Chamber: 1. GRANT the present constitutional rights petition. 2. Order the Municipalidad de Parrita to set an immediate and non-extendable deadline for the commencement of waste collection in Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas de Palo Seco. 3. Dismiss the respondent's arguments, since the time elapsed exceeds any reasonable administrative timeframe." 6.- All legally required procedures have been observed throughout the proceedings.

Opinion drafted by Justice Hess Herrera; and,

Considering:

I.- SUBJECT MATTER OF THE PETITION. The petitioner states that on January 9, 2024, a request was submitted to the Municipalidad de Parrita for garbage collection service for 27 homes in Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas de Palo Seco. She maintains that through official memorandum GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Environmental Management Department indicated that the route was viable. She further notes that the mayor of Parrita, by official memorandum DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, indicated that field visits would be conducted to determine costs and initiate the service. She claims that the service has not been initiated, leaving the community in a situation of sanitary vulnerability.

II.- PROVEN FACTS. The following facts are considered duly established and are material to the resolution of this matter:

• a)On January 11, 2024, the petitioner filed a request with the Municipalidad de Parrita, in which she stated: "Through this communication we would like to request the Garbage Collection Service for our neighborhood, Barrio Los Hernández Las Vueltas. We have a total of 27 homes and 80 residents. Many families take their garbage to trash sites in Parrita, such as at the market, or take it to the depot in Quepos, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards, burning garbage, or dumping it in surrounding areas, which has led to the creation of illegal dumpsites along the roadside, affecting other neighbors. For these reasons, we are requesting that you arrange for garbage collection service." (See documentary evidence.)
• b)Through official memorandum CM-SM-027-2024 of January 16, 2024, addressed to the petitioner, the Finance Administrator, and the Environmental Administrator of the Municipalidad de Parrita, the secretary of the Municipal Council of Parrita stated: "Through this communication I proceed to inform you of the transcription of Agreement N°10, Article Four, Correspondence, matter nº07, of Regular Session N°004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipalidad de Parrita on January 15, 2024. MATTER N°07: A note dated January 9, 2023, signed by Ms. [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], is received, requesting garbage collection service for their neighborhood, Los Hernandez (sic) Las Vueltas, with a total of 27 homes and 80 residents, many of whose families take their garbage to trash sites in Parrita such as the Market, or take it to the Quepos Depot, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards. The motion to waive the committee process for this matter is put to a vote: approved with four votes in favor. AC-10-004-2024: 1- To inform Ms. [Nombre 001] (sic) and Mr. [Nombre 002] that it is not the Municipal Council that decides which communities receive solid waste collection service; determining this requires the corresponding technical studies to be carried out, and accordingly the matter is referred to the Environmental Management Department and the Finance Department to conduct the relevant studies to determine whether providing the service in the community of Barrio Los Hernandez (sic) Las Vueltas is feasible. 2- To request that the Environmental Management Department, Mónica Vargas Quesada, and the Municipal Finance Office, Lic. Annia Sibaja Sibaja, carry out a technical-financial study to determine whether it is feasible to provide solid waste collection service in the community of Barrio Los Hernandez (sic) Las Vueltas. 3- The agreement is put to a vote: APPROVED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR. 4- A vote is taken to confirm the agreements as final. APPROVED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR." (See documentary evidence.)
• c)Through official memorandum GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Environmental Administrator of the Municipalidad de Parrita stated: "ONE. A note dated January 9, 2023, signed by Ms. [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], is received, requesting garbage collection service for their neighborhood, Los Hernandez (sic) Las Vueltas, with a total of 27 homes and 80 residents, many of whose families take their garbage to trash sites in Parrita such as the Market, or take it to the Quepos Depot, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards. TWO. The Municipal Council requests that the Environmental Management Department, Mónica Vargas Quesada, and the Municipal Finance Office, Lic. Annia Sibaja Sibaja, conduct a technical-financial study to determine whether it is feasible to provide solid waste collection service in the community of Barrio Los Hernández Las Vueltas. THREE. Ms. [Nombre 001] emailed the Environmental Management Department regarding this matter and was informed that inclusion of the community requires a community census, which is the responsibility of the Municipal Finance Administration; accordingly, the Environmental Management Department is awaiting that census in order to determine the addition of the corresponding route and, subsequently, approval by the Municipal Mayor's Office. FOUR. A preliminary review of the possible route at the site shows it to be approximately 6 km to the north. FIVE. Given that the solid waste collection and final disposal service is contracted out, this allows new routes to be added more efficiently and quickly, meaning that this new addition rests with the Municipal Mayor's Office to decide. Therefore, the Environmental Management Department awaits instructions from the Municipal Mayor's Office in order to include waste collection service in the community of Las Vueltas." (See documentary evidence.)
• d)Through official memorandum DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, addressed to the petitioner, the mayor of Parrita stated: "Regarding the process that has been underway for the project to provide the Municipality's solid waste collection and disposal service to the community of Las Vueltas, at the request of residents of that community, we proceed to describe the actions being taken by the municipal administration: The Environmental Management Department, headed by official Mónica Vargas, mapped out the route along which the service would be provided; subsequently, the Finance Administration, headed by official Annia Sibaja Sibaja, in coordination with the Cadastral Maintenance Department, compiled the property registration numbers and registered cadastral plans located within the route where the service would be provided. The project is currently in the information-gathering stage to determine the number of residential units registered on each property; therefore, beginning in the second week of June of this year, municipal officials will visit the community of Las Vueltas to gather the information required to determine the cost of the service. It is important to note that all of these procedures are required before determining the start date of the service provision." (See documentary evidence.)

III.- ON THE GARBAGE COLLECTION SERVICE. This Chamber has repeatedly stated that users of public services should not have to bear the consequences of the Administration's shortcomings. In connection with the foregoing, through ruling (sentencia) nro. 2019-5623 of 09:45 hours on March 29, 2019, in a similar matter involving the failure to provide garbage collection service by a district municipal council, this Court ruled:

"V.- On the garbage collection service. On numerous occasions, this Constitutional Court has addressed the constitutional principles governing the provision of public services and the fundamental right to their efficient provision, which entails that regardless of the type of service, services must be delivered to high standards of quality — a requirement that necessarily imposes on public administrations the obligation to provide them in a continuous, regular, prompt, effective, and efficient manner (see in that regard rulings numbers 2003-11382 of 15:11 hours on October 7, 2003, and 2011-003043 of 16:03 hours on March 8, 2011). Likewise, Article 169 of the Political Constitution establishes the duty of the country's municipalities to look after the interests of the residents of their jurisdiction; accordingly, in repeated pronouncements this Court has held that these bodies are obligated to eliminate any type of threat that puts at risk the rights to health and to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment of the people living in their canton (see in that regard rulings 2008-11739 of 12:12 hours on July 25, 2008, and 2011-003043 of 16:03 hours on March 8, 2011).

In the case at hand, based on the sworn report and the evidence submitted to the file, this Chamber found that no garbage collection is currently being carried out in the community of Santa Fe de Cóbano, thereby establishing an infringement of the petitioner's fundamental rights. This is because it was verified that the petitioner must travel up to 4 kilometers to find a point where garbage is collected in order to deposit waste. On the other hand, according to information provided by the respondent authority, the necessary information is being gathered to determine the most appropriate way to provide the service in that community starting from the last quarter. While the respondent authority attempts to justify the lack of garbage collection in that locality on the grounds that since June the Ministry of Health ordered the closure of the Municipal Landfill, and solid waste must now be transported to the community of Montes de Oro in Miramar de Puntarenas, the fact remains that this situation does not exempt it from its obligation to provide garbage collection service to users in its communities; on the contrary, it should take measures to resolve that situation, especially since it has been aware of it since June 2017. This Chamber has repeatedly stated that users of services should not have to bear the consequences of the Administration's shortcomings. Accordingly, the Chamber found that garbage collection service in the community of Santa Fe de Cóbano is not stable, and therefore the appropriate course of action is to grant the petition with respect to this issue, as set forth in the operative part (parte dispositiva) of this ruling." (Emphasis not in the original.)

IV.- ON THE SPECIFIC CASE. In the matter before us, the petitioner states that on January 9, 2024, a request was submitted to the Municipalidad de Parrita for garbage collection service for 27 homes in Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas de Palo Seco. She maintains that through official memorandum GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Environmental Management Department indicated that the route was viable. She further notes that the mayor of Parrita, by official memorandum DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, indicated that field visits would be conducted to determine costs and initiate the service. She claims that the service has not been initiated, leaving the community in a situation of sanitary vulnerability.

The case file shows that, on January 11, 2024, the petitioner filed a request with the Municipalidad de Parrita, in which she stated: "Through this communication we would like to request the Garbage Collection Service for our neighborhood, Barrio Los Hernández Las Vueltas. We have a total of 27 homes and 80 residents. Many families take their garbage to trash sites in Parrita, such as at the market, or take it to the depot in Quepos, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards, burning garbage, or dumping it in surrounding areas, which has led to the creation of illegal dumpsites along the roadside, affecting other neighbors. For these reasons, we are requesting that you arrange for garbage collection service." Through official memorandum CM-SM-027-2024 of January 16, 2024, addressed to the petitioner, the Finance Administrator, and the Environmental Administrator of the Municipalidad de Parrita, the secretary of the Municipal Council of Parrita stated: "Through this communication I proceed to inform you of the transcription of Agreement N°10, Article Four, Correspondence, matter nº07, of Regular Session N°004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipalidad de Parrita on January 15, 2024. MATTER N°07: A note dated January 9, 2023, signed by Ms. [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], is received, requesting garbage collection service for their neighborhood, Los Hernandez (sic) Las Vueltas, with a total of 27 homes and 80 residents, many of whose families take their garbage to trash sites in Parrita such as the Market, or take it to the Quepos Depot, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards. The motion to waive the committee process for this matter is put to a vote: approved with four votes in favor. AC-10-004-2024: 1- To inform Ms. [Nombre 001] (sic) and Mr. [Nombre 002] that it is not the Municipal Council that decides which communities receive solid waste collection service; determining this requires the corresponding technical studies to be carried out, and accordingly the matter is referred to the Environmental Management Department and the Finance Department to conduct the relevant studies to determine whether providing the service in the community of Barrio Los Hernandez (sic) Las Vueltas is feasible. 2- To request that the Environmental Management Department, Mónica Vargas Quesada, and the Municipal Finance Office, Lic. Annia Sibaja Sibaja, carry out a technical-financial study to determine whether it is feasible to provide solid waste collection service in the community of Barrio Los Hernandez (sic) Las Vueltas. 3- The agreement is put to a vote: APPROVED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR. 4- A vote is taken to confirm the agreements as final. APPROVED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR." Through official memorandum GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Environmental Administrator of the Municipalidad de Parrita stated: "ONE. A note dated January 9, 2023, signed by Ms. [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], is received, requesting garbage collection service for their neighborhood, Los Hernandez (sic) Las Vueltas, with a total of 27 homes and 80 residents, many of whose families take their garbage to trash sites in Parrita such as the Market, or take it to the Quepos Depot, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards. TWO. The Municipal Council requests that the Environmental Management Department, Mónica Vargas Quesada, and the Municipal Finance Office, Lic. Annia Sibaja Sibaja, conduct a technical-financial study to determine whether it is feasible to provide solid waste collection service in the community of Barrio Los Hernández Las Vueltas. THREE. Ms. [Nombre 001] emailed the Environmental Management Department regarding this matter and was informed that inclusion of the community requires a community census, which is the responsibility of the Municipal Finance Administration; accordingly, the Environmental Management Department is awaiting that census in order to determine the addition of the corresponding route and, subsequently, approval by the Municipal Mayor's Office. FOUR. A preliminary review of the possible route at the site shows it to be approximately 6 km to the north. FIVE. Given that the solid waste collection and final disposal service is contracted out, this allows new routes to be added more efficiently and quickly, meaning that this new addition rests with the Municipal Mayor's Office to decide. Therefore, the Environmental Management Department awaits instructions from the Municipal Mayor's Office in order to include waste collection service in the community of Las Vueltas." Finally, through official memorandum DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, addressed to the petitioner, the mayor of Parrita stated: "Regarding the process that has been underway for the project to provide the Municipality's solid waste collection and disposal service to the community of Las Vueltas, at the request of residents of that community, we proceed to describe the actions being taken by the municipal administration: The Environmental Management Department, headed by official Mónica Vargas, mapped out the route along which the service would be provided; subsequently, the Finance Administration, headed by official Annia Sibaja Sibaja, in coordination with the Cadastral Maintenance Department, compiled the property registration numbers and registered cadastral plans located within the route where the service would be provided. The project is currently in the information-gathering stage to determine the number of residential units registered on each property; therefore, beginning in the second week of June of this year, municipal officials will visit the community of Las Vueltas to gather the information required to determine the cost of the service. It is important to note that all of these procedures are required before determining the start date of the service provision." Now then, on the matter of garbage collection and proper waste disposal, this Court has consistently held in its case law (jurisprudencia) that, pursuant to the provisions of Article 169 of the Political Constitution, municipalities are responsible for administering the local interests and services of their canton.

