At least four cities in the Alto Tietê region have started charging residents a 'waste fee' as part of their urban property tax to fund waste management services.
In the Alto Tietê region of Brazil, at least four municipalities have implemented a new 'waste fee' that is included with the urban property tax (IPTU) bills sent to residents. This fee is a requirement established under the federal law 14.026/2020, aimed at ensuring that the collection and management of solid waste are financially sustainable. The law mandates that municipalities must generate revenue for urban cleaning services and allocate it specifically towards waste management operations.
The measure aligns with the National Basic Sanitation Legal Framework, which addresses the need for municipalities to have a defined method of charging for waste collection services. The Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change has highlighted the role of the National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANA) in setting reference standards for regulating these fees. As cities like Guararema, Ferraz de Vasconcelos, Itaquaquecetuba, and Suzano confirm this charge, it underlines a growing initiative to enhance public sanitation practices.
This development raises various implications for residents, who will experience changes in their tax bills that now include the waste fee. Additionally, this move can influence public perception regarding environmental responsibility and the importance of proper waste management, as funds generated will be specifically aimed at improving urban cleanliness and reducing waste accumulation in the region.
