When the Summer season is in its peak, the increased number of people in tourism areas can make waste management operations definitely challenging. Tourism in general is estimated to produce around 35 million tonnes of waste annually, and some studies proved a tourist may generate up to twice as much waste as a local resident.
Hotels alone generate around 289,700 tonnes of waste annually around the world, and a 200-room hotel uses around 300,000 bits of single-use plastic every month. Hospitality produces large amounts of mixed solid waste, as it is more difficult for guests to correctly separate their trash – also because many hosts lack in adequate instructions and bins.
In highly popular towns and locations, this can negatively impact existing waste collection systems, resulting in higher operational costs for a lower quality of service, and a backlash in terms of sustainability and environmental commitment. Reducing waste generation and promoting circular economy models is a multi-faceted matter, that requires a clear strategy, an efficient infrastructure, and a widespread educational effort.
Waste management should not merely be considered an expenditure item, but an opportunity to improve quality of life and tourism attractiveness by making cities cleaner, healthier, and safer. Some municipalities are starting this change by investing in educational programs and initiatives, but also putting pressure on hotels, businesses, and households by charging fees on residual waste collected. This should encourage a more accurate trash separation and recycling.
Smart technologies can help: our Smart Waste solution allows cities and operators managers to enhance solid waste collection by monitoring bin filling and optimizing waste trucks itineraries, taking data-driven decisions about resource allocation and dispatching.
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