Taxpayers fuming as rates TRIPLE—now the opposition fights back!
Orihuela’s controversial flat-rate garbage tax has been tossed into political turmoil just seven months after residents started paying it! The annual €202 fee—blasted for hitting everyone equally, no matter their income or home size—may soon be dumped in favour of a more balanced, progressive system.
In a dramatic turn at Thursday’s plenary session, a motion pushed by Cambiemos, and supported by PSOE and Ciudadanos, scraped through thanks to Vox’s surprise abstention. With the PP firmly voting against, the opposition still managed to secure approval for a sweeping review of the garbage collection fee system—sparking fresh hope for thousands of fed-up residents.
The tax had tripled from €70 to €202 in one of the sharpest increases across Alicante province. Outrage erupted, especially among rural and low-income households, who felt unfairly punished. The flat fee took no account of home size, usage, or even whether a property was a primary or holiday home.
“This is a regressive, antisocial tax,” blasted Cambiemos councillor Quique Montero, accusing the local government of protecting wealthy second-home owners and tourism properties at the expense of working families. The proposed overhaul would consider income levels, household size, and the actual volume of waste produced—encouraging greener habits like recycling and composting.
The motion also calls for increased transparency, a monitoring committee, and reinvestment into Orihuela’s infamously underperforming waste services. But hold that victory lap—the motion isn’t legally binding. The current PP-led government has already shown resistance.
With 5,600 vulnerable families potentially benefiting from larger tax discounts and public pressure mounting, the bin tax battle is far from over. For now, Orihuela residents are watching closely—and hoping their cries for fairness don’t end up in the landfill.
