Trend of selective collection in an Italian tourist area

Tourism strongly influences quantity and composition of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and can affect the management of the facilities. MSW management is not only a contemporary problem but also an issue at world level. The dynamics of MSW production in tourist areas is affected by the addition of a significant amount of population equivalent during few months. Consequences are seen in terms of amount of MSW to be managed, but also on the quality of Selective Collection (SC). In this paper a case study is analyzed in order to point out some strategies useful for a correct management of this problem, also taking into account the interactions with the sector of waste-to-energy. The case studies concern a tourist area in the South. Peak of production are clearly visible during the last two years. SC variations demonstrate that the tourists’behavior is not adequate to get the same results as with the resident population.