Fee rise linked to inflation and treatment costs

The metropolitan waste treatment fee (TMTR) will increase by an average of 3.6% in 2027 across the 36 municipalities of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area (AMB). The rise, equivalent to the consumer price index (CPI), was approved by the Metropolitan Council as part of an update to the fiscal ordinance governing the charge. Revenue from the TMTR is projected to reach €165.9 million in 2027. This will cover 88% of the annual cost of treating household waste, which amounts to approximately €235 million. The update aligns with Law 7/2022 of 8 April on waste and contaminated soils, which requires service fees to reflect actual treatment costs.

Bonuses for recycling participation

The revised ordinance introduces new incentives for residents in municipalities with individualised waste collection systems compatible with data sharing with the AMB. Households that participate more than 40 times in organic waste collection via closed containers or door-to-door services will qualify for discounts on their TMTR. This new bonus complements the existing discount for using clean points (puntos limpios), which has long been available to residents across all AMB municipalities.

The update responds to the objective established by Law 7/2022, which stipulates that fees must aim to cover the costs of the service, in this case, waste treatment.

Waste volumes and treatment process

The Barcelona metropolitan area generates around 1.46 million tonnes of waste annually. Of this, approximately 585,000 tonnes are collected selectively, while the remaining 900,000 tonnes go into residual waste bins. Residual waste is transported to ecoparks for material recovery and to energy recovery plants. Materials that cannot be reused or recovered are ultimately sent to landfill. Residents in eligible towns should check their local council’s website for details on how to register for or qualify for the new recycling incentives. The AMB has published guidance on its official portal: bop.diba.cat.

Sources: Metrópoli.