In Quito, Ecuador, a group of opposition council members, led by Michael Aulestia, has taken legal action against the Municipality's new waste collection fee, which went into effect on February 1st. This fee, which is now included in the water bill, has raised significant concerns among residents who reported price hikes of up to 300% compared to previous rates. Local residents have voiced their frustrations over these excessive charges, which they argue are impacting their daily finances.

The Municipality defends the fee increase by stating it will be applied progressively, meaning that city inhabitants who consume more water will pay more for the waste collection service. However, this argument has not alleviated the discontent in communities where many families struggle with economic pressures, especially those who feel the new rates are unjust and disproportionate.

The legal challenge is now in the hands of the Constitutional Court of Ecuador, which will review the case. The outcome could have significant implications for municipal policies in Quito regarding utility fees, and it highlights the ongoing tensions between local government decisions and citizen welfare, as residents continue to advocate for more affordable public services amid rising living costs.