Res. Nº 2026017083 CONSTITUTIONAL CHAMBER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUSTICE. San José, at nine hours and twenty minutes on the fifteenth of May of two thousand twenty-six.

Constitutional rights petition (recurso de amparo) filed under case file number 26-011581-0007-CO, submitted by [Nombre 001], national identity document [Valor 001], on behalf of the RESIDENTS OF BARRIO LOS HERNÁNDEZ, LAS VUELTAS DE PALO SECO, against the MUNICIPALIDAD DE PARRITA.

Background:

1.- By written submission received at the Court Secretariat on April 5, 2026, the petitioner filed the petition. They state that on January 9, 2024, a request was submitted to the Municipalidad de Parrita for garbage collection service for 27 households in Barrio Los Hernández, las Vueltas de Palo Seco. They assert that, by official memorandum GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Department of Environmental Management (Departamento de Gestión Ambiental) indicated that the route was viable. They add that the mayor (alcalde) of Parrita, by official memorandum DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, indicated that field visits would be conducted to determine costs and commence the service. They allege that the service has not been initiated, leaving the community in a situation of sanitary vulnerability.

2.- By order of the President of the Court at 10:01 hours on April 16, 2026, the proceedings were set in motion.

3.- Virginia Quesada Fallas, in her capacity as president of the Concejo Municipal of Parrita, reports under oath. She states: "1.- The Municipalidad de Parrita received, on January 9, 2024, a written submission from the residents of Barrio Las Vueltas de Palo Seco, addressed to the CONCEJO MUNICIPAL. In which they stated '…we would like to make the request for the Garbage Collection Service for our neighborhood, Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas…'. (See folio 1 of Admin. File [Nombre 001] H.) 2.- That, by means of Agreement No. 10, Fourth Article, Correspondence, matter no. 07, of Ordinary Session No. 004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipalidad de Parrita, on the fifteenth of January of two thousand twenty-four. The Concejo Municipal informed the petitioner of the following: (See folios 2 through 5 of Admin. File [Nombre 001] H.) 3.- The agreement was communicated on January 16, 2024, by email (Communication of agreement: Request for financial study to determine whether the solid waste collection service can be provided in the community of Las Vueltas) to the Municipal Financial and Environmental Managers. (See folios 6 through 7 of Admin. File [Nombre 001] H.) 4.- That, on March 15, 2024, the Concejo Municipal sent, by email, a second reminder to the Financial and Environmental Managers, informing them that they had Agreement No. 10, Fourth Article, Correspondence, matter no. 07, of Ordinary Session No. 004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipalidad de Parrita, on the fifteenth of January of two thousand twenty-four, UNANSWERED. (See folios 8 through 9 of Admin. File.

That competence includes the collection, final disposal (disposición final), and treatment of solid waste (desechos sólidos) generated within those territorial jurisdictions (circunscripciones territoriales). Indeed, this is an unavoidable duty that, beyond protecting a healthy and ecologically balanced environment, has a direct impact on people's health. From that perspective, the problems generated by the improper disposal and management of solid waste extend beyond the local sphere and become a public health matter, for which no budgetary or economic justifications are accepted to excuse any omission or unjustified delay on the part of those municipal corporations (corporaciones municipales) in protecting these rights (see judgments no. 2011010416 of twelve hours and forty-nine minutes of the fifth of August of two thousand eleven and 2023-007643 of nine hours twenty minutes of the thirty-first of March of two thousand twenty-three).

It is therefore required of the authorities of the Municipalidad de San Ramón that they adopt a more diligent attitude, pursuant to the provisions of article 169 of the Constitución Política, as administrators of local interests and services. Additionally, the respondent must use the powers granted by the Código Municipal to put an end to the problem reported.

Consequently, in order to prevent harm to the health of the petitioner and to the environment, the Municipalidad de Parrita must act in accordance with the cited regulations. It must be made clear that this Constitutional Court (Tribunal Constitucional) does not prescribe which means would be most suitable for solving the problem, as this must be determined according to the corporation's own technical criteria. Given this, faced with the Administration's inaction, this Sala Constitucional must intervene in order to restore the petitioner to the full enjoyment and exercise of their fundamental rights (derechos fundamentales).

Therefore, the petition is granted on the terms set forth in the operative section (parte dispositiva) of this judgment.

V.- NOTE OF JUSTICE SALAZAR ALVARADO. I consider that in environmental matters, if the Public Administration has already intervened, cognizance and resolution of the matter belongs to the administrative courts (jurisdicción contenciosa administrativa). Nevertheless, I do consider the merits when other rights of persons affected by the contamination source are at stake, including health, quality of life, and the right to enjoy a healthy, pollution-free environment (article 50 of the Constitución Política), as is the case here, where the petitioner alleges the Municipalidad de Parrita's failure to carry out adequate collection and disposal of solid waste, which affects the petitioner's right to enjoy a healthy, ecologically balanced environment and a dignified quality of life.

VI.- DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED TO THE CASE FILE. The parties are hereby advised that any paper documents, as well as objects or evidence contained in any electronic, computer, magnetic, optical, telematic, or new-technology device that may have been submitted, must be retrieved from the court office within a maximum of 30 business days counted from notification of this judgment. Any material not retrieved within this period will be destroyed, pursuant to the provisions of the "Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial," approved by the Corte Plena in article XXVI of session no. 27-11 of August 22, 2011, published in Boletín Judicial no. 19 of January 26, 2012, as well as the agreement of the Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial, approved in article LXXXI of session no. 43-12 held on May 3, 2012.

Por tanto:

The petition is granted. Roberto Rímola Real and Virginia Quesada Fallas, each in their respective capacities as mayor and president of the Concejo Municipal of the Municipalidad de Parrita, or whoever holds those positions, are ordered to coordinate what is necessary and carry out all actions within the scope of their respective competencies so that, within a maximum period of ONE MONTH counted from notification of this judgment, measures are taken to expand the garbage collection service to the protected party in the Barrio Los Hernández, las Vueltas de Palo Seco sector. The respondent is warned that, pursuant to article 71 of the Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, imprisonment of three months to two years, or a fine of twenty to sixty days, shall be imposed on anyone who receives an order they must comply with or cause to be complied with, issued in an amparo petition and who fails to comply with it or to cause compliance with it, provided that the offense is not more severely penalized elsewhere. The Municipalidad de Parrita is ordered to pay costs (costas), damages, and losses (daños y perjuicios) caused by the facts underlying this declaration, which shall be assessed in enforcement proceedings before the administrative courts. Justice Salazar Alvarado appends a note. Notify the parties.

Fernando Castillo V. President Fernando Cruz C.

Paul Rueda L. Luis Fdo. Salazar A.

Jorge Araya G. Anamari Garro V.

Ingrid Hess H.

Digitally Signed Document -- Verification Code -- Telephone: 2549-1500 / 800-SALA-4TA (800-7252-482). Fax: 2220-4607 / 2220-4844. Electronic address: www.poder-judicial.go.cr/salaconstitucional. Address: (Sabana Sur, Calle Morenos, 100 meters south of the Perpetuo Socorro church).

[Nombre 001] H.) **5.-** *On March 19, 2024, through official letter GDUS-DGA-005-2024, the Environmental Manager responded to Agreement **N°10, Article Fourth, Correspondence, matter n°07**, of Ordinary Session **N°004-2023**, held in the council chamber of the Municipality of Parrita, **on January fifteenth** of two thousand twenty-four, stating that the Municipality has a contract that provides waste collection and final disposal services, which allows the Municipality to add new routes more quickly and efficiently, with the decision resting with the Municipal Mayor's Office. This is **far from** what the appellant expressed, namely that "**VIABILITY**" already exists. Under the principle of financial balance and viability, this requires a study to so determine. The official letter referenced by the appellant does not constitute an authorization, much less a viability determination, to immediately add a service of that nature.* **(See folios 10 to 11 of Admin. File [Nombre 001] H.) 6.-** *On June 4, 2024, through official letter DAM-289-2024, the Mayor's Office informed the now-appellant that a data-gathering process is underway to determine a possible start date.* **(See folios 13 to 14 of Admin. File [Nombre 001] H.) PETITION** *In light of the foregoing, in the present matter it is not only demonstrated that the Municipal Council has not violated the appellant's fundamental rights, but it is also clear that we, as a Collegial Body, are awaiting the final decision of the Municipal Mayor's Office to either approve or reject the request, once the corresponding studies are before this Council.*" **4.-** Roberto Rímola Real, in his capacity as mayor of Parrita, reports under oath. He states: "*1.- The Municipality of Parrita, on January 9 of the year 2024, receives a written communication from the residents of Barrio Las Vueltas de Palo Seco, addressed to the MUNICIPAL COUNCIL. In it they state '… we would like to make the request for the Garbage Collection Service for our neighborhood, Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas…'. (See folio 1 of Admin. File [Nombre 001] H.) 2.- That, through Agreement N°10, Article Fourth, Correspondence, matter n°07, of Ordinary Session N°004-2023, held in the council chamber of the Municipality of Parrita, on January fifteenth of two thousand twenty-four, the Municipal Council communicates the following to the woman: (See folios 2 to 5 of Admin. File [Nombre 001] H.) 3.- Agreement that was communicated, on January 16, 2024, via email (Communication of agreement: Request for financial study to determine whether the solid waste collection service can be provided in the community of Las Vueltas) to the Municipal Managers of Finance and Environment. (See folios 6 to 7 of Admin. File [Nombre 001] H.) 4.- That, on March 15, 2024, the Municipal Council sent via email a second reminder to the Managers of Finance and Environment, informing them that they had pending Agreement N°10, Article Fourth, Correspondence, matter n°07, of Ordinary Session N°004-2023, held in the council chamber of the Municipality of Parrita, on January fifteenth of two thousand twenty-four. (See folios 8 to 9 of Admin. File [Nombre 001] H.) 5.- On March 19, 2024, through official letter GDUS-DGA-005-2024, the Environmental Manager responded to Agreement N°10, Article Fourth, Correspondence, matter n°07, of Ordinary Session N°004-2023, held in the council chamber of the Municipality of Parrita, on January fifteenth of two thousand twenty-four, stating that the Municipality has a contract that provides waste collection and final disposal services, which allows the Municipality to add new routes more quickly and efficiently, with the decision resting with the Municipal Mayor's Office. This is far from what the appellant expressed, namely that "VIABILITY" already exists. Under the principle of financial balance and viability, this requires a study to so determine. The official letter referenced by the appellant does not constitute an authorization, much less a viability determination, to immediately add a service of that nature. (See folios 10 to 11 of Admin. File [Nombre 001] H.) 6.- On June 4, 2024, through official letter DAM-289-2024, the Mayor's Office informed the now-appellant that a data-gathering process is underway to determine a possible start date. (See folios 13 to 14 of Admin. File [Nombre 001] H.) The Municipality of Parrita is currently conducting an overall analysis of the Solid Waste Collection and Final Disposal service, given that the service has been running at a deficit. Expanding routes would mean increasing operating costs that could prove unsustainable. However, we are awaiting the managers to send this office the financial sustainability study to determine whether there is a possibility of expanding routes, such as the one requested by the now-appellant. PETITION In light of the foregoing, in the present matter it is not only demonstrated that this Municipality has not violated the appellant's fundamental rights, since we are adhering to the Principle of Legality and Financial Viability so as not to incur commitments that run counter to applicable regulations. Accordingly, we request that the present amparo writ (Recurso de Amparo) be DECLARED WITHOUT MERIT in all its aspects and that the Municipality of Parrita be released from all liability.*" **5.-** By written submission incorporated into the digital file on May 9, 2026, the appellant states: "*FIRST: On the unjustified delay and the 'eternal study.' The Municipality admits that it received our request as of January 9, 2024.

"Although the Municipal Council (Concejo Municipal) ordered the technical and financial studies more than two years ago (Acuerdo N°10 of January 15, 2024), as of today, May 2026, they claim they are still 'doing the analysis.' It is unacceptable that an administration should require more than 24 months to determine the feasibility of a collection route, which constitutes a flagrant violation of the principle of prompt and complete justice (justicia pronta y cumplida). SECOND: On confirmed technical feasibility. The respondent's own report cites official letter GDUS-DGA-005-2024 from the Environmental Management Office, which confirms that the current contract with the private company allows new routes to be added quickly and effectively. There is no real technical impediment; what exists is a lack of political will. Moreover, our community lies directly along the route to the municipal dump, so the logistics do not entail a significant detour or a disproportionate increase in operating costs. THIRD: On financial sustainability and the tax obligation. The Municipality argues that the service runs at a deficit. However, they omit the fact that including our community in the formal route will immediately generate waste-collection fee charges for each of the affected households. As taxpayers, we are fully prepared to pay those fees, which are designed precisely to cover the cost of the service and ensure its sustainability, thereby eliminating the deficit argument. FOURTH: Pattern of noncompliance (Expediente N° 26-012264-0007-CO). This is not an isolated case. The Municipalidad de Parrita maintains a pattern of evasive responses to the community's public health needs, as seen in expediente 26-012264-0007-CO, where it uses similar arguments to avoid providing a definitive solution to urgent sanitation problems. PRAYER FOR RELIEF (Petitoria). For the foregoing reasons, I respectfully ask this Court to: 1. Declare the present amparo petition (recurso de amparo) GRANTED (CON LUGAR). 2. Order the Municipalidad de Parrita to set an immediate, non-extendable deadline for commencing waste collection in Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas de Palo Seco. 3. Dismiss the respondent's arguments, given that the time elapsed exceeds any standard of administrative reasonableness." 6.- The legal requirements have been observed in the proceedings followed.

