In September 2025, Madrid introduced a new payment system for waste collection and processing. The city administration has begun a mass notification campaign to inform residents of the corresponding fees. Capital residents are receiving messages by email and SMS, as well as through their personal accounts on the official portal.
The introduction of this fee is a result of new legislation that came into force to meet European standards. The new measure affects all municipalities with populations over 5,000. The goal of these changes is to ensure compliance with the waste recycling targets set by the European Union.
Madrid authorities have set a two-month period, starting September 8, to send all notifications. Residents who have enabled electronic notifications receive instructions on how to access the documents through their personal accounts. If the recipient does not review the notification within 48 hours, a paper letter will be sent to the address listed in their profile or tax documentation.
Individuals can choose to receive notifications either electronically or on paper. Legal entities will receive communications exclusively through electronic channels. Accessing the information requires identity verification using digital identifiers such as Cl@ve, an electronic passport, or a certificate.
Payment documents are generated individually for each recipient. In 2025, the payment will be made as a single sum within two months. Starting in 2026, there will be an option to set up automatic debit from a bank account and to split the payment into several parts, similar to the practice for property tax.
The fee is calculated using a mixed formula: 81% of the amount depends on the cadastral value of the property, and 19% is based on the volume of waste and the sorting level in the area of residence. On average, households will pay about 140 euros per year, and commercial premises approximately 310 euros.
City authorities have introduced tax benefits for large families and low-income citizens. These measures are aimed at reducing the financial burden on the most vulnerable groups and supporting the principles of social justice when implementing the new fee.
The introduction of the new fee changes the approach to waste management in Madrid, bringing the city closer to European standards and supporting a shift towards a more sustainable resource management model. The new system is intended to encourage waste sorting and promote responsible environmental practices among the residents of the capital.
