New garbage tax in Valencia: what it is, how much is paid and who is affected

If you have a home in Valencia, you live in a rental or you are thinking of buying or investing in a property in the city, you have surely heard about the new garbage tax in Valencia in recent months. It is a measure that has generated many doubts, questions and, why not say it, some concern among owners and tenants.

In this article we explain in a clear and simple way what this new tax is, how much it is actually paid and who it affects, with a practical and close approach, as we always do from the real estate sector.

What is the new garbage tax in Valencia?

The new garbage tax in Valencia is a mandatory municipal tax regulated by the Tax Ordinance regulating the fee for the provision of the urban solid waste collection and transport service, definitively approved on December 20, 2024 and applicable from January 1, 2025.

This tax is specifically levied on the phases of collection and transport of urban waste (not treatment or disposal), and is created to comply with Law 7/2022, on waste and contaminated soil for a circular economy, which obliges municipalities to pass on the real cost of the service to those who generate waste.

It is important to clarify that in Valencia there are two different rates related to garbage:

A municipal tax, which is this, for collection and transport.
And another metropolitan tax, managed by the Metropolitan Entity, corresponding to the treatment and disposal of waste.

Since when is the garbage tax applied in Valencia?

The tax has been in force since January 1, 2025, as established by the tax ordinance approved by the Valencia City Council.

However, it is important to differentiate between entry into force and effective collection:

Although the rate applies from 2025, the effective collection begins in 2026.
In many cases, this collection will be made through the water bill, although the City Council will specify the final system.

How much do you pay for the new garbage tax in Valencia?

The amount of the new garbage tax in Valencia is not fixed, as it is calculated based on the annual water consumption of the property, which is the criterion used by the City Council to estimate waste generation.

Private homes

In the case of homes, the annual amounts approved for 2025 are as follows:

Up to 65 m³ of water consumption: €39.14 / year
From 65.01 to 90 m³: 122.18 € / year
From 90.01 to 195 m³: 141.16 € / year
From 195.01 to 260 m³: 259.78 € / year
More than 260 m³: €272.83 / year

These amounts correspond to private homes and can be reduced in certain cases through discounts.

Who has to pay the garbage tax in Valencia?

According to the municipal ordinance, the taxpayer is the natural or legal person who occupies or uses the property, whether as owner, usufructuary or lessee.

However, the regulations establish a key figure:

The owner acts as a substitute taxpayer, which means that he is the one who is responsible to the City Council for the payment of the fee.
The owner can pass on the amount to the user of the property (for example, the tenant), if agreed.

In rental housing

In real estate practice, this implies that:

The City Council will charge the fee to the owner.
The landlord may only pass it on to the tenant if the rental contract allows it or is expressly agreed.

For this reason, at Valencia Homes we recommend reviewing the rental contracts well to leave this point clearly defined.

Who is affected by the new waste tax?

The new garbage tax in Valencia affects:

Homeowners
Tenants (depending on the contract)
Commercial property owners
Companies and businesses

That is, practically any property that generates urban waste within the municipality of Valencia.

Why has this new garbage tax been created?

The main reason is to comply with European regulations on waste management, which require that the cost of garbage treatment is not financed only by general taxes, but that it is directly associated with those who generate this waste.

In addition, the objective is to:

Encouraging recycling
Reduce waste generation
Making the collection system more sustainable

Frequently asked questions about the new garbage tax in Valencia

Is the garbage tax the same as the IBI?

no. The IBI is a tax on the property of the property, while the garbage tax is a specific payment for the waste collection and treatment service.

Is the garbage fee paid every year?

Yes, the fee is annual, although the City Council can establish the form and calendar of collection.

Can I refuse to pay the garbage tax?

no. As it is a mandatory municipal tax, non-payment can generate surcharges and penalties.

Does this rate affect the price of rent in Valencia?

Indirectly, it can have an influence, as it represents a new cost for owners that some will try to pass on to the rental price, especially in new contracts.

How the new garbage tax affects the real estate market in Valencia

From our experience at Valencia Homes, as a real estate agency specialising in the Valencia market, this type of measure usually generates many doubts at first, but over time it ends up being integrated as an expense more associated with the home, just like other taxes and fees.

Of course, it is essential that owners, tenants and buyers have all the information clear from the first moment, to avoid surprises and make decisions with peace of mind.

How the new garbage tax affects the real estate market in Valencia

At Valencia Homes, we see that these types of rates mainly influence the planning of expenses of owners and investors. In the rental market, it is common for doubts to arise about its impact, while in purchase and sale transactions it is increasingly important to be clear about all the real costs associated with a home.

Having professional advice allows you to anticipate, avoid conflicts and make safer decisions, whether you want to rent, sell or buy a home in Valencia.

When is the garbage tax paid in Valencia?

This is one of the most common doubts among owners and tenants.

General application: the fee has been applied since 2025, but the first effective collection will be made in 2026.
Method of collection: it will usually be integrated into the water bill, although there may also be a single payment option.
Bonuses: the City Council has extended the deadline to apply for tax benefits and bonuses until May 31, 2026.
Exact payment dates: the specific dates for direct debits or non-direct debit payments are published each year in the Valencia City Council's tax calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the garbage tax in Valencia

Since when is the new garbage tax mandatory in Valencia?
From 1 January 2025, after its final approval in December 2024.

Is the fee paid even if no one lives in the home?
Yes. It is considered that there is provision of the service as long as the property has a water supply, even if it is not permanently inhabited.

How is the garbage rate calculated in Valencia?
It is mainly calculated based on the water consumption of the previous 12 months, which determines the applicable bracket.

Are there any discounts on the garbage tax?
Yes. There are bonuses, among others, for large families, low-income households (IPREM) and for the use of municipal ecoparks.

Is this rate the same as the metropolitan garbage tax?
No. This fee covers only pick-up and transport. Treatment and disposal are paid for through a different metropolitan rate.

Conclusion

The new garbage tax in Valencia is a reality that is good to know well if you have a home, are thinking of renting it or want to buy a property in the city. Being clear about what it is, how much it is paid and who it affects will help you avoid surprises and make better decisions.

Do you need real estate advice in Valencia?

At Valencia Homes we help owners, buyers and investors to understand all the expenses associated with a home and to get the most out of their real estate operations.