# Guatemala Amatitlán landfill legal dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/guatemala-amatitln-landfill-legal-dispute
> Updated: 2026-08-31T18:14:45.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

The Constitutional Court of Guatemala issued a unanimous ruling ordering President Bernardo Arévalo, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), and the Amatitlán Basin and Lake Sustainable Management Authority (AMSA) to keep the Amatitlán landfill operational. 

This decision prevents a technical closure that was originally scheduled for August 31. The ruling follows an injunction by the municipalities of Villa Nueva, Amatitlán, and San Miguel Petapa. While AMSA has submitted studies suggesting improved waste management and compaction to support a two-year extension, MARN is still analyzing these studies and potential alternatives, such as a gradual closure.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Goiás courts rule on landfill licensing and closures

The TJGO suspended a ruling transferring Goiânia Landfill's oversight to the state, maintaining municipal control. Meanwhile, a federal court ordered the permanent closure of the Ouro Verde landfill in Padre_de

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/goinia-councilor-seeks-to-block-tree-removal-in-local-plaza

### 2026-08-12: Guatemala court orders Amatitlán landfill to remain open

Guatemala's Constitutional Court ordered the government to delay the scheduled August 31 closure of the Amatitlán landfill following a legal challenge from local municipalities.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemala-court-orders-amatitln-landfill-to-remain-open

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Cite as: Guatemala Amatitlán landfill legal dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/guatemala-amatitln-landfill-legal-dispute