Waste collection charge increases in Spain
Significant refuse collection tax increase for Spanish homeowners
PROPERTY OWNERS in Spain face a substantial rise in waste collection charges reflected in the latest bills sent by Suma, the Provincial tax administration agency.
The new "Impuesto de Recogida de Residuos Sólidos" tax rates came into force from 1st January 2025 throughout the country to comply with EU regulations and Spain's Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soils.
The legislation requires town halls to ensure that waste collection charges reflect the actual cost of providing the service, and can no longer be subsidised by the municipal purse.
As a result, the household refuse charge in Orihuela Costa has increased from the previous average of €70 per year to approximately €200 annually, representing a 285% increase.
This rise in waste collection taxes has been considerably more noticeable than in most other municipalities, as residents' refuse charges had been frozen for the past two decades. Previously, homeowners in Orihuela Costa covered only about one-third of the actual service costs.
Homeowners in Torrevieja face an increase of up to 208%, and increases in waste collection charges are expected in most locations throughout the Vega Baja, including San Miguel de Salinas, Almoradi, Los Montesinos, and Guardamar del Segura.
Increases in waste collection tax to fund additional infrastructure
The new charge adjustment aligns with the national mandate requiring municipalities to fully finance waste management services through resident contributions.
The increased revenue will support improvements in waste collection infrastructure in Orihuela Costa, including the introduction of brown containers for organic waste and enhanced recycling initiatives.
Orihuela Town Hall plans to invest over €3 million annually over the next six years to optimise the waste management system, refuse recycling, and disposal.
Residents may be eligible for reductions based on specific criteria, such as single-parent households, large families, or victims of gender-based violence.
The reductions are expected to benefit nearly 6,000 families living in the municipality and mitigate the negative financial consequences of the mandatory rate increase.
Payments for the waste collection tax are collected by Suma Gestión Tributaria, with the annual payment period for 2025 running from 5th March to 9th May. Direct debit payments will have been taken on 2nd May.
Property owners, including non-residents and holiday home owners, are advised to review their payment arrangements.
For further information or assistance, residents can contact Orihuela City Council directly or visit the Suma website.
Previous 
ONLINE VIEWINGS
