Introduction

Tourism is a major economic driver in many regions, supporting businesses across various sectors within hospitality. However, it also generates significant waste, particularly in peak seasons. The Mediterranean, for example, experiences a 33% increase in marine litter during the summer months, with single-use plastics (SUPs) making up the majority of this waste.  This includes beverage bottles and cups, plastic bags, disposable cutlery, straws, food packaging, and toiletries. This accounts for nearly 98% of marine plastics (World Bank, 2022).

How Tourism Affects Waste Management

• Increased waste generation: The surge in visitors leads to higher waste production, especially from SUPs and food packaging.
• Seasonal pressure on waste systems: Waste volumes fluctuate dramatically, often exceeding local collection and disposal capacities during peak seasons.
• Higher risk of littering: Tourists unfamiliar with local waste disposal rules may contribute to improper waste disposal, leading to litter in urban, coastal, and natural areas.
• Challenges in recycling: A high influx of non-residents means inconsistent waste separation, leading to higher contamination rates in recycling streams.

Addressing Seasonal Waste Challenges in Tourism Areas

To mitigate the impact of tourism on waste management, authorities and businesses can implement:

• Sustainable business practices that encouraging hotels, restaurants, etc. to reduce reliance on SUPs by adopting reusable alternatives such as refillable bottles, cups, and cutlery. Businesses can collaborate with suppliers to phase out SUPs, implement refill stations, and integrate waste-free solutions.
• Waste reduction commitments: Businesses set ambitious waste reduction targets, secure funding for sustainable transitions, and promote circular economy practices to minimize waste and increase resource efficiency.
• Policy measures: Phasing out SUPs in high-impact areas and supporting regulations that encourage businesses to transition to sustainable packaging and waste management practices.
• Public awareness initiatives: Educational campaigns targeting tourists, businesses, and communities to promote responsible waste disposal and improve recycling participation.

Using the WFD to Analyze Tourism Waste Trends

The Waste Flow Diagram (WFD) can analyze tourism-related waste patterns. By integrating data on seasonal waste fluctuations, policymakers and waste management professionals can develop targeted strategies to improve collection efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and promote circular economy initiatives in tourism hotspots.

Conclusion

Effective waste management in tourism requires a combination of sustainable business practices, waste reduction commitments, public awareness, and supportive policies. By implementing these strategies, destinations can minimize seasonal waste surges while enhancing environmental and economic sustainability.

References

World Bank. (2022). Plastic-free Coastlines: A Contribution from the Maghreb to Address Marine Plastic Pollution. World Bank. Available at: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/37475