Madrid waste tax disputes surge as 94 municipalities challenge 2026 levy

More than half of the municipalities in the Community of Madrid have filed legal challenges against the 2026 waste tax, with 94 of the region's 179 towns disputing the levy. The disputes involve major municipalities such as Fuenlabrada, Móstoles, Alcorcón and the capital city itself.

Mayor José Luis Martínez‑Almeida is preparing a third version of the city’s tax ordinance while courts are set to rule on the legality of the various ordinances. The opposition is led by the Más Madrid party and includes municipalities governed by both the PP and the PSOE, as well as smaller towns. The litigation highlights the lack of uniform criteria in applying the national waste‑management law (Law 7/2022) that transposes the 2018 EU waste directive.

The mayor warned that refunds will only be issued where the law permits, leaving many residents uncertain about possible reimbursements.