Opinion authored by Magistrada Hess Herrera; and,

Considering:

**I.- SUBJECT OF THE APPEAL.** The appellant states that on January 9, 2024, a request was submitted to the Municipalidad de Parrita for waste collection service for 27 households in Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas de Palo Seco. She maintains that through official letter GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Department of Environmental Management (Departamento de Gestión Ambiental) indicated that the route was feasible. She adds that the mayor (alcalde) of Parrita, through official letter DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, indicated that field visits would be conducted to determine costs and begin the service. She claims that the service has not been initiated, leaving the community in a situation of sanitary vulnerability.

**II.- PROVEN FACTS.** The following facts, relevant to the decision in this matter, are deemed duly established:

• a)On January 11, 2024, the claimant filed a formal request (gestión) with the Municipalidad de Parrita stating: "We would hereby like to request the Waste Collection Service for our neighborhood, Barrio los Hernández Las Vueltas, which has a total of 27 houses and 80 residents, where many families take their trash to Parrita's garbage areas such as the market, or take it to the depot in Quepos, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards, burning trash, or dumping it in the surrounding area, which has led to the creation of illegal dump sites along the roadside, affecting other neighbors. For these reasons, we are requesting that you arrange the waste collection service." (See documentary evidence.)
• b)By official letter CM-SM-027-2024 of January 16, 2024, addressed to the claimant, the treasury manager (gestora de Hacienda), and the Environmental Manager (gestora Ambiental) of the Municipalidad de Parrita, the secretary of the Concejo Municipal de Parrita stated: "I hereby convey the transcript of Acuerdo N°10, Article Four, Correspondence, matter N°07, of Ordinary Session N°004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipalidad de Parrita, on the fifteenth of January of two thousand twenty-four. MATTER N°07: A note dated January 9, 2023, signed by [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002] (sic), is received, in which they request the Waste Collection Service for their neighborhood, Barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas, which has a total of 27 houses and 80 residents, where many families take their trash to Parrita's garbage areas such as the Market, or take it to the Depot in Quepos, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards. A vote is held on whether to waive the committee referral (dispense de trámite de comisión) for this matter, approved with four votes in favor. AC-10-004-2024: 1- To inform [Nombre 001] (sic) and [Nombre 002] (sic) that it is not the Concejo Municipal that decides which communities receive solid waste (residuos sólidos) collection; to determine this situation, the corresponding technical studies must be conducted, and the matter is therefore referred to the Departments of Environmental Management and Treasury to carry out the relevant studies to determine whether it is feasible to provide the service to Barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas.

2- To request that the Environmental Management Department, Mónica Vargas Quesada, the Municipal Finance Department, Licenciada. Annia Sibaja Sibaja, conduct a technical-financial study to determine whether it is feasible to provide solid waste (residuos sólidos) collection service to the community of barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas. **3-** The agreement is put to a vote. APPROVED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR. **4-** The agreement is put to a vote so that the agreements shall be definitively approved. APPROVED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR." (See documentary evidence.)

• c)By official communication GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Environmental Management Officer of the Municipalidad de Parrita stated: "ONE. A note dated January 09, 2023, signed by [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], is received, in which they request garbage collection service for their neighborhood, barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas. The neighborhood has a total of 27 houses and 80 residents. Many families take their garbage to disposal sites in Parrita, such as the Market, or carry it to the Quepos Depot, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards. TWO. The Municipal Council requests that the Environmental Management Department, Mónica Vargas Quesada, the Municipal Finance Department, Licenciada. Annia Sibaja Sibaja, conduct a technical-financial study to determine whether it is feasible to provide solid waste collection service to the community of barrio los Hernández las Vueltas. THREE. [Nombre 001] writes to the Environmental Management Department via email on this subject, and is informed that inclusion in the service requires a community census, which falls under the responsibility of the Municipal Finance Management Office. The Environmental Management Department is accordingly awaiting that census in order to determine the appropriate collection route, and thereafter awaiting approval from the Municipal Mayor's Office. FOUR. The possible route to the site has been generally assessed, covering approximately 6 km to the north. FIVE. Given that the solid waste collection and final disposal service has been contracted out, new routes can be incorporated more efficiently and quickly. Accordingly, the addition of this new route is subject to determination by the Municipal Mayor's Office. Therefore, the Environmental Management Department is awaiting instructions from the Municipal Mayor's Office in order to commence solid waste collection service in the community of las Vueltas." (See documentary evidence.)
• d)By official communication DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, addressed to the appellant, the mayor of Parrita stated: "Regarding the process that has been underway with the project of having the Municipality provide solid waste collection and disposal services to the community of las Vueltas — in response to requests by residents of that community — the actions being (sic) taken by the municipal administration are set out below: The Environmental Management Department, under the direction of staff member Mónica Vargas, mapped out the route along which the service would be provided. Subsequently, the Finance Management Office, under the direction of staff member Annia Sibaja Sibaja, in coordination with the Cadastral Maintenance Department, conducted a survey of the property registration numbers and cadastral plans located within the route where the service would be provided. The project is currently in the information-gathering phase, specifically regarding the number of residential units registered on each property. Starting from the second week of June of the current year, Municipal staff will be visiting the community of las Vueltas to gather the required information and determine the cost of the service. It is important to note that all of these procedures must be completed before the commencement of service delivery can be determined." (See documentary evidence.)

**III.- ON THE GARBAGE COLLECTION SERVICE.** This Court has repeatedly held that service users should not have to bear the shortcomings of the Administration. In light of the foregoing, by judgment nro. 2019-5623 of 09:45 hours on March 29, 2019, in a similar matter involving the failure to provide garbage collection service by a district municipal council, this Court ruled:

"**V.- On the garbage collection service.** On repeated occasions, this Constitutional Tribunal has addressed the **constitutional principles governing the provision of public services and the fundamental right to the efficient provision of such services**, which implies that regardless of the type of service, they must be provided at high quality standards. This right carries as its necessary correlate the obligation of public administrations to provide services in a **continuous, regular, prompt, effective, and efficient** manner (see in that regard judgments numbers 2003-11382 of 15:11 hours of October 07, 2003, and 2011-003043 of 16:03 hours of March 08, 2011).

Likewise, article 169 of the Political Constitution establishes the **duty of the country's municipalities to look after the interests of the inhabitants of their jurisdiction**; accordingly, this Tribunal has stated in repeated rulings that **those bodies are obligated to eliminate any type of threat that puts at risk the rights to health and to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment of the persons living in their canton (cantón)** (see in that regard judgments 2008-11739 of 12:12 hours on July 25, 2008, and 2011-003043 of 16:03 hours on March 8, 2011).

In the case at bar (sub lite), based on the sworn report and on the evidence submitted to the record, this Chamber verified that at present no waste collection is carried out in the community of Santa Fe de Cóbano, thereby establishing a violation of the petitioner's fundamental rights. This is because it was confirmed that the petitioner must travel up to 4 kilometers to find a point at which waste is collected in order to dispose of his refuse. On the other hand, according to the information reported by the respondent authority, information is being gathered to determine the most appropriate way to provide the service in that community beginning in the final quarter. Although the respondent authority attempts to justify the absence of waste collection in that locality on the grounds that, since June, the Ministry of Health ordered the closure of the Municipal Landfill (Vertedero Municipal), requiring solid waste to be transported to the community of Montes de Oro in Miramar de Puntarenas, the fact remains that **that situation does not exempt them from their obligation to provide waste collection service to users in their communities, and on the contrary, they should take measures to resolve that situation**, particularly given that they have been aware of it since June 2017. This Chamber has repeatedly stated that **users of services should not have to bear the deficiencies of the Administration**. Under these circumstances, the Chamber was able to verify that the waste collection service in the community of Santa Fe de Cóbano is not stable, and therefore the appropriate course of action is to grant the appeal on this point, as will be stated in the operative portion (parte dispositiva) of this judgment" (emphasis not in original).

**IV.- ON THE SPECIFIC CASE.** In this matter, the appellant states that on January 9, 2024, a request was submitted to the Municipalidad de Parrita for waste collection service for 27 homes in Barrio Los Hernández, las Vueltas de Palo Seco. She maintains that through official memorandum (oficio) GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Departamento de Gestión Ambiental indicated that the route was feasible. She adds that the mayor of Parrita, through official memorandum DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, indicated that he would conduct field visits to determine costs and initiate the service. She claims that the service has not begun, leaving the community in a situation of sanitary vulnerability.

From the record it is apparent that, on January 11, 2024, the claimant filed a petition (gestión) with the Municipalidad de Parrita, in which she stated: "By this means we would like to request the Waste Collection Service for our neighborhood, Barrio los Hernández Las Vueltas. We have a total of 27 homes, with a total of 80 persons, where many families take their waste to garbage collection points in Parrita such as the market, or take it to the depot in Quepos, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards, burning garbage, or dumping it in surrounding areas, which has led to the creation of illegal dumping sites along the side of the road, affecting other neighbors. For these reasons we make this request to you to arrange for waste collection service." Through official memorandum CM-SM-027-2024 of January 16, 2024, addressed to the claimant, to the Treasury Officer (gestora de Hacienda), and to the Environmental Officer (gestora Ambiental) of the Municipalidad de Parrita, the secretary of the Concejo Municipal of Parrita stated: "By this means I proceed to communicate the transcription of **Acuerdo N°10**, Article Fourth, Correspondence, **item nª07**, of **Ordinary Session N°004-2023**, held in the session chamber of the Municipalidad de Parrita, **on the fifteenth of January two thousand twenty-four. ITEM N°07:** A note dated January 9, 2023, signed by Mrs. [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], is received, in which they request the Waste Collection Service for their neighborhood, barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas. It has a total of 27 homes, with a total of 80 persons, where many families take their garbage to collection points in Parrita such as the Market, or take it to the Quepos Depot, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards. The matter is put to a vote for waiver of committee referral (dispense de trámite de comisión), approved with four votes in favor. **AC-10-004-2024: 1-** To inform Mrs. [Nombre 001] (sic) and Mr. [Nombre 002] that it is not the Concejo Municipal that decides which communities are provided with solid waste collection service; in order to determine that situation, the relevant technical studies must be carried out, and accordingly the matter is referred to the Departments of Environmental Management (Gestión Ambiental) and Treasury (Hacienda) to conduct the corresponding studies to determine whether it is feasible to provide the service in the community of barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas. 2- To request the Departments of Environmental Management, Mónica Vargas Quesada, Municipal Treasury (Hacienda Municipal), Licenciada.

Annia Sibaja Sibaja, to conduct a technical-financial study to determine whether it is feasible to provide solid waste collection (recolección de residuos sólidos) service to the community of barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas. **3-** The agreement is put to a vote, APPROVED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR. **4-** The agreements are put to a vote for final ratification. APPROVED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR." By official memorandum GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Environmental Manager of the Municipality of Parrita stated: "ONE. A note dated January 9, 2023, signed by [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], is received, in which they request garbage collection service for their neighborhood barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas. The neighborhood has a total of 27 houses and 80 residents. Many families take their garbage to dumps in Parrita, such as at the Market, or transport it to the Depósito de Quepos, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards. TWO. The Municipal Council requests of the Environmental Management Department, Mónica Vargas Quesada, and the Municipal Finance Department, Licenciada Annia Sibaja Sibaja, a technical-financial study to determine whether it is feasible to provide solid waste collection service to the community of barrio los Hernández las Vueltas. THREE. [Nombre 001] wrote to the Environmental Management Department by email regarding this matter and was informed that such inclusion requires a community census, which is the responsibility of the Municipal Finance Management Office. The Environmental Management Department is accordingly awaiting that census in order to determine the inclusion of the corresponding route and, subsequently, the approval of the mayor's office (alcaldía Municipal). FOUR. A general preliminary assessment of the possible route at the site indicates it is approximately 6 km to the north. FIVE. Given that the solid waste collection and final disposal (disposición final) service is already contracted out, this allows the processes for including new routes to proceed more efficiently and expeditiously. Accordingly, the addition of this new route is subject to the decision of the mayor's office. Therefore, the Environmental Management Department remains awaiting instructions from the mayor's office in order to begin solid waste collection service in the community of las Vueltas." Finally, by official memorandum DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, addressed to the appellant, the mayor of Parrita stated: "Regarding the process that has been underway in connection with the project to provide, through the Municipality, solid waste collection and disposal service in the community of las Vueltas, at the request of residents of that community, the following actions that the (sic) municipal administration is carrying out are reported: The Environmental Management Department, under the direction of official Mónica Vargas, drew up the route along which the service would be provided. Subsequently, the Finance Management Office, under the direction of official Annia Sibaja Sibaja, in coordination with the Cadastral Maintenance Department, conducted a survey of the registered property numbers (números de finca) and cadastral plans located within the route where the service would be provided. The project is currently in the data-collection stage, specifically gathering information on the number of residential units (unidades habitacionales) registered on each property. Accordingly, beginning in the second week of June of this year, municipal officials will be visiting the community of las Vueltas to collect the required information in order to determine the cost of the service. It is important to note that all of these procedures are required before the commencement of service delivery can be determined." Now, with respect to the matter of garbage collection and proper solid waste disposal, this Tribunal has held in consistent jurisprudence that, in accordance with Article 169 of the Political Constitution (Constitución Política), municipalities are responsible for administering the local interests and services of their canton (cantón). This competence includes the collection, final disposal, and treatment of solid waste generated within those territorial jurisdictions. Indeed, this is an unavoidable duty that, beyond the protection of a healthy and ecologically balanced environment, directly affects the health of individuals. From this perspective, the problems caused by improper solid waste disposal and management extend beyond the local sphere and become a public health problem, one for which no budgetary or economic justifications are accepted to excuse any omission or unjustified delay on the part of those municipal corporations in the protection of these rights (see rulings No. 2011010416 of 12:49 p.m. on August 5, 2011, and 2023-007643 of 9:20 a.m. on March 31, 2023).

