In Madrid, over 130,000 citizens have filed complaints regarding a new waste tax implemented by the City Council, which began collecting fees in 2025. This tax, aimed at covering the costs of waste collection and treatment, has faced significant backlash from the public and political opposition. The Spanish Tax Advisors Association and the political group Más Madrid have both filed appeals against this tax in the regional Superior Court of Justice, seeking to challenge its validity.

The waste tax charges vary by neighborhood, which has led to dissatisfaction among residents regarding the perceived inequities in the rates. In the capital, under the administration of Mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida from the People's Party (PP), the tax was adjusted shortly after its launch due to complaints about the fairness of the rates based on household registration. As a result, the average annual cost for residents in the city is approximately €142.6 per household, a figure that has drawn criticism for its disparity depending on neighborhood locations.

The contentious nature of the waste tax reflects broader issues concerning local government taxation and its impact on urban residents. The upcoming ruling by the regional court will be pivotal, as it may determine the future of this taxation model in Madrid. Residents are closely watching these developments, as the outcome may set significant precedents for how municipal taxes will be structured and applied in the future.