Cabo Frio, located in the Região dos Lagos of Rio de Janeiro, has introduced a new garbage collection fee that is generating considerable debate among local residents. This fee, which began charging in 2025, is now included in property tax payments (IPTU) and applies to residential, commercial properties, and even vacant lots. The regulation for this fee is defined under municipal law Project No. 384/2025 and incorporates factors such as the cost of garbage collection, the size of the property, and an estimation of the generated waste.

According to the newly enacted law, the fee is assessed based on the actual or potential use of public cleaning services, which includes garbage collection, transportation, and final disposal. All property owners, occupants, or holders of real estate—including homes, businesses, companies, religious establishments, and registered lots in the Real Estate Cadastre—are deemed contributors to this fee. This comprehensive approach aims to hold various property types accountable for their waste generation.

As discussions continue among residents about the fairness and effectiveness of this new fee structure, it highlights the broader implications of municipal funding for public services. The community is grappling with the new economic burden while city officials are advocating for the initiative as a necessary step toward maintaining public health and cleanliness. The growing concern among residents may influence future policy adjustments or community engagement initiatives.