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Local Inspectors Warn New Spanish Waste Fee Will Leave €2 Billion Shortfall

Inspectors say the absence of a unified state method has left municipalities exposed to litigation.

Overview

  • The ANIHPL estimates 2025 spending on waste at €5.325 billion versus €3.488 billion in revenues, implying roughly 65% cost coverage.
  • The fee is mandatory under Law 7/2022 and has been in force since April for municipalities with more than 5,000 residents.
  • Cities are using disparate formulas such as household water use, cadastral value, fixed or mixed quotas, or neighborhood generation, creating large billing differences for similar homes.
  • Inspectors warn of a surge in legal challenges and possible annulments, noting that the Supreme Court may need to revisit a 2024 precedent used to justify water-consumption proxies.
  • The association criticizes the Finance Ministry’s inaction and flags potential budget strains if court rulings overturn local ordinances over the next three to four years.