The municipality of San Miguelito in Panama is now using its existing traffic and security camera network to identify and fine people who illegally dump garbage on public streets. Yousee Herrera, the Secretary General of the San Miguelito Mayor’s Office, confirmed the new enforcement strategy this week, aiming to tackle a persistent public cleanliness issue.
Officials are directing cameras from the district’s Municipal Operations Center specifically toward areas known for improper waste disposal. The system captures license plate numbers and follows vehicles, with that evidence then coordinated with the National Police for legal action.
“We are capturing the vehicle information, tracking its license plate with the cameras, and, in coordination with the National Police, referring the case to the Administrative Court of Sanitation to impose the corresponding sanction,” explained Herrera. [Translated from Spanish]
Fines for offenders are now clearly defined and can be substantial. Individuals discarding trash from a vehicle face penalties between 75 and 300 US dollars. Those dumping on foot, particularly with construction debris like rubble or gravel, could be fined anywhere from 50 to 5,000 dollars.
#NoticiasTVN Utilizan cámaras de videovigilancia en San Miguelito para identificar a quienes tiran basura en las calles https://t.co/y1s1XKIjAH
— TVN Noticias (@tvnnoticias) January 19, 2026
Technology Targets a Cultural Problem
Herrera stressed that the environmental impact of casual littering is severe. Many residents consider tossing a bag from their car a minor act, but the cumulative effect damages the entire district. The surveillance initiative provides the legal basis for a crackdown that was previously difficult to execute.
“Many people think throwing a bag of garbage out the window as they pass is insignificant, but that generates an enormous impact on the district’s cleanliness and on public health,” Herrera noted. [Translated from Spanish] She added a clear warning: “The cameras do not forgive. They record, identify, and allow us to act based on the law.”
The cameras have already documented shocking cases. Evidence ranges from drivers casually tossing waste out of windows to individuals emptying entire bags in areas without designated containers. “In the images, you can clearly see how they take out the trash, leave it on the street, and walk away. Now, thanks to technology, we know who they are,” Herrera stated. [Translated from Spanish]
Enforcement is only one part of the strategy. A parallel environmental awareness campaign seeks to shift public behavior over the long term. The goal is to change a pervasive “toss and forget” culture. Officials acknowledge other complicating factors like homeless individuals scavenging through bags and stray animals tearing them open. The mayor’s office says it is working on integrated solutions including social programs, animal sterilization, and more frequent collection schedules.
“This is not a show,” Herrera clarified. “It is a serious policy to recover order, hygiene, and respect for public space. And if you do not change your behavior, the cameras will find you.” [Translated from Spanish]
All identified cases are forwarded to the Administrative Court specializing in sanitation violations for adjudication. This formal legal process ensures due process while allowing the municipality to apply the prescribed fines consistently. The crackdown coincides with broader efforts to stabilize waste management services in the district following recent contractor changes.
Municipal leaders are betting that the combination of visible technology, significant fines, and public education will create a lasting deterrent. The policy represents a significant escalation in enforcing sanitation laws, using tools already installed for other civic purposes. Residents of San Miguelito can expect continued monitoring as the district works to improve urban cleanliness and public health outcomes for all its citizens.