According to the Regulatory Entity for Water and Waste Services (ERSAR), the costs for treating and disposing of urban waste are expected to see a significant increase next year. This rise stems from the increase in the Waste Management Fee (TGR) and the tariff charged by Resulima, directly impacting the municipalities of Arcos de Valdevez, Barcelos, Esposende, Ponte da Barca, Ponte de Lima, and Viana do Castelo, and consequently, the tariffs paid by residents.
The tariff for waste treatment per ton is projected to rise from 72.33 euros to 95.88 euros in 2027. Additionally, the TGR will increase by five euros per ton, from 40 euros to 45 euros. Combined, the total costs for waste management and treatment are expected to increase from 112.33 euros to 140.88 euros per ton.
The municipalities acknowledge the importance of meeting demanding environmental targets but consider the current costs already unaffordable for families. They state that the continued escalation of these costs cannot be silently borne by those who ultimately pay the bill.
Given the magnitude of the increases, it is unsustainable for the municipalities to fully absorb these costs. Furthermore, Article 107 of Decree-Law No. 102-D/2020 stipulates that municipalities must charge the end-user a tariff for urban waste management services that covers the respective costs, including waste treatment.
The municipalities that are part of Resulima reaffirm their commitment to monitoring these charges and developing measures for waste reduction, reuse, and separation. However, they firmly demand that the cost increases are not transferred to citizens without criteria or proportionality.
Protecting families and meeting environmental targets cannot be conflicting objectives, and the municipalities integrated into Resulima will not accept them being pitted against each other.
