The study “The implications of tourist activity in the Algarve region for urban waste management”, which brought together researchers from five universities in Portugal and the United States, reveals the “urgent need to define sustainable solutions to face the environmental impact and caused by the high tourist seasonality” in this region.

According to researcher Eduardo Cardadeiro, coordinator of the study, a tourist in the Algarve produces, on average, twice as much waste per day as a resident of the region, and the fact that there is a “strong seasonality” causes increased difficulty in solid waste management.

“Tourism is fundamental to the Algarve’s economy, but it is necessary to ensure that its growth does not compromise the sustainable development of the region”, added the professor at the Universidade Autónoma.

According to Eduardo Cardadeiro, the study will continue to be developed, having in this first phase, among other things, characterised the relationship between tourism and waste management and analysed the production of municipal solid waste by tourism.

“If we can better understand the impact of tourism on waste production and better manage this process, perhaps we will be in a better position, both to achieve targets in the waste sector and to have more sustainable management, and to promote the Algarve as a destination that manages waste sustainably, promoting the circular economy”, he said.

The study concluded that in 2023 the Algarve recorded 29 million overnight stays, of which 82% occurred in the high season, which generated significant pressure on the region's waste management services.

During the month of August, tourism was responsible for 41% of waste production, equivalent to 3.6 kilos per night, that is, more than double the 'per capita' production of local residents.

The study also reveals that, currently, more than 80% of municipal waste in the Algarve is deposited in landfills, while recycling and reuse rates are below 15%, below the targets set by the European Union for 2035.

The document also identified the need to implement measures to meet the goals defined by the European Union and promote a circular economy and sustainable practices for the Algarve region.