The “polluter pays” system aiming to increase water conservation will be implemented on December 31, 2026. According to a regulation published in the Official Gazette by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, individuals who consume excessive water or generate waste will receive a higher bill.

The previously planned implementation date for the polluter pays system was December 31, 2024, but it has now been postponed to December 31, 2026. With this system, as water and waste services usage increases, the bill will also rise.

The Environmental Cleaning Tax, solid waste collection fee, and waste disposal fee will be collected in one lump sum. Additionally, individuals who consume excessive water and generate more waste will have to pay a higher fee. President of Waste Management and Waste-to-Energy Producers Association (TAYED), Ali Rıza Öner, shared the details of changes to be made in water bills. He mentioned that the revenue municipalities acquire in this context can only be used for water and waste management services. Furthermore, he stated that these fees will be determined in Municipal Councils, with an increase in additional fees as water bills rise. In this new era, those who consume more will pay more. As the amount of waste increases, the bill will also grow. The revenue generated will be solely used by municipalities for waste and water management.