Accordingly, the authorities of the Municipality of San Ramón are required to adopt a more diligent approach, in keeping with the provisions of Article 169 of the Political Constitution, as administrators of local interests and services. Additionally, the respondent must exercise the powers granted by the Municipal Code (Código Municipal) to put an end to the reported problem.

Therefore, in order to prevent harm to the health of the appellant and to the environment, the Municipality of Parrita must act in accordance with the cited regulations. It should be noted that this Constitutional Tribunal does not specify which means is best suited to resolve the problem; that determination must be made according to the technical judgment of the municipal corporation.

This being the situation, given the Administration's inaction, this Constitutional Chamber must intervene in order to restore the petitioning party to the full enjoyment and exercise of its fundamental rights.

Accordingly, the petition is granted in the terms to be set out in the operative section of this judgment.

**V.- NOTE BY MAGISTRATE SALAZAR ALVARADO.** I consider that in environmental matters where the Public Administration has already intervened, consideration and resolution of the matter belongs to the administrative-law jurisdiction (jurisdicción contenciosa administrativa). Nonetheless, I do address the merits when other rights of the persons affected by the contamination source are at stake — among them, health, quality of life, and the right to enjoy a healthy environment free of contamination (article 50 of the Political Constitution) — as is the case here, in which the petitioning party alleges the Parrita Municipality's failure to carry out adequate collection and disposal of solid waste (desechos sólidos), which affects the petitioner's right to enjoy a healthy, ecologically balanced environment and a dignified standard of living.

**VI.- DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED TO THE CASE FILE.** The parties are advised that if they have submitted any paper documents, as well as objects or evidence contained on any device of an electronic, computer-based, magnetic, optical, telematic, or new-technology character, these must be retrieved from the court office within a maximum period of 30 business days counted from notification of this judgment. Any material not retrieved within that period will be destroyed, pursuant to the "Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial," approved by the Full Court in article XXVI of session no. 27-11 of August 22, 2011, published in Boletín Judicial no. 19 of January 26, 2012, and pursuant to the resolution of the Superior Council of the Judiciary approved in article LXXXI of session no. 43-12 held on May 3, 2012.

Por tanto:

The petition is granted. Roberto Rímola Real and Virginia Quesada Fallas, in their respective capacities as mayor and president of the Municipal Council, both of the Parrita Municipality, or whoever holds those offices, are ordered to coordinate what is necessary and carry out all actions within the scope of their respective powers so that, within a maximum period of **ONE MONTH** counted from notification of this judgment, steps are taken to expand the garbage-collection service available to the protected party in the sector of Barrio Los Hernández, las Vueltas de Palo Seco. The respondent is warned that, pursuant to article 71 of the Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, imprisonment of three months to two years, or a fine of twenty to sixty days, shall be imposed on those who receive an order issued in an amparo petition (recurso de amparo) that they are required to comply with or enforce, and who fail to comply with it or fail to enforce it, provided the offense is not more severely penalized under other provisions. The Parrita Municipality is ordered to pay costs and all damages and losses caused by the facts underlying this ruling, which shall be assessed in enforcement proceedings before the administrative-law court.

Justice Salazar Alvarado enters a note. Notify.

Fernando Castillo V. President Fernando Cruz C.

Paul Rueda L.

Luis Fdo.

Salazar A.

Jorge Araya G.

Anamari Garro V.

Ingrid Hess H.

Digitally Signed Document -- Verification code -- Telephones: 2549-1500 / 800-SALA-4TA (800-7252-482).

Case File: 26-011581-0007-CO Resolution No. 2026017083 CONSTITUTIONAL CHAMBER OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUSTICE. San José, at nine hours and twenty minutes on the fifteenth of May, two thousand twenty-six.

Amparo petition (recurso de amparo) filed under case file 26-011581-0007-CO, submitted by [Nombre 001], national ID number (cédula de identidad) [Valor 001], on behalf of the RESIDENTS OF BARRIO LOS HERNÁNDEZ, LAS VUELTAS DE PALO SECO, against the MUNICIPALIDAD DE PARRITA.

Background:

**1.-** By written submission received at the Chamber's Secretariat on April 5, 2026, the petitioning party filed the amparo petition. They state that on January 9, 2024, a request was submitted to the Municipalidad de Parrita for garbage collection service for 27 households in Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas de Palo Seco. They assert that through official memorandum (oficio) GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Environmental Management Department indicated that the route was viable. They add that the mayor of Parrita, through official memorandum DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, indicated that field visits would be conducted to determine costs and initiate the service. They complain that the service has never begun, leaving the community in a situation of sanitary vulnerability.

**2.-** By resolution of the President of the Chamber at 10:01 hours on April 16, 2026, the proceedings were admitted.

**3.-** Virginia Quesada Fallas, in her capacity as president of the Municipal Council (Concejo Municipal) of Parrita, submitted a sworn report. She states: "**1.-** *The Municipalidad de Parrita received, on January 9, 2024, a written communication from the residents of Barrio Las Vueltas de Palo Seco, addressed to the **CONCEJO MUNICIPAL**. In it they stated: **"…we would like to submit the request for the Garbage Collection Service for our neighborhood, Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas…"**. (See folio 1, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) **2.-** That, through **Resolution N°10**, Article Four, Correspondence, **matter N°07**, of Regular Session **N°004-2023**, held in the council chambers of the Municipalidad de Parrita, **on January fifteenth**, two thousand twenty-four, the Municipal Council informed her of the following:* **(See folios 2 to 5, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 3.-** *This resolution was communicated on January 16, 2024, by email (Communication of resolution: Request for a financial study to determine whether solid waste collection service can be provided to the community of Las Vueltas) to the Municipal Finance and Environment Managers.* **(See folios 6 to 7, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 4.-** *On March 15, 2024, the Municipal Council sent a second reminder by email to the Finance and Environment Managers, noting that **Resolution N°10**, Article Four, Correspondence, **matter N°07**, of Regular Session **N°004-2023**, held in the council chambers of the Municipalidad de Parrita, **on January fifteenth**, two thousand twenty-four, remained **UNANSWERED**.* **(See folios 8 to 9, Administrative File [Nombre 001] H.) 5.-** *On March 19, 2024, through official memorandum GDUS-DGA-005-2024, the Environmental Manager responded to **Resolution N°10**, Article Four, Correspondence, **matter N°07**, of Regular Session **N°004-2023**, held in the council chambers of the Municipalidad de Parrita, **on January fifteenth**, two thousand twenty-four, indicating that the Municipality has a service contract that provides solid waste collection and final disposal services, which allows the Municipality to add new routes more quickly and efficiently, with the decision resting with the Mayor's Office. This is **far** from what the petitioner expressed in claiming that **"VIABILITY"** already exists. On grounds of financial equilibrium and viability, this requires a formal study to that effect. The memorandum to which the petitioner refers is neither an authorization nor a determination of viability for immediately adding a service of that nature.* **(See folios 10 to 11, Administrative File** [Nombre 001] H.) 6.- *On June 4, 2024, through official letter DAM-289-2024, the Mayor's Office (Despacho de Alcaldía) informed the now-appellant that information is being gathered to determine a possible start date. (See folios 13 to 14 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.)* **PRAYER** *In light of the foregoing, the present matter demonstrates not only that the Municipal Council has not violated the appellant's fundamental rights, but it is also clear that we, as a Collegiate Body (Órgano Colegiado), are awaiting the final decision from the Municipal Mayor's Office on whether to approve or reject the request, once the corresponding studies have been presented to this Council*." **4.-** Roberto Rímola Real, in his capacity as mayor of Parrita, reports under oath. He states: "*1.- The Municipality of Parrita received, on January 9, 2024, a written communication from residents of Barrio Las Vueltas de Palo Seco, addressed to the MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, in which they state '… we would like to make the request for garbage collection service for our neighborhood, Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas…'. (See folio 1 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 2.- That, through Agreement N°10, Article Fourth, Correspondence, matter n°07, of Ordinary Session N°004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipality of Parrita on January fifteen of two thousand twenty-four, the Municipal Council advised the petitioner of the following: (See folios 2 to 5 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 3.- Agreement that was communicated on January 16, 2024, via email (Communication of agreement: Request for financial study to determine whether solid waste collection service can be provided in the community of Las Vueltas) to the Municipal Managers of Finance and Environment. (See folios 6 to 7 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 4.- That, on March 15, 2024, the Municipal Council sent via email a second reminder to the Managers of Finance and Environment, noting that they were subject to Agreement N°10, Article Fourth, Correspondence, matter n°07, of Ordinary Session N°004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipality of Parrita on January fifteen of two thousand twenty-four. (See folios 8 to 9 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 5.- On March 19, 2024, through official letter GDUS-DGA-005-2024, the Environmental Manager (Gestora Ambiental) responded to Agreement N°10, Article Fourth, Correspondence, matter n°07, of Ordinary Session N°004-2023, held in the session hall of the Municipality of Parrita on January fifteen of two thousand twenty-four, indicating that the Municipality holds a contract that provides waste collection and final disposal services, and that this contract allows the Municipality to add new routes more quickly and effectively, the decision resting with the Municipal Mayor's Office. This differs considerably from what the appellant asserts regarding "VIABILITY" already being established. Under the principle of financial equilibrium and viability, such a determination requires a dedicated study. The official letter the appellant references is neither an authorization nor, much less, a finding of viability for immediately introducing a service of that nature. (See folios 10 to 11 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 6.- On June 4, 2024, through official letter DAM-289-2024, the Mayor's Office informed the now-appellant that information is being gathered to determine a possible start date. (See folios 13 to 14 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) The Municipality of Parrita is currently conducting a general analysis of the Solid Waste Collection and Final Disposal service, given that the service has been running at a deficit. Expanding routes would mean increasing operating costs that could prove unsustainable. We are, however, awaiting the managers' submission to this office of the financial sustainability study needed to determine whether expanding the routes — including the one the now-appellant requests — is feasible. PRAYER In light of the foregoing, the present matter demonstrates not only that this Municipality has not violated the appellant's fundamental rights, given that we are adhering to the Principle of Legality and Financial Viability so as not to incur commitments that would contravene applicable regulations. Accordingly, we request that the present Amparo Appeal (Recurso de Amparo) be DECLARED WITHOUT MERIT in all its claims and that the Municipality of Parrita be released from all liability*." **5.-** By written submission incorporated into the digital case file on May 9, 2026, the appellant states: "*FIRST: On the unjustified delay and the 'eternal study.' The Municipality admits that it received our request on January 9, 2024. Despite the fact that the Municipal Council ordered the technical and financial studies more than two years ago (Agreement N°10 of January 15, 2024), as of today, May 2026, they claim to still be 'conducting the analysis.' It is unacceptable for an administration to require more than 24 months to determine the feasibility of a collection route, which constitutes a flagrant violation of the principle of prompt and effective justice. SECOND: On the confirmed technical feasibility. The respondent's own report cites official letter GDUS-DGA-005-2024 from the Environmental Manager, which confirms that the current contract with the private company allows new routes to be added quickly and effectively. There is no real technical obstacle; what exists is a lack of political will. Moreover, our community lies directly along the route to the municipal dump, so the logistics do not entail a significant detour or a disproportionate increase in operating costs. THIRD: On financial sustainability and the tax obligation. The Municipality argues that the service is running at a deficit. However, it omits to mention that including our community in the formal route will immediately generate the collection fee (tasa de recolección de basura) charge for each of the affected households.* As taxpayers (contribuyentes), we are fully prepared to pay these taxes, which are designed precisely to cover the cost of the service and ensure its sustainability, thereby eliminating the deficit argument. FOURTH: Pattern of non-compliance (Expediente N° 26-012264-0007-CO) This is not an isolated case. The Municipalidad de Parrita maintains a pattern of evasive responses to the community's public health needs, as observed in expediente 26-012264-0007-CO, where similar arguments are used to avoid providing a definitive solution to urgent sanitation (saneamiento) problems. PETITION For the foregoing reasons, I respectfully request that this Court: 1. Declare the present writ of amparo (recurso de amparo) WITH MERIT. 2. Order the Municipalidad de Parrita to establish an immediate and non-extendable deadline for the commencement of waste collection service in Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas de Palo Seco. 3. Reject the respondent's arguments, given that the time elapsed exceeds any reasonable administrative timeframe." 6.- The legal requirements have been observed in the proceedings conducted.

