The recent implementation of the new waste tax in Spain, derived from Law 7/2022 on waste and contaminated soils, is transforming urban waste management across the country. This change, driven by European directives on the circular economy, aims to reduce waste generation, promote recycling, and decrease landfill usage, with ambitious goals such as limiting landfill disposal to 10% by 2035. However, the economic and social impact of this measure has sparked extensive debate, particularly in tourist municipalities like those in Marina Baixa, where significant increases have been recorded.

National Context

At the national level, the new waste tax aims to cover the actual costs of waste management, eliminating historical deficits in municipal services. Spaniards now face an average cost ranging from €100 to €200 per year, depending on their locality. However, the municipal autonomy in applying this regulation has resulted in significant differences in rates, creating regional inequalities and raising questions about the fairness of the measure.

Although the law aligns with the goals of the European Green Deal, many citizens criticize the lack of incentives for recyclers and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable and tourist-dependent sectors.

Impact on Marina Baixa: Notable Increases in Municipalities

In the Marina Baixa region, which includes key municipalities like Benidorm, La Nucía, l’Alfàs del Pi, Altea, Polop, and Finestrat, the new rates have been implemented differently, reflecting the economic and demographic particularities of each area:

• Benidorm:

The cost of waste collection and street cleaning services has increased by 5.5%, representing an additional €800,000 for the municipal budget. Although the City Council assures that this increase will not directly impact residents’ bills, the opposition has criticized the management of the expired contract, which has been unresolved for over seven years. As a leading tourist destination, Benidorm faces an additional challenge due to the volume of waste generated by millions of annual visitors.

• La Nucía:

Rates have been restructured by zones, ranging from €168.94 to €256.82 per year. This model seeks to adapt to state regulations and ensure equitable distribution based on housing location. However, some residents have expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that individual recycling efforts are not adequately rewarded.

• l’Alfàs del Pi:

Here, rates have risen by an average of 17%, ranging from €166 to €199 per year, depending on the zone. This increase is intended to cover the waste management deficit and meet sustainability requirements, but the measure has been met with criticism for the sudden rise in costs for residents.

• Altea:

Altea has opted to reduce the general waste tax for more than 9,000 homes, setting rates between €115.41 and €145.05 per year. However, a specific rate of €364.12 has been introduced for tourist accommodations, seeking greater equity in contributions to the service. This measure has been well-received by permanent residents but questioned by owners of tourist properties.

• Polop:

In Polop, the increase exceeds 40%, reaching nearly €185 per year per household, positioning the municipality as the third highest in rates in the region, after Benidorm and La Nucía. This increase has sparked discontent among residents, particularly in lower-income communities.

• Finestrat:

Finestrat residents face a 75% increase, from €105 to €183 per year per household. This adjustment, one of the most significant in the region, is attributed to rising service costs and the need to comply with new legal requirements.

Impact Analysis

The implementation of this tax highlights several challenges:

1. Regional inequalities: Municipal autonomy has led to significant disparities between localities, with varying increases even within the same region.

2. Lack of incentives: Clear mechanisms to reward citizens who recycle effectively have not been introduced.

3. Impact on key sectors: In tourist areas like Marina Baixa, additional costs could affect the competitiveness of the sector, as tourism operators face higher fees.

Conclusion

While the new waste tax aims to transition to a more sustainable and efficient management model, its application in Spain has generated criticism due to a lack of uniformity and the perception that the cost does not always translate into visible improvements in services. In municipalities like Benidorm, Altea, and Finestrat, the measure underscores the need for greater equity in rate design and clear incentives to encourage recycling and citizen participation in the shift toward a more sustainable model.