ORIHUELA – A new municipal garbage tax ordinance, approved by the Orihuela City Council, is set to significantly increase fees for local businesses. The tax, which is expected to triple in some cases, has sparked concern among business owners.
Key Points of the New Ordinance:
Residential Properties: The average annual fee for homes will rise from €70 to €202.87.
Businesses:
Large Businesses: Companies with over 51 employees will face a substantial increase, from €817.60 to €2,229.89 annually.
Medium-Sized Businesses: Businesses with 26-50 employees will pay €1,117.12, and those with 6-26 employees will pay €697.11.
Small Businesses: Businesses with 1-5 employees will pay €420.01.
Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Fees will be calculated based on square footage, with a rate of €382.38 per square meter.
Restaurants: Fees will vary based on star rating and size. Three-star restaurants will pay up to €2,105.52, while one- and two-star restaurants will pay €1,580.23. Bars and cafes will pay a fixed fee of €685.11.
Other Businesses: Nightclubs, cinemas, discos, and bingo halls will pay €440.20, while general shops will pay €294.55.
Hotels, Tourist Residences, and Hospitals: A fee of €24.55 per bed will apply, with a minimum fee of €1,514.63 for hospitals. Outpatient clinics and health centers will pay €1,756.42, and other medical centres will pay €602.20.
Fee Allocation: The new tax will be allocated as follows: 62.53% for collection, 4.77% for transfers, and 32.70% for waste treatment.
Discount Application: The ordinance includes discounts of up to 70%, but applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025.
The increased fees aim to cover the rising costs of waste collection and disposal. However, local businesses have expressed concerns about the potential impact on their operations.
