Residents of Orihuela Costa have voiced their strong opposition to an increase in rubbish collection fees that has seen charges triple. The annual fee has escalated from seventy euros to a flat rate of two hundred and two euros and eighty-seven cents. This significant increase has triggered criticism from the Unidos por la Costa association, which has been actively campaigning for residents to lodge formal complaints, arguing that the new fee contravenes established legal standards regarding waste management charges.

The association highlights that the current fee structure does not account for the amount of waste produced by individual households, calling it ‘fundamentally unfair.’ They contend that different households should pay according to their waste generation, which is a principle enshrined in law. This issue has drawn significant attention, especially as the revised fee applies uniformly across all homes, regardless of size, occupancy, or waste type.

In addition to the campaigns, local officials have witnessed a rallying call to review the modifications made to the fee structure. A recent council motion, supported by the PSOE, Ciudadanos, and Cambiemos, requests a reassessment of the new rates to align with fairer waste management principles.

Critics from various local platforms describe the fee increase as an ‘abusive tax,’ particularly as they compare it with the services provided in the area. Many residents are pushing for modifications to ensure that rural areas or smaller properties benefit from lower rates since they do not receive the same level of services as those in urban centres. The residents continue to advocate for their rights, insisting on a fairer approach that takes their circumstances into account.