Opinion drafted by Justice Hess Herrera; and,

Considering:

I.- OBJECT OF THE APPEAL. The petitioner (recurrente) states that on January 9, 2024, a request was submitted to the Municipalidad de Parrita for waste collection service for 27 dwellings in Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas de Palo Seco. She states that through official communication GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 dated March 19, 2024, the Environmental Management Department indicated that the route was viable. She further notes that the mayor of Parrita, through official communication DAM-289-2024 dated June 4, 2024, indicated that field visits would be conducted to determine costs and begin the service. She claims that the service has not been initiated, leaving the community in a situation of sanitary vulnerability.

II.- PROVEN FACTS. The following facts are considered duly established as relevant to the decision in this matter:

• a)On January 11, 2024, the petitioner (accionante) submitted a request to the Municipalidad de Parrita, stating: "We would like to request the Waste Collection Service for our neighborhood, Barrio los Hernández Las Vueltas. We have a total of 27 houses and a total of 80 people. Many families take their garbage to Parrita's dumpsites, such as the market, or carry it to the depot in Quepos, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards, burning garbage, or dumping it in surrounding areas, which has led to the creation of illegal dumpsites (basureros ilegales) along the roadside, affecting other neighbors. For these reasons, we are requesting that you arrange the waste collection service." (See documentary evidence.)
• b)Through official communication CM-SM-027-2024 dated January 16, 2024, addressed to the petitioner, the Finance Officer, and the Environmental Officer of the Municipalidad de Parrita, the secretary of the Municipal Council (Concejo Municipal) of Parrita stated: "By this means I proceed to communicate to you the transcript of Agreement N°10, Fourth Article, Correspondence, matter nª07, of Regular Session (Sesión Ordinaria) N°004-2023, held in the session chamber of the Municipalidad de Parrita, on the fifteenth of January of two thousand twenty-four. MATTER N°07: A note dated January 09, 2023, signed by Mrs. [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], is received, in which they request the Waste Collection Service for their neighborhood Barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas, which has a total of 27 houses and a total of 80 people, where many families take their garbage to Parrita's dumpsites such as the Market, or carry it to the Depot in Quepos, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards. A vote is held on waiving committee referral for this matter, approved with four votes in favor. AC-10-004-2024: 1- To inform Mrs. [Nombre 001] (sic) and Mr. [Nombre 002] that it is not the Municipal Council that decides which communities receive solid waste (residuos sólidos) collection; to determine this situation the corresponding technical studies must be conducted, and therefore the matter is referred to the Environmental Management Department and the Finance Department to carry out the corresponding studies to determine whether it is feasible to provide the service in the community of Barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas. 2- To request the Environmental Management Department, Mónica Vargas Quesada, and Municipal Finance, Licenciada Annia Sibaja Sibaja, to conduct a technical-financial study to determine whether it is feasible to provide the solid waste collection service in the community of Barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas. 3- The agreement is put to a vote, APPROVED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR. 4- A vote is held to confirm that the agreements are approved as final. APPROVED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR." (See documentary evidence.)
• c)Through official communication GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 dated March 19, 2024, the Environmental Officer of the Municipalidad de Parrita stated: "ONE. A note dated January 09, 2023, signed by Mrs. [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], is received, in which they request the Waste Collection Service for their neighborhood Barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas, which has a total of 27 houses and a total of 80 people, where many families take their garbage to Parrita's dumpsites such as the Market, or carry it to the Depot in Quepos, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards. TWO.

the Municipal Council requests from the Environmental Management departments, Mónica Vargas Quesada, Municipal Treasury, Licensed Annia Sibaja Sibaja, a technical-financial study to determine whether it is feasible to provide the solid waste collection (recolección de residuos sólidos) service in the community of barrio los Hernández las Vueltas. THREE. Ms. [Nombre 001] writes via email to the Environmental Management department regarding this matter and is informed that inclusion requires a census of the Community, which is the responsibility of the Municipal Treasury Management Office; the Environmental Management department is awaiting that census in order to determine the inclusion of the corresponding route, followed by approval from the Municipal Mayor's Office. FOUR. In general terms, the possible route at the site is identified, covering approximately 6 km to the north. FIVE. Given that the solid waste collection and final disposal service is contracted out, this allows new route inclusion processes to proceed more efficiently and rapidly, and therefore this new service addition is subject to determination by the Municipal Mayor's Office. Therefore; The Environmental Management department remains awaiting instructions from the Municipal Mayor's Office in order to add the waste collection service in the community of las Vueltas." (See documentary evidence).

• d)By official communication DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, addressed to the appellant, the mayor of Parrita indicated: "*Regarding the process that has been developing in connection with the project to provide, through the Municipality, the solid waste collection and final disposal service in the community of las Vueltas — at the request of residents of that community — the actions that the* (sic) *municipal administration is carrying out are set out below: The Environmental Management department, under the responsibility of official Mónica Vargas, prepared the route along which the service would be provided; subsequently, the Treasury Management Office, under the responsibility of official Annia Sibaja Sibaja, in coordination with the Cadastre Maintenance Department, conducted a survey of the property and cadastral plan numbers located within the route where the service would be provided. The project is currently at the information-gathering stage regarding the number of housing units registered within each property, and therefore, starting from the second week of June of this year, municipal officials will be visiting the Community of las Vueltas to gather the information required to determine the cost of the service. It is important to note that all of these procedures are required before determining when service delivery may begin.*" (See documentary evidence).

**III.- ON THE GARBAGE COLLECTION SERVICE.** This Court has repeatedly indicated that service users should not have to bear the shortcomings of the Administration. For the foregoing reasons, in judgment no. 2019-5623 of 09:45 hours of March 29, 2019, in a similar matter involving the failure to provide garbage collection service by a district municipal council, this jurisdiction ruled:

" **V.- On the garbage collection service.** *On repeated occasions, this Constitutional Tribunal has addressed the* ***constitutional principles governing the provision of public services and the fundamental right to their efficient provision***, *which implies that regardless of the type of service, services must be provided with high quality standards — which has as its necessary correlate the obligation of public administrations to provide them in a* ***continuous, regular, prompt, effective and efficient*** *manner (see in that regard judgments numbers 2003-11382 of 15:11 hours of October 7, 2003 and 2011-003043 of 16:03 hours of March 8, 2011). Likewise, article 169 of the Political Constitution establishes the* ***duty of the country's Municipalities to safeguard the interests of the inhabitants of their jurisdiction, and for this reason, in repeated rulings, this Tribunal has held that these bodies are obligated to eliminate any threat that puts at risk the rights to health and a healthy and ecologically balanced environment of the persons living in their canton*** *(see in that regard judgments 2008-11739 of 12:12 hours of July 25, 2008 and 2011-003043 of 16:03 hours of March 8, 2011).* *In the sub lite, from the report rendered under oath and the evidence submitted to the case file, this Court verified that garbage collection is currently not being performed in the locality of Santa Fe de Cóbano, establishing a violation of the appellant's fundamental rights. This is so because it was verified that the appellant must travel up to 4 kilometers to find a point where garbage is collected in order to dispose of his waste. On the other hand, according to information reported by the respondent authority, data is being gathered to determine the most appropriate manner of providing the service in that community starting from the last quarter.* although the respondent authority attempts to justify the failure to provide garbage collection in that locality on the grounds that since June the Ministry of Health ordered the closure of the Municipal Landfill, requiring solid waste (residuos sólidos) to be transported to the community of Montes de Oro in Miramar de Puntarenas, ***the fact remains that this situation does not exempt them from their obligation to provide garbage collection service to the residents of their communities; on the contrary, they should have taken measures to resolve that situation***, especially given that they have been aware of it since June 2017. This Court has repeatedly held that ***service users should not have to bear the deficiencies of the Administration***. Accordingly, the Court was able to verify that garbage collection service in the community of Santa Fe de Cóbano is not stable, and therefore the proper course is to grant the appeal with respect to this point, as set forth in the operative part of this judgment" (emphasis not in the original).

**IV.- ON THE SPECIFIC CASE.** In the present matter, the appellant states that on January 9, 2024, she requested garbage collection service from the Municipality of Parrita for 27 homes in Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas de Palo Seco. She states that through official letter GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Environmental Management Department indicated that the route was viable. She adds that the mayor of Parrita, through official letter DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, indicated that he would conduct field visits to determine costs and begin service. She claims that service has not yet begun, leaving the community in a situation of sanitary vulnerability.

The record shows that on January 11, 2024, the petitioner filed a request with the Municipality of Parrita, in which she stated: "*By this means we would like to request the Garbage Collection Service for our neighborhood, Barrio los Hernández Las Vueltas; we have a total of 27 houses, with a total of 80 people, where many families take their garbage to Parrita's dumps such as the market, or take it to the deposit in Quepos, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards, burning trash, or dumping it in surrounding areas, which has created illegal dumps on the side of the road, affecting other neighbors. For these reasons we are submitting this request for you to arrange garbage collection service*." By official letter CM-SM-027-2024 of January 16, 2024, directed to the petitioner, the Treasury manager, and the Environmental Manager of the Municipality of Parrita, the secretary of the Municipal Council of Parrita stated: "*By this means I proceed to communicate the transcription of **Agreement N°10**, Fourth Article, Correspondence, **matter n°07**, of Ordinary Session **N°004-2023**, held in the session hall of the Municipality of Parrita, **on the fifteenth of January two thousand twenty-four. MATTER N°07:** A note dated January 09, 2023, signed by [Name 001]* (sic)*, [Name 002],* is received, in which they request the Garbage Collection service for their neighborhood barrio los Hernandez* (sic) *las Vueltas; it has a total of 27 houses, with a total of 80 people, where many families take their garbage to Parrita's dumps such as the Market, or take it to the Deposit in Quepos, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards. A vote on waiver of committee procedure for this matter is submitted, approved with four votes in favor. **AC-10-004-2024**: **1-** To inform [Name 001]* (sic) *and [Name 002]* (sic) *that it is not the Municipal Council that decides which communities receive solid waste collection; to determine this situation, the corresponding technical studies must be carried out; the matter is therefore referred to the Environmental Management and Treasury departments to conduct the corresponding studies to determine whether it is feasible to provide the service in the community of barrio los Hernandez* (sic) *las Vueltas. 2- To request that the Environmental Management department, Mónica Vargas Quesada, Municipal Treasury, Licenciada. Annia Sibaja Sibaja, conduct a technical-financial study to determine whether it is feasible to provide solid waste collection service in the community of barrio los Hernandez* (sic) *las Vueltas. **3-** The agreement is put to a vote, APPROVED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR. **4-** Put to a vote so that the agreements are approved as final. APPROVED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR*." By official letter GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 of March 19, 2024, the Environmental Manager of the Municipality of Parrita stated: "*ONE. A note dated January 09, 2023, signed by [Name 001]* (sic)*, [Name 002],* is received, in which they request the Garbage Collection service for their neighborhood barrio los Hernandez* (sic) *las Vueltas; it has a total of 27 houses, with a total of 80 people, where many families take their garbage to Parrita's dumps such as the Market, or take it to the Deposit in Quepos, but many families do not have a vehicle and end up digging holes in their yards. TWO. The Municipal Council requests from the Environmental Management departments, Mónica Vargas Quesada, Municipal Treasury, Licenciada. Annia Sibaja Sibaja, a technical-financial study to determine whether it is feasible to provide solid waste collection service in the community of barrio los Hernández las Vueltas. THREE.

