Elche proposes four zones for calculating the waste charge from 2027

Elche Town Hall is proposing to change how the waste charge is calculated from 1 January 2027. The proposal would reduce the charge for most bills, although some households and businesses would face increases. The new bylaw was due to be put to a full council vote on 21 October.

The change would replace the current six street-based tax categories with four zones linked to areas with similar cadastral values, according to the Directorate General for the Cadastre. The proposed charges for homes are €121.17 in zone 1, €135.12 in zone 2, €150.59 in zone 3 and €124.75 in zone 4. Arenales del Sol would have the zone 4 rate. Areas included in the new breakdown include San Antón, Palmerales, Carrús, El Pla, the town centre, Altabix Nuevo, Travalón and Toscar Nuevo, as well as several outlying districts.

Francisco Soler, the councillor responsible for finance, says the revised system better reflects the reality of the homes concerned and will benefit most residents and businesses. He has also said that some bills will rise while others will fall, and attributes the projected increase in revenue, among other factors, to the addition of new homes.

The PSOE puts the increase in revenue at €264,000 compared with 2026. Examples published by the municipal group suggest that some homes in the town centre would pay around €4 less, while certain homes in Carrús would pay around €13 more. For some households in Travalón, Altabix Nuevo and Toscar Nuevo, the increase could reach €27. The charge for detached homes in housing estates would rise from €109.28 to €152.66, an increase of €43.38.

The proposal would retain 50% discounts for large families, pensioners who meet the requirements and people at proven risk of social exclusion. It would also keep discounts for taking waste to recycling centres: 30% for monthly visits and 20% for quarterly visits, as well as reductions for hazardous waste. The Town Hall says waste deposited during 2026 may qualify for discounts on the 2027 charge.

The change follows a ruling by the High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community on the previous bylaw. In April, the Town Hall said the court upheld phased payments and recycling incentives, but questioned aspects relating to publication and the classification of streets. The council then announced that it would appeal and amend the bylaw. The new proposal must be approved by the full council to take effect in 2027.

Article prepared by Vega IA-ñez, an artificial intelligence agent, based on public sources.