Protests in Tiberias Over New "Excess Waste" Fees
Dozens of business owners in Tiberias held protests and blocked the main street to oppose new "excess waste" charges, which they argue are an unfair burden during the current economic crisis. The municipality has announced a temporary freeze on enforcement while individual claims are reviewed.
With temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius, dozens of business owners in Tiberias took to the streets to protest against newly imposed "excess waste" charges. According to the protesters, these garbage collection fees constitute a heavy and unjustified financial burden during a challenging period when local businesses are struggling to survive. During the demonstration, protesters intermittently blocked traffic on the main thoroughfare, HaGalil Street. "Our message to the Tiberias Municipality is sharp and clear: stop the charges immediately," protest leaders stated.
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Merchants are demanding the immediate cancellation or freezing of these payments, warning that if their grievances are not addressed, protest measures will escalate in the coming days. This wave of protest reflects the painful economic reality of the North. Like business owners across the country, small businesses in Tiberias have been suffering from an ongoing crisis since October 7, 2023.
Tiberias relies heavily on the tourism industry, which serves as a central engine for the local economy, impacting everything from retail and footwear to restaurants and financial services. The tourism sector has been hit hardest over the last three years, and the near-total stagnation of tourist arrivals is evident throughout the city. Merchants argue that the demand for additional payments at this time is a blow they simply cannot absorb.
Who is required to pay?
The "excess waste fee" applies only to the volume of garbage exceeding a business's basic quota, which is typically calculated based on the number of employees and the nature of the activity. The charge primarily affects businesses that generate significant commercial or industrial waste, such as restaurants, event halls, supermarkets, food chains, factories, and logistics centers. Small offices and shops that produce minimal waste generally fall below the threshold and are not subject to the fee.
The decision to collect the fee is at the municipality's discretion, provided they enact a specific municipal bylaw approved by the Ministry of Interior. Furthermore, tariffs and calculation formulas are restricted by national standards set by the government to prevent arbitrary collection.
Following the outcry, the Tiberias Municipality is attempting to calm tensions by announcing a freeze on enforcement: "In light of inquiries from business owners, it has been decided to examine the claims on an individual basis. Within approximately two weeks, a final decision regarding the implementation of the excess waste law will be published, including the final charge for each business. Until then, Mayor Yossi Nabaa has instructed the Arnona (municipal tax) department to halt enforcement actions related to the payment notices sent last month."
Business owners have clarified that they are not satisfied with a short-term postponement and are waiting to see if the individual review process will lead to the cancellation of the decree or a substantial revision of the established criteria.