Ms. [Nombre 001] wrote by email to the Environmental Management Department regarding that matter, and was informed that, for such inclusion, a census of the Community is required, which falls under the responsibility of the Municipal Treasury Management Office; accordingly, the Environmental Management Department is awaiting that census in order to determine the inclusion of the corresponding route and, thereafter, the approval of the Municipal Mayor's Office. FOUR. In general terms, the possible route at the site has been identified, being approximately 6 km to the north. FIVE. Given that the solid-waste collection and final-disposal service is currently under contract, the process of including new routes can be carried out more efficiently and expeditiously; therefore, this new addition is subject to the determination of the Municipal Mayor's Office. Accordingly, the Environmental Management Department remains awaiting instructions from the Municipal Mayor's Office in order to commence the waste-collection service in the community of las Vueltas." Finally, by official communication DAM-289-2024 of June 4, 2024, addressed to the appellant, the mayor of Parrita stated: "*With respect to the ongoing process concerning the project to provide, through the Municipality, the service of collection and final disposal of Solid Waste in the community of las Vueltas — in response to requests from residents of that community — the actions that the municipal administration is (sic) currently undertaking are set out below: The Environmental Management Department, headed by staff member Mónica Vargas, designed the route along which the service would be provided; subsequently, the Treasury Management Office, headed by staff member Annia Sibaja Sibaja, in coordination with the Cadastral Maintenance Department, carried out a survey of the registered property numbers and cadastral plans located along the route where the service would be provided. The project is currently in the data-collection phase, specifically regarding the number of residential units registered on each of the properties; therefore, starting from the second week of June of the current year, municipal staff will be visiting the Community of las Vueltas to collect the information required in order to determine the cost of the service. It is important to note that all of these procedures are necessary before the commencement of service delivery can be determined.*" Now, regarding the matter of waste collection (recolección de basura) and the proper disposal of waste, this Tribunal has repeatedly held in its case law that, pursuant to article 169 of the Political Constitution, municipalities are responsible for the administration of the local interests and services of their canton. That competence includes the collection, final disposal, and treatment of solid waste generated within those territorial jurisdictions. Indeed, this is an inescapable duty that, beyond protecting the right to a healthy and ecologically balanced environment, directly affects people's health. From this perspective, the problems arising from the improper disposal and management of solid waste transcend the local sphere and become a public-health issue, with respect to which no budgetary or economic justifications may be accepted to excuse any omission or unjustified delay on the part of those municipal corporations in protecting these rights (see judgments no. 2011010416 of twelve hours and forty-nine minutes of August fifth, two thousand eleven, and 2023-007643 of nine hours twenty minutes of March thirty-first, two thousand twenty-three).

Accordingly, the authorities of the Municipalidad de San Ramón are required to adopt a more diligent approach, in keeping with the provisions of article 169 of the Political Constitution, in their capacity as administrators of local interests and services. Furthermore, the respondent must avail itself of the powers granted by the Código Municipal to put an end to the problem reported.

Therefore, in order to prevent harm to the health of the appellant and to the environment, the Municipalidad de Parrita must act in accordance with the cited legal framework. It must be made clear that this Constitutional Tribunal does not prescribe the appropriate means for resolving the problem, as that determination must be made according to the corporation's own technical judgment. Under these circumstances, faced with the inaction of the Administration, this Sala Constitucional must intervene in order to restore the appellant to the full enjoyment and exercise of her fundamental rights.

Accordingly, the appeal is granted on the terms to be set out in the operative part of this judgment.

**V.- NOTE OF MAGISTRATE SALAZAR ALVARADO.** I consider that in environmental matters, where the Public Administration has already intervened, jurisdiction over the matter and its resolution belongs to the administrative courts.

Nevertheless, I do proceed to examine the merits of the matter when other rights of persons affected by the pollution source (foco de contaminación) are at stake, including health, quality of life, and the right to enjoy a clean environment free of contamination (Article 50 of the Political Constitution), as is the case here, in which the petitioning party alleges the failure by the Municipalidad de Parrita to carry out adequate collection and disposal of solid waste (desechos sólidos), which affects the petitioner's right to enjoy a healthy, ecologically balanced environment and a dignified standard of living.

VI.- DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED TO THE CASE FILE. The parties are hereby notified that if they have submitted any paper document, as well as any objects or evidence contained in an electronic, computer, magnetic, optical, telematic, or new-technology device, such materials must be retrieved from the court office within a maximum period of 30 business days counted from the notification of this judgment. Parties are warned that any material not retrieved within this period will be destroyed, pursuant to the provisions of the "Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial," approved by the Corte Plena in Article XXVI of session no. 27-11 of August 22, 2011, published in the Boletín Judicial no. 19 of January 26, 2012, as well as pursuant to the resolution of the Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial, approved in Article LXXXI of session no. 43-12 held on May 3, 2012.

Por tanto:

The petition is granted. Roberto Rímola Real and Virginia Quesada Fallas, in their respective capacities as mayor and president of the Concejo Municipal, both of the Municipalidad de Parrita, or whoever may hold those positions, are ordered to coordinate whatever is necessary and to carry out all actions within the scope of their respective powers so that, within a maximum period of **ONE MONTH** counted from the notification of this judgment, measures are put in place to expand the waste-collection service to the protected party in the area of Barrio Los Hernández, las Vueltas de Palo Seco. The respondent is warned that, pursuant to Article 71 of the Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, a prison sentence of three months to two years, or a fine of twenty to sixty days, shall be imposed on any person who receives an order — issued in an amparo proceeding — that they are required to comply with or cause to be complied with, and who fails to do so, provided that the offense is not subject to a more severe penalty under another provision. The Municipalidad de Parrita is ordered to pay court costs and any damages and losses caused by the acts underlying this ruling, which shall be assessed in enforcement proceedings before the administrative court.

Justice Salazar Alvarado enters a note. Notify.

Fernando Castillo V. President Fernando Cruz C.

Paul Rueda L.

Luis Fdo.

Salazar A.

Jorge Araya G.

Anamari Garro V.

Ingrid Hess H.

Digitally Signed Document -- Verification code -- Telephones: 2549-1500 / 800-SALA-4TA (800-7252-482).

Revisión del Documento  Res. Nº 2026017083 SALA CONSTITUCIONAL DE LA CORTE SUPREMA DE JUSTICIA. San José, a las nueve horas veinte minutos del quince de mayo de dos mil veintiseis .

Recurso de amparo que se tramita en expediente número 26-011581-0007-CO, interpuesto por [Nombre 001], cédula de identidad [Valor 001], a favor de los VECINOS DE BARRIO LOS HERNÁNDEZ, LAS VUELTAS DE PALO SECO contra la MUNICIPALIDAD DE PARRITA.

Resultando:

1.- Por escrito recibido en la Secretaría de la Sala el 5 de abril de 2026, la parte accionante interpone recurso de amparo. Exponen que el 9 de enero de 2024 se solicitó ante la Municipalidad de Parrita el servicio de recolección de basura para 27 viviendas en el Barrio Los Hernández, las Vueltas de Palo Seco. Sostiene que mediante oficio GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 del 19 de marzo de 2024, el Departamento de Gestión Ambiental indicó que la ruta era viable. Acota que, el alcalde de Parrita, por oficio DAM-289-2024 del 4 de junio de 2024, indicó que realizaría visitas de campo para determinar costos e iniciar con el servicio. Reclama que no se ha iniciado con el servicio, lo que deja a la comunidad en una situación de vulnerabilidad sanitaria.

2.- Mediante resolución de la Presidencia de la Sala a las 10:01 horas del 16 de abril de 2026, se dio curso al proceso.

3.- Informa bajo juramento Virginia Quesada Fallas, en su condición de presidenta del Concejo Municipal de Parrita. Expone: “1.- La Municipalidad de Parrita, recibe en fecha del 09 de enero del año 2024, un escrito de los vecinos del Bario Las Vueltas de Palo Seco, dirigida al CONCEJO MUNICIPAL. En donde indican “… nos gustaría hacer loa solicitud del Servicio de Recolección de Basura a nuestro barrio, Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas…”. (Ver folio 1 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 2.- Que, mediante Acuerdo N°10, Artículo Cuarto, Correspondencia, asunto nª07, de la Sesión Ordinaria N°004-2023, celebrada en el salón de sesiones de la Municipalidad de Parrita, el quince de enero del dos mil veinticuatro. El Concejo Municipal, le indica a la señora lo siguiente: (Ver folios 2 al 5 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 3.- Acuerdo que fue comunicado, en fecha del 16 de enero de 2024, mediante correo electrónico (Comunicación de acuerdo: Solicitud de estudio financiero, para determinar si se puede brindar el servicio de recolección de residuos sólidos en la comunidad de las Vueltas) a las Gestoras Municipales de Hacienda y Ambiente. (Ver folio 6 al 7 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 4.- Que, en fecha del 15 de marzo de 2024, el Concejo Municipal, envió mediante correo electrónico un segundo recordatorio a las Gestoras de Hacienda y Ambiente, indicándoles que tenían el Acuerdo N°10, Artículo Cuarto, Correspondencia, asunto nª07, de la Sesión Ordinaria N°004-2023, celebrada en el salón de sesiones de la Municipalidad de Parrita, el quince de enero del dos mil veinticuatro SIN CONTESTAR. (Ver folios 8 al 9 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 5.- En fecha del 19 de marzo de 2024, mediante oficio GDUS-DGA-005-2024, La Gestora de Ambiental, contestó al acuerdo N°10, Artículo Cuarto, Correspondencia, asunto nª07, de la Sesión Ordinaria N°004-2023, celebrada en el salón de sesiones de la Municipalidad de Parrita, el quince de enero del dos mil veinticuatro, indicando que la Municipalidad cuenta con una contratación que brinda los servicios de recolección y disposición final de residuos, le permite a la Municipalidad la inclusión de nuevas rutas de una forma más rápida y eficaz, quedando a la decisión de la Alcaldía Municipal. Lo que dista mucho de lo expresado por la recurrente sobre que ya existe la “VIABILIDAD”. Esto por principio de equilibrio y viabilidad financiera, requiere del estudio que así lo determine. El cual el oficio al que hace referencia la recurrente no es una autorización ni mucho menos viabilidad para incluir de forma inmediata un servicio de esa naturaleza. (Ver folios 10 al 11 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 6.- En fecha del 04 de junio de 2024, mediante oficio DAM-289-2024, el Despacho de Alcaldía, informó a la ahora recurrente que se está realizando el levantamiento de la información para determinar una posible fecha de inicio. (Ver folios 13 a 14 Exp. Adm [Nombre 001] H.) PETITORIA Así las cosas, en el presente asunto no solamente queda demostrado que no hemos violentado derechos fundamentales del recurrente por parte del Concejo Municipal, sino que es claro que nos encontramos como Órgano Colegiado a la espera de la decisión final por parte de la Alcaldía Municipal ya sea para aprobar o rechazar la solicitud una vez tengamos en el seno de este Concejo, los estudios correspondientes”.

4.- Informa bajo juramento Roberto Rímola Real, en su condición de alcalde de Parrita. Expone: “1.- La Municipalidad de Parrita, recibe en fecha del 09 de enero del año 2024, un escrito de los vecinos del Bario Las Vueltas de Palo Seco, dirigida al CONCEJO MUNICIPAL. En donde indican “… nos gustaría hacer loa solicitud del Servicio de Recolección de Basura a nuestro barrio, Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas…”. (Ver folio 1 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 2.- Que, mediante Acuerdo N°10, Artículo Cuarto, Correspondencia, asunto nª07, de la Sesión Ordinaria N°004-2023, celebrada en el salón de sesiones de la Municipalidad de Parrita, el quince de enero del dos mil veinticuatro. El Concejo Municipal, le indica a la señora lo siguiente: (Ver folios 2 al 5 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 3.- Acuerdo que fue comunicado, en fecha del 16 de enero de 2024, mediante correo electrónico (Comunicación de acuerdo: Solicitud de estudio financiero, para determinar si se puede brindar el servicio de recolección de residuos sólidos en la comunidad de las Vueltas) a las Gestoras Municipales de Hacienda y Ambiente. (Ver folio 6 al 7 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 4.- Que, en fecha del 15 de marzo de 2024, el Concejo Municipal, envió mediante correo electrónico un segundo recordatorio a las Gestoras de Hacienda y Ambiente, indicándoles que tenían el Acuerdo N°10, Artículo Cuarto, Correspondencia, asunto nª07, de la Sesión Ordinaria N°004-2023, celebrada en el salón de sesiones de la Municipalidad de Parrita, el quince de enero del dos mil veinticuatro. (Ver folios 8 al 9 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 5.- En fecha del 19 de marzo de 2024, mediante oficio GDUS-DGA-005-2024, La Gestora de Ambiental, contestó al acuerdo N°10, Artículo Cuarto, Correspondencia, asunto nª07, de la Sesión Ordinaria N°004-2023, celebrada en el salón de sesiones de la Municipalidad de Parrita, el quince de enero del dos mil veinticuatro, indicando que la Municipalidad cuenta con una contratación que brinda los servicios de recolección y disposición final de residuos, le permite a la Municipalidad la inclusión de nuevas rutas de una forma más rápida y eficaz, quedando a la decisión de la Alcaldía Municipal. Lo que dista mucho de lo expresado por la recurrente sobre que ya existe la “VIABILIDAD”. Esto por principio de equilibrio y viabilidad financiera, requiere del estudio que así lo determine. El cual el oficio al que hace referencia la recurrente no es una autorización ni mucho menos viabilidad para incluir de forma inmediata un servicio de esa naturaleza. (Ver folios 10 al 11 Exp. Adm. [Nombre 001] H.) 6.- En fecha del 04 de junio de 2024, mediante oficio DAM-289-2024, el Despacho de Alcaldía, informó a la ahora recurrente que se está realizando el levantamiento de la información para determinar una posible fecha de inicio. (Ver folios 13 a 14 Exp. Adm [Nombre 001] H.) La Municipalidad de Parrita, en estos momentos se encuentra haciendo el análisis general del servicio de Recolección de Residuos Solidos y Disposición Final, esto por cuanto el servicio viene siendo deficitario. Y ampliar rutas significaría aumentar costos operativos que pueden ser insostenibles. Sin embargo, estamos a la espera de las gestorías envíen a este despacho el estudio de sostenibilidad financiera para determinar si existe la posibilidad de ampliar las rutas, como la que solicita la ahora recurrente. PETITORIA Así las cosas, en el presente asunto no solamente queda demostrado que no hemos violentado derechos fundamentales del recurrente por parte de esta Municipalidad, ya que estamos apegados al Principio de Legalidad y Viabilidad Financiera para no generar compromisos que vayan en contra de la normativa. En ese sentido, solicitamos Se DECLARE SIN LUGAR en todos sus extremos el presente Recurso de Amparo y se libre de toda responsabilidad a la Municipalidad de Parrita”.

