What’s Changing with the Rubbish Tax?
FROM April, the rubbish tax in the Murcia region will increase by between 10 per cent and 80 per cent, as local councils must fully pass on the costs of waste collection, transportation, and treatment to residents. This change comes with a new waste management law that will be enforced from April 2025.
The increase will vary depending on the council. Many local authorities have already updated their regulations between 2023 and 2024 to reflect this rise. Murcia City, for instance, raised its tax by 38 per cent in 2024, leading to political disputes.
New landfill charges and environmental goals
The new law also introduces a €30 charge for every ton of waste sent to landfills. This is intended to encourage recycling and reduce waste.
As the region has yet to implement new bins for food and organic waste, councils will have to pay a tax on every 1,000 kilograms of waste they produce. Estimates suggest this could raise the annual garbage bill by €178 for families.
Local councils under pressure to comply
Despite efforts by local officials to delay or adjust the law, the national government has been firm, leaving councils no option but to comply. From April, all councils will be required to pass on these costs to their residents.
Why is this happening now?
The change is part of a national push to meet environmental targets set by the European Union. Spain, like other EU countries, must reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and improve recycling rates. By charging councils more for unsorted waste, the aim is to push local governments and residents to separate their rubbish more carefully.
How it affects households in Murcia
For many families, the rise in the rubbish fee will come as an unwelcome surprise. With inflation and the cost of living already putting pressure on households, this extra cost may force some people to be more aware of how they manage waste at home. Local authorities are expected to provide more information about what can and can’t be recycled and when new food waste bins will be rolled out.
More bins, more sorting
As councils adjust to the new law, residents can expect to see more recycling bins in their areas, including ones specifically for food and organic waste. These changes are expected to come in by 2025, helping municipalities avoid the higher landfill charges and hopefully reducing bills in the future.
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