Tenerife Approves New Waste Management Ordinance

Overview

The Cabildo of Tenerife has officially approved a revamped fiscal ordinance for waste management, aligning local regulations with recent national laws and European directives aimed at boosting recycling and circular economy initiatives.

• The new ordinance was adopted on May 5, 2025.
• It replaces the previous waste tax framework.
• The update responds to the requirements outlined in Law 7/2022, which mandates local governments to establish a non-deficit, differentiated tax based on waste generated.

Key Principles and Changes

• The legislative update emphasizes the principle that "the polluter pays", meaning that those who produce waste — individuals, businesses, and municipalities — should cover the true costs of waste collection, treatment, and environmental impact.
• The tax will now be configured around the volume of waste delivered to treatment facilities, moving away from the previous segmentation based on population data.
• The adjustment reflects new environmental responsibilities, including covering costs related to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts.

Financial Details

• The new rate will be set at €90.39 per tonne of waste.
• Local authorities are required to implement and monitor these adjustments by April 9, 2025.

Goals and Commitment

• This change aims to foster waste reduction, promote recycling, and ensure all costs associated with waste management—such as infrastructure and environmental safeguarding—are adequately financed.
• As residents and businesses adapt to these updates, it signifies Tenerife’s commitment to sustainable waste policies that align with broader European environmental standards and national obligations.

"The polluter pays"