5.- Por escrito incorporado al expediente digital el 9 de mayo de 2026, la recurrente expone: “PRIMERO: Sobre la dilación injustificada y el "estudio eterno" La Municipalidad admite que recibió nuestra solicitud desde el 09 de enero de 2024. A pesar de que el Concejo Municipal ordenó los estudios técnicos y financieros hace más de dos años (Acuerdo N°10 del 15 de enero de 2024), a la fecha de hoy, mayo de 2026, alegan que siguen "haciendo el análisis". Es inaceptable que una administración requiera más de 24 meses para determinar la viabilidad de una ruta de recolección, lo cual constituye una violación flagrante al principio de justicia pronta y cumplida. SEGUNDO: Sobre la viabilidad técnica confirmada El propio informe de la recurrida cita el oficio GDUS-DGA-005-2024 de la Gestora Ambiental, donde se confirma que la contratación actual con la empresa privada permite incluir nuevas rutas de forma rápida y eficaz. No existe un impedimento técnico real; lo que existe es una falta de voluntad política. Además, nuestra comunidad se encuentra en el trayecto directo hacia el botadero municipal, por lo que la logística no implica un desvío significativo ni un aumento desproporcionado de costos operativos. TERCERO: Sobre la sostenibilidad financiera y el deber tributario La Municipalidad argumenta que el servicio es deficitario. Sin embargo, omiten mencionar que la inclusión de nuestra comunidad en la ruta formal generará el cobro inmediato de las tasas de recolección de basura a cada una de las viviendas afectadas. Como contribuyentes, estamos en la total disposición de pagar dichos impuestos, los cuales están diseñados precisamente para cubrir el costo del servicio y garantizar su sostenibilidad, eliminando así el argumento del déficit. CUARTO: Patrón de incumplimiento (Expediente N° 26-012264-0007-CO) Este no es un caso aislado. La Municipalidad de Parrita mantiene un patrón de respuestas evasivas ante las necesidades de salud pública de la comunidad, tal como se observa en el expediente 26-012264-0007-CO, donde utilizan argumentos similares para no dar solución definitiva a problemas urgentes de saneamiento. PETITORIA Por lo expuesto, solicito respetuosamente a esta Sala que: 1.Se declare CON LUGAR el presente recurso de amparo. 2.Se ordene a la Municipalidad de Parrita establecer un plazo inmediato e improrrogable para el inicio de la recolección de residuos en el Barrio Los Hernández, Las Vueltas de Palo Seco. 3.Se desestimen los argumentos de la recurrida, por cuanto el tiempo transcurrido excede cualquier plazo de razonabilidad administrativa”.

6.- En los procedimientos seguidos se han observado las prescripciones legales.

Redacta la Magistrada Hess Herrera; y,

Considerando:

I.- OBJETO DEL RECURSO. La recurrente expone que el 9 de enero de 2024 se solicitó ante la Municipalidad de Parrita el servicio de recolección de basura para 27 viviendas en el Barrio Los Hernández, las Vueltas de Palo Seco. Sostiene que mediante oficio GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 del 19 de marzo de 2024, el Departamento de Gestión Ambiental indicó que la ruta era viable. Acota que, el alcalde de Parrita, por oficio DAM-289-2024 del 4 de junio de 2024, indicó que realizaría visitas de campo para determinar costos e iniciar con el servicio. Reclama que no se ha iniciado con el servicio, lo que deja a la comunidad en una situación de vulnerabilidad sanitaria.

II.- HECHOS PROBADOS. De importancia para la decisión de este asunto, se estiman como debidamente demostrados los siguientes hechos:

• a)El 11 de enero de 2024, la accionante planteó una gestión ante la Municipalidad de Parrita, en la que consignó: “Por este medio nos gustaría hacer solicitud del Servicio de Recolección de Basura a nuestro Barrio, Barrio los Hernández Las Vueltas, contamos con un total de 27 casas, con un total de 80 personas, donde muchas familias llevan su basura a basureros de Parrita como en el mercado, o la llevan hasta el depósito en Quepos pero muchas familias no cuentan con un vehículo y terminan haciendo huecos en sus patios, quemando basura o tirando en alrededores por lo que se han creado basureros ilegales a la orilla de la calle, afectando a otros vecinos. Por estas razones es que hacemos la solicitud a ustedes para gestionar el servicio de recolección de basura”. (Ver prueba documental).
• b)Por oficio CM-SM-027-2024 del 16 de enero de 2024, dirigido a la accionante, a la gestora de Hacienda y a la gestora Ambiental de la Municipalidad de Parrita, la secretaria del Concejo Municipal de Parrita consignó: “Por este medio procedo a comunicarle la transcripción del Acuerdo N°10, Artículo Cuarto, Correspondencia, asunto nª07, de la Sesión Ordinaria N°004-2023, celebrada en el salón de sesiones de la Municipalidad de Parrita, el quince de Enero del dos mil veinticuatro. ASUNTO N°07: Se recibe nota de fecha 09 de Enero del 2023, suscrito por la señora [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], en donde hacen la solicitud del servicio de Recolección de Basura a su barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas, cuenta con un total de 27 casas, con un total de 80 personas, donde muchas familias llevan la basura a basureros de Parrita como en el Mercado, o la llevan hasta el Depósito de Quepos pero muchas familias no cuentan con un vehículo y terminan haciendo huecos en sus patios. Se somete a votación de dispense de trámite de comisión del presente asunto, aprobado con cuatro votos a favor. AC-10-004-2024: 1- Indicarle a la señora [Nombre 001] (sic) y al señor [Nombre 002] que no es el Concejo Municipal quien decide a que comunidades se les brinda la recolección de residuos sólidos, para determinar esta situación se deben de realizar los estudios técnicos correspondientes, por ende se traslada a los departamentos de Gestión Ambiental, y Departamento de Hacienda para que realicen los estudios correspondientes para determinar si en la comunidad barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas es factible brindar el servicio. 2- Solicitarles a los departamentos de Gestión Ambiental, Mónica Vargas Quesada, Hacienda Municipal, Licenciada. Annia Sibaja Sibaja, pueda realizar un estudio técnico-financiero que determine si es factible brindar el servicio de recolección de residuos sólidos en la comunidad de barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas. 3- Se somete a votación el acuerdo, APROBADO CON CUATRO VOTOS A FAVOR. 4- Se somete a votación para que los acuerdos, queden aprobados en firme. APROBADO CON CUATRO VOTOS A FAVOR”. (Ver prueba documental).
• c)Por oficio GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 del 19 de marzo de 2024, la gestora Ambiental de la Municipalidad de Parrita indicó: “UNO. Se recibe nota de fecha 09 de Enero del 2023, suscrito por la señora [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], en donde hacen la solicitud del servicio de Recolección de Basura a su barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas, cuenta con un total de 27 casas, con un total de 80 personas, donde muchas familias llevan la basura a basureros de Parrita como en el Mercado, o la llevan hasta el Depósito de Quepos pero muchas familias no cuentan con un vehículo y terminan haciendo huecos en sus patios. DOS. El concejo Municipal solicita a los departamentos de Gestión Ambiental, Mónica Vargas Quesada, Hacienda Municipal, Licenciada. Annia Sibaja Sibaja, un estudio técnico-financiero que determine si es factible brindar el servicio de recolección de residuos sólidos en la comunidad de barrio los Hernández las Vueltas. TRES. La señora [Nombre 001], escribe vía correo electrónico al departamento de gestión Ambiental sobre dicho tema, el cual se le informa que para dicha inclusión se requiere de un censo en la Comunidad, el cual está a cargo de la Gestoría de Hacienda Municipal, lo cual, el departamento de Gestión Ambiental, se encuentra a la espera para determinar la inclusión de la ruta correspondiente, y posteriormente la aprobación de la alcaldía Municipal. CUATRO. En forma general se visualiza la posible ruta en el sitio, siendo aproximadamente de 6 km al norte. CINCO. Que, dado que el servicio de recolección y disposición final de residuos se encuentra contratado, nos permite de una forma más eficaz y rápida los procesos de inclusión de nuevas rutas, por lo que, este nuevo ingreso queda a la definición de la alcaldía Municipal. Por lo tanto; El departamento de Gestión Ambiental se mantiene a la espera de las instrucciones de la alcaldía Municipal, para ingresar el servicio de recolección de residuos en la comunidad de las Vueltas”. (Ver prueba documental).
• d)Por oficio DAM-289-2024 del 4 de junio de 2024, dirigido a la recurrente, el alcalde de Parrita señaló: “Con relación al proceso que se ha venido dando con el proyecto de brindar por parte de la Municipalidad el servicio de recolección y disposición de Residuos Sólidos en la comunidad de las Vueltas, esto por solicitudes de vecinos de dicha comunidad, se procede a indicar las acciones que esta (sic) realizando la administración municipal: El departamento de Gestión Ambiental a cargo de la funcionaria Mónica Vargas, elaboró la ruta por donde se brindaría el servicio, posteriormente la Gestión de Hacienda a cargo de la funcionaria Annia Sibaja Sibaja, en coordinación con el Departamento de Mantenimiento de Catastro se hizo el levantamiento de los números de finca y plano catastrados que se ubican dentro de la ruta donde se brindaría el servicio. Actualmente se encuentra el proyecto en la etapa de levantamiento de información, sobre la cantidad de unidades habitacionales que se registran en cada una de las fincas, por lo que a partir de la segunda semana de junio del presente año funcionarios de la Municipalidad estarán visitando la Comunidad de las Vueltas para levantar la información que se requiriera, para determinar el costo del servicio. Es importante informar que se requieren todos estos procedimientos antes de determinar el inicio de la contraprestación del servicio”. (Ver prueba documental).

III.- SOBRE EL SERVICIO DE RECOLECCIÓN DE BASURA. Esta Sala ha indicado reiteradamente que los usuarios de los servicios no tienen por qué soportar las deficiencias de la Administración. Por lo expuesto, mediante sentencia nro. 2019-5623 de las 09:45 horas de 29 de marzo de 2019, en un asunto similar relacionado con la falta de prestación del servicio de recolección de basura por parte de un concejo municipal de distrito, esta jurisdicción resolvió:

“ V.- Sobre el servicio de recolección de basura. En reiteradas ocasiones, este Tribunal Constitucional se ha referido a los principios constitucionales que rigen la prestación de servicios públicos y el derecho fundamental a la prestación eficiente de éstos, que implica que independientemente del tipo de servicio, deben ser prestados con elevados estándares de calidad, el cual tiene como correlato necesario la obligación de las administraciones públicas de prestarlos de forma continua, regular, célere, eficaz y eficiente (véanse en ese sentido las sentencias números 2003-11382 de las 15:11 horas del 07 de octubre de 2003 y 2011-003043 de las 16:03 horas del 08 de marzo de 2011). Asimismo, el artículo 169, de la Constitución Política, dispone el deber de las Municipalidades del país de velar por los intereses de los habitantes de su jurisdicción, de ahí que, en reiterados pronunciamientos, este Tribunal ha señalado que dichas corporaciones se encuentran en la obligación de eliminar cualquier tipo de amenaza que ponga en riesgo los derechos a la salud y a un medio ambiente sano y ecológicamente equilibrado de las personas que viven en su cantón (véanse en ese sentido las sentencias 2008-11739 de las 12:12 horas del 25 de julio de 2008 y 2011-003043 de las 16:03 horas del 08 de marzo de 2011).

