The Controlled Final Disposal License Replacement at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) is the procedure that allows recovery of the environmental license when the original document is lost, stolen or damaged. This is one of the strictest environmental permits in Guatemala because it regulates sites that receive solid waste: sanitary landfills, controlled landfills and treatment plants. Without a displayed or available license, the operator is exposed to inspections with negative outcomes and possible fines.
Quick summary: Replacement at MARN. Cost: Q500-Q2,500 by category. Time: 30-60 business days. Mixed procedure (online SAGA + in-person). Requires a police report if lost or stolen. Replacement does not extend the original expiration.
Information verified May 2026 based on the Environmental Evaluation, Control and Follow-up Regulation (AG 137-2016) and the Solid Waste Law (Decreto 9-2022).
What is the Controlled Final Disposal License
It’s the specific environmental license MARN grants to authorized sites for receiving and disposing of solid waste:
- Municipal sanitary landfills (operated by municipalities or concessionaires)
- Controlled landfills (with cover, leachate and gas management)
- Treatment plants for hazardous, hospital or industrial waste
- Transfer centers sending waste to final sites
- Composting and biodigestion sites at industrial scale
The license is granted in one of five categories by size and impact:
| Category | Impact | Approx. annual volume | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR | Minimum | Small rural sites | 5 years |
| C | Low | Up to 5,000 tons/year | 5 years |
| B2 | Moderate-low | 5,000-50,000 tons/year | 3 years |
| B1 | Moderate-high | 50,000-200,000 tons/year | 2 years |
| A | High | Over 200,000 tons/year | 1-2 years |
When Replacement is Available
| Situation | Additional documentation |
|---|---|
| Loss | Police or Public Ministry report |
| Theft | Police or Public Ministry report |
| Damage | Damaged license for surrender |
| Minor data change | Notarized act with the modification |
Replacement is not available if:
- The license is expired — renewal applies
- The license was canceled by environmental sanction — full new application required
- There’s a substantial change to the project (expansion, technology change) — modification or new license required
Replacement Requirements
- Replacement application addressed to the MARN Director of Environmental Management
- Valid DPI of the legal representative
- Current commercial and corporate licenses (if a legal entity)
- Notarized act of legal representation
- Original license certificate (file number, issue date, category)
- Original police or Public Ministry report (only for theft or loss)
- Damaged original license (if applicable)
- Sworn statement signed by legal representative explaining circumstances
- Environmental compliance report for the past year (leachate, gas monitoring, indicators)
- Bank payment receipt for the replacement fee (deposit at authorized bank)
- Environmental consultant certification registered with MARN (if used in the original project)
- Exact site address and geographic coordinates
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Verify status in SAGA
Log in to the Environmental Management System (SAGA) at saga.marn.gob.gt. Verify your license is active and look up the file number. You can’t initiate replacement without these.
Step 2 — File a police report (if applicable)
If the license was lost or stolen, file a report with the National Civil Police or Public Ministry. Keep a certified copy.
Step 3 — Pay the fee
Make the deposit at Banrural or another authorized bank into the MARN account. The amount depends on the original license category. Keep the receipt.
Step 4 — Assemble the file
Gather all requirements. File quality determines response time — incomplete files generate prevenciones that can add 30 days.
Step 5 — Submit at MARN
File at the MARN Environmental Management Directorate (20 calle 28-58 zona 10, Guatemala City) or departmental delegations. Some categories allow digital filing via SAGA.
Step 6 — Inspection (if applicable)
MARN may carry out a site inspection to verify operational continuity. B1 and A categories almost always receive an inspection prior to replacement.
Step 7 — Resolution
MARN issues a replacement resolution including a duplicate of the original license bearing the “REPOSICION” stamp and keeping the original expiration date.
Step 8 — Pick up the replacement license
Collect in person or via authorized representative with DPI. Display the replacement license visibly at the operational site.
Cost and Time
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Category CR replacement | Q500-Q800 |
| Category C replacement | Q800-Q1,200 |
| Category B2 replacement | Q1,200-Q1,800 |
| Category B1 replacement | Q1,800-Q2,500 |
| Category A replacement | Q2,500+ |
| Optional environmental consultant | Q3,000-Q15,000 |
| Total time | 30-60 business days |
How to Apply: Technical Documentation
Although replacement is a documentary procedure, MARN may additionally require:
- Monthly monitoring reports for the past year (leachate, gas, vectors)
- Current site closure plan
- Environmental contingency plan
- Operator’s environmental log
- Responsible professional certification (certified environmental consultant)
If the operation is in closure or post-closure period, requirements adjust to the approved closure plan.
Penalties for Operating Without a Current License
| Infraction | Sanction |
|---|---|
| Operating without displayed license | Q5,000-Q50,000 fine |
| Operating with expired license | Q15,000-Q150,000 + temporary closure |
| Illegal waste disposal | Q50,000-Q500,000 + closure |
| Hazardous waste disposal without license | Fine + criminal prosecution (Penal Code Art. 343-353) |
| Repeat offenses | Doubled fine + permanent revocation |
Sanctions are imposed by the MARN Directorate General of Legal Compliance after a hearing. Fines may be combined with court-ordered closures.
Differences with Other MARN Licenses
- General Environmental License — for construction, industry, energy projects (does not handle waste directly)
- Controlled Final Disposal License — specific to sites receiving waste
- Treatment License — for plants processing waste but not finally disposing of it
- Hazardous Waste Transport Permit — for transport companies, not sites
If your site combines multiple activities (reception + treatment + disposal), you may need more than one license or a consolidated comprehensive license.
Related Procedures
- MARN Environmental License — general environmental license (main project)
- CONAP Hunting License Replacement — related environmental replacement
- CONAP Hunting License Renewal — renewal at CONAP
- Register a Company — corporate license (prerequisite)
- Food Sanitary License — if handling organic waste from the food chain
Official Links
- MARN - Official site
- SAGA - Online system
- Government services catalog
- Solid Waste Law (Decreto 9-2022)
- Environmental Regulation (AG 137-2016)
The Controlled Final Disposal License is one of the most heavily scrutinized environmental permits in Guatemala. Keep it valid, displayed and digitally backed up. Timely replacement avoids sanctions that can halt your site’s operation for weeks.