Municipal Solid Waste Generation in Algarve, Portugal: Challenges of Seasonal Tourism

Abstract

Regions with strong tourism seasonality, like the Algarve in Portugal, face major challenges in municipal solid waste (MSW) management. This study quantifies tourism-induced waste using data from 2017–2024, in collaboration with Algar, the regional MSW utility. In 2024, the Algarve experienced six times more overnight stays in the high season than in the low season, accounting for 25% of Portugal’s total overnight stays. However, only 9 of its 16 municipalities host 76% of residents and 95% of overnight stays. Regression models reveal strong links between tourism and waste generation. Tourists produce an estimated 3.44 kg of MSW per overnight stay—twice that of a resident’s daily output—with 3.1 kg of unsorted and glass waste, which is four times higher than that of residents. Although tourism accounts for only 27% of annual MSW, it drives over 41% of capacity needs due to seasonality. Findings support fairer, data-driven cost-sharing and system improvements for more effective waste management.