En el sub lite, del informe rendido bajo juramento y de la prueba aportada al expediente, esta Sala comprobó que actualmente en la localidad de Santa Fe de Cóbano no se realiza recolección de basura, con lo cual se acredita una afectación a los derechos fundamentales del recurrente. Lo anterior por cuanto, pudo verificarse que el recurrente debe trasladarse hasta 4 kilómetros para poder encontrar un punto en el que se recolecte basura, para poder dejar sus desechos. Por otro lado, según lo informado por la autoridad recurrida se está recabando la información necesaria para determinar la manera más adecuada de prestar el servicio en dicha comunidad a partir del último trimestre. Si bien la autoridad recurrida, intenta justificar la falta de recolección de basura en esa localidad, debido a que desde junio del Ministerio de Salud ordenó el cierre del Vertedero Municipal, teniendo que transportarse los desechos sólidos hasta la comunidad de Montes de Oro en Miramar de Puntarenas, lo cierto es que dicha situación no los exime de su obligación de brindar el servicio de recolección de basura a los usuarios de sus comunidades, y por el contrario, deberían tomar las medidas para solucionar dicha situación, máxime que desde junio de 2017, tienen conocimiento de ello. Esta Sala ha indicado reiteradamente que los usuarios de los servicios no tienen porque soportar las deficiencias de la Administración. Así las cosas, la Sala pudo comprobar que el servicio de recolección de basura en la localidad de Santa Fe de Cóbano no es estable, con lo cual, lo procedente es declarar con lugar el recurso, en cuanto a este extremo y según se dirá en la parte dispositiva de esta sentencia” (el resaltado no es del original).

IV.- SOBRE EL CASO CONCRETO. En la especie, la recurrente expone que el 9 de enero de 2024 se solicitó ante la Municipalidad de Parrita el servicio de recolección de basura para 27 viviendas en el Barrio Los Hernández, las Vueltas de Palo Seco. Sostiene que mediante oficio GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 del 19 de marzo de 2024, el Departamento de Gestión Ambiental indicó que la ruta era viable. Acota que, el alcalde de Parrita, por oficio DAM-289-2024 del 4 de junio de 2024, indicó que realizaría visitas de campo para determinar costos e iniciar con el servicio. Reclama que no se ha iniciado con el servicio, lo que deja a la comunidad en una situación de vulnerabilidad sanitaria.

De los autos se desprende que, el 11 de enero de 2024, la accionante planteó una gestión ante la Municipalidad de Parrita, en la que consignó: “Por este medio nos gustaría hacer solicitud del Servicio de Recolección de Basura a nuestro Barrio, Barrio los Hernández Las Vueltas, contamos con un total de 27 casas, con un total de 80 personas, donde muchas familias llevan su basura a basureros de Parrita como en el mercado, o la llevan hasta el depósito en Quepos pero muchas familias no cuentan con un vehículo y terminan haciendo huecos en sus patios, quemando basura o tirando en alrededores por lo que se han creado basureros ilegales a la orilla de la calle, afectando a otros vecinos. Por estas razones es que hacemos la solicitud a ustedes para gestionar el servicio de recolección de basura”. Por oficio CM-SM-027-2024 del 16 de enero de 2024, dirigido a la accionante, a la gestora de Hacienda y a la gestora Ambiental de la Municipalidad de Parrita, la secretaria del Concejo Municipal de Parrita consignó: “Por este medio procedo a comunicarle la transcripción del Acuerdo N°10, Artículo Cuarto, Correspondencia, asunto nª07, de la Sesión Ordinaria N°004-2023, celebrada en el salón de sesiones de la Municipalidad de Parrita, el quince de Enero del dos mil veinticuatro. ASUNTO N°07: Se recibe nota de fecha 09 de Enero del 2023, suscrito por la señora [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], en donde hacen la solicitud del servicio de Recolección de Basura a su barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas, cuenta con un total de 27 casas, con un total de 80 personas, donde muchas familias llevan la basura a basureros de Parrita como en el Mercado, o la llevan hasta el Depósito de Quepos pero muchas familias no cuentan con un vehículo y terminan haciendo huecos en sus patios. Se somete a votación de dispense de trámite de comisión del presente asunto, aprobado con cuatro votos a favor. AC-10-004-2024: 1- Indicarle a la señora [Nombre 001] (sic) y al señor [Nombre 002] que no es el Concejo Municipal quien decide a que comunidades se les brinda la recolección de residuos sólidos, para determinar esta situación se deben de realizar los estudios técnicos correspondientes, por ende se traslada a los departamentos de Gestión Ambiental, y Departamento de Hacienda para que realicen los estudios correspondientes para determinar si en la comunidad barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas es factible brindar el servicio. 2- Solicitarles a los departamentos de Gestión Ambiental, Mónica Vargas Quesada, Hacienda Municipal, Licenciada. Annia Sibaja Sibaja, pueda realizar un estudio técnico-financiero que determine si es factible brindar el servicio de recolección de residuos sólidos en la comunidad de barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas. 3- Se somete a votación el acuerdo, APROBADO CON CUATRO VOTOS A FAVOR. 4- Se somete a votación para que los acuerdos, queden aprobados en firme. APROBADO CON CUATRO VOTOS A FAVOR”.

Por oficio GDUS-DGA-0055-2024 del 19 de marzo de 2024, la gestora Ambiental de la Municipalidad de Parrita indicó: “UNO. Se recibe nota de fecha 09 de Enero del 2023, suscrito por la señora [Nombre 001] (sic), [Nombre 002], en donde hacen la solicitud del servicio de Recolección de Basura a su barrio los Hernandez (sic) las Vueltas, cuenta con un total de 27 casas, con un total de 80 personas, donde muchas familias llevan la basura a basureros de Parrita como en el Mercado, o la llevan hasta el Depósito de Quepos pero muchas familias no cuentan con un vehículo y terminan haciendo huecos en sus patios. DOS. El concejo Municipal solicita a los departamentos de Gestión Ambiental, Mónica Vargas Quesada, Hacienda Municipal, Licenciada. Annia Sibaja Sibaja, un estudio técnico-financiero que determine si es factible brindar el servicio de recolección de residuos sólidos en la comunidad de barrio los Hernández las Vueltas. TRES. La señora [Nombre 001], escribe vía correo electrónico al departamento de gestión Ambiental sobre dicho tema, el cual se le informa que para dicha inclusión se requiere de un censo en la Comunidad, el cual está a cargo de la Gestoría de Hacienda Municipal, lo cual, el departamento de Gestión Ambiental, se encuentra a la espera para determinar la inclusión de la ruta correspondiente, y posteriormente la aprobación de la alcaldía Municipal. CUATRO. En forma general se visualiza la posible ruta en el sitio, siendo aproximadamente de 6 km al norte. CINCO. Que, dado que el servicio de recolección y disposición final de residuos se encuentra contratado, nos permite de una forma más eficaz y rápida los procesos de inclusión de nuevas rutas, por lo que, este nuevo ingreso queda a la definición de la alcaldía Municipal. Por lo tanto; El departamento de Gestión Ambiental se mantiene a la espera de las instrucciones de la alcaldía Municipal, para ingresar el servicio de recolección de residuos en la comunidad de las Vueltas”.

Finalmente, por oficio DAM-289-2024 del 4 de junio de 2024, dirigido a la recurrente, el alcalde de Parrita señaló: “Con relación al proceso que se ha venido dando con el proyecto de brindar por parte de la Municipalidad el servicio de recolección y disposición de Residuos Sólidos en la comunidad de las Vueltas, esto por solicitudes de vecinos de dicha comunidad, se procede a indicar las acciones que esta (sic) realizando la administración municipal: El departamento de Gestión Ambiental a cargo de la funcionaria Mónica Vargas, elaboró la ruta por donde se brindaría el servicio, posteriormente la Gestión de Hacienda a cargo de la funcionaria Annia Sibaja Sibaja, en coordinación con el Departamento de Mantenimiento de Catastro se hizo el levantamiento de los números de finca y plano catastrados que se ubican dentro de la ruta donde se brindaría el servicio. Actualmente se encuentra el proyecto en la etapa de levantamiento de información, sobre la cantidad de unidades habitacionales que se registran en cada una de las fincas, por lo que a partir de la segunda semana de junio del presente año funcionarios de la Municipalidad estarán visitando la Comunidad de las Vueltas para levantar la información que se requiriera, para determinar el costo del servicio. Es importante informar que se requieren todos estos procedimientos antes de determinar el inicio de la contraprestación del servicio”.

Ahora bien, sobre el tema de la recolección de basura y correcto depósito de desechos, en reiterada jurisprudencia, este Tribunal ha señalado que de conformidad con lo establecido en el artículo 169 de la Constitución Política, a las municipalidades les corresponde la administración de los intereses y servicios locales de su cantón. Dicha competencia incluye la recolección, la disposición final y el tratamiento de los desechos sólidos generados en esas circunscripciones territoriales. En efecto, se trata de un deber ineludible que más allá de la protección a un ambiente sano y ecológicamente equilibrado, repercute directamente en la salud de las personas. En esa perspectiva, los problemas generados por la inadecuada disposición y manejo de desechos sólidos trascienden la esfera local para convertirse en un problema de salud pública, ante el cual, no se admiten justificaciones de índole presupuestaria y económica para validar cualquier omisión o retraso injustificado por parte de esas corporaciones municipales en la protección de estos derechos (véase las sentencias nro. 2011010416 de las doce horas y cuarenta y nueve minutos del cinco de agosto del dos mil once y 2023-007643 de las nueve horas veinte minutos del treinta y uno de marzo de dos mil veintitrés).

Entonces, es exigible a las autoridades de la Municipalidad de San Ramón una actitud más acuciosa, a tenor de lo dispuesto por el artículo 169 de la Constitución Política, como administradores de los intereses y servicios locales. Adicionalmente, la accionada debe utilizar las facultades que le brinda el Código Municipal para ponerle fin al problema denunciado.

Por consiguiente, en aras de evitar un daño a la salud de la parte recurrente y al medio ambiente, la Municipalidad de Parrita debe actuar de conformidad con la normativa citada. Debe quedar claro que este Tribunal Constitucional no indica cuál es el medio idóneo para solucionar el problema, en el tanto, esto debe ser determinado según el criterio técnico de la corporación. Así las cosas, ante la inercia de la Administración, esta Sala Constitucional debe intervenir, en aras de restablecer a la parte recurrente, en el pleno goce y ejercicio de sus derechos fundamentales.

Ergo, se declara con lugar el recurso en los términos que se dirán en la parte dispositiva de esta sentencia.

V.- NOTA DEL MAGISTRADO SALAZAR ALVARADO. Considero que en asuntos ambientales, si ya ha habido intervención de la Administración Pública, su conocimiento y resolución corresponde a la jurisdicción contenciosa administrativa. No obstante, sí entro a conocer el fondo del asunto cuando están de por medio otros derechos de las personas afectadas por el foco de contaminación, entre ellos, la salud, la calidad de vida y el derecho a gozar de un ambiente sano y libre de contaminación (artículo 50, de la Constitución Política), tal y como sucede en este caso, en el que la parte recurrente acusa la omisión, por parte de la Municipalidad de Parrita, en realizar una adecuada recolección y disposición de los desechos sólidos, lo que afecta el derecho a disfrutar de un ambiente sano, ecológicamente equilibrado y de un nivel digno de calidad de vida a la recurrente.

VI.- DOCUMENTACIÓN APORTADA AL EXPEDIENTE. Se previene a las partes que de haber aportado algún documento en papel, así como objetos o pruebas contenidos en algún dispositivo de carácter electrónico, informático, magnético, óptico, telemático o producido por nuevas tecnologías, estos deberán ser retirados del despacho en el plazo máximo de 30 días hábiles contado a partir de la notificación de esta sentencia. Se advierte que será destruido todo aquel material no retirado dentro de este plazo, según lo dispuesto en el "Reglamento sobre Expediente Electrónico ante el Poder Judicial", aprobado por la Corte Plena en el artículo XXVI de la sesión nro. 27-11 del 22 de agosto de 2011, publicado en el Boletín Judicial nro. 19 del 26 de enero de 2012, así como en el acuerdo de Consejo Superior del Poder Judicial, aprobado en el artículo LXXXI de la sesión nro. 43-12 celebrada el 3 de mayo de 2012.

Por tanto:

Se declara con lugar el recurso. Se les ordena a Roberto Rímola Real y Virginia Quesada Fallas, cada uno en su condición de alcalde y presidenta del Concejo Municipal, ambos de la Municipalidad de Parrita, o a quienes ocupen esos cargos, coordinar lo necesario y llevar a cabo todas las actuaciones que estén dentro del ámbito de sus respectivas competencias para que, en el plazo máximo de UN MES, contado a partir de la notificación de esta sentencia, se dispongan las acciones para ampliar la oferta del servicio de recolección de basura a la parte amparada en el sector de Barrio Los Hernández, las Vueltas de Palo Seco. Se advierte al recurrido que de conformidad con lo establecido por el artículo 71 de la Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional, se impondrá prisión de tres meses a dos años, o de veinte a sesenta días multa, a quienes recibieren una orden que deban cumplir o hacer cumplir, dictada en un recurso de amparo y que no la cumplieren o no la hicieren cumplir, siempre que el delito no esté más gravemente penado. Se condena a la Municipalidad de Parrita al pago de las costas, daños y perjuicios causados con los hechos que sirven de fundamento a esta declaratoria, los que se liquidarán en ejecución de sentencia de lo contencioso administrativo. El magistrado Salazar Alvarado consigna nota. Notifíquese.

Fernando Castillo V.

Fernando Cruz C.

Paul Rueda L.

Luis Fdo. Salazar A.

Jorge Araya G.

Anamari Garro V.

Ingrid Hess H.

Documento Firmado Digitalmente -- Código verificador -- 