Starting from September 2025, Madrid and other Spanish cities with population over 5,000 residents will introduce a new mandatory fee for the collection and processing of solid household waste. This measure is linked to the European Union’s sustainability requirements and has already been implemented in a number of municipalities across the country.
The introduction of the fee is aimed at covering expenses related to organizing the collection, transportation, and processing of waste. Each municipality sets the amount and the payment procedure independently, based on local specifics and the budget. Across the country, the average fee ranges from 30 to 120 euros per year; however, in Madrid, the average payment for individuals will be about 140 euros, and for commercial properties—around 310 euros.
The calculation of the fee depends on several factors: the cadastral value of the property, the number of registered residents, and water consumption volume. In some cases, municipalities may set a fixed rate; in others, the fee may be variable, taking into account individual property parameters.
In Madrid in 2025, the fee will be paid in a single installment, and starting from 2026, it will be possible to set up automatic payment, similar to how it already works for the property tax (IBI). The new measure is expected to affect more than three million residents of the capital.
Special attention is given to the question of who should pay the fee—the property owner or the tenant. If a lease agreement was signed before the new rules took effect, the obligation remains with the owner, unless otherwise specified in the contract. For new contracts signed after the fee’s introduction, waste removal expenses fall to the tenant, as they are the ones using the service.
The introduction of the new fee has prompted mixed reactions among residents and local authorities. Some believe the measure is necessary to improve environmental conditions and align with European standards, while others are concerned about the additional financial burden on households and businesses.
Authorities emphasize that the fee will improve the quality of waste management services and reduce the strain on the city budget. At the same time, certain groups of citizens and businesses may be eligible for benefits or reduced rates, although the final details are still under discussion.
Thus, starting in autumn 2025, residents of Madrid and other major cities in Spain should be prepared for new expenses related to waste removal. It is important to clarify in advance who will be responsible for paying the fee in case of a rental, and to carefully review the contract terms to avoid misunderstandings.
