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Turning Trash to Treasure: 5 Strategies to Revolutionize Waste Management in Hospitality

Hotels and resorts, in their pursuit of providing exceptional guest experiences, generate significant amounts of waste, contributing to an escalating global problem.

But what if we could change this narrative? What if hotels become part of the solution instead of contributing to the problem?

By implementing innovative waste management strategies, hotels can minimize their carbon footprint and unlock new avenues for cost savings and even revenue generation through the sale of recycled products.

This approach can also help hotels increase their appeal to the growing number of eco-conscious travelers seeking more sustainable travel options. Ultimately, it leads to building a positive brand reputation, spreading the word–of–mouth, and increasing customer satisfaction.

Waste Problem in Top-Level Numbers

The tourism sector generates an estimated 1.3 billion metric tons of waste annually, accounting for roughly 4-8% of the world's total waste production.

A staggering 251 percent surge in solid waste production is attributed to tourism if we don't adopt sustainable practices for addressing the waste problem.

Nearly half of the total waste produced by tourism and hospitality businesses is food.

Sources: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Waste mismanagement contributes to landfill overflow, water and soil pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The improper disposal of waste, particularly plastic, also poses a grave threat to marine ecosystems, endangering countless species.

This reality paints a grim picture and serves as a wake-up call for the hospitality industry.

Case Studies: Hotels Turning Trash Into Treasure

Jetwing Hotels, Sri Lanka

Jetwing Hotels' comprehensive waste management strategy encompasses all forms of waste generated within their properties - from food to garden waste, dry waste, used cooking oil, and even wastewater. Key achievements:

• The hotels’ own water bottling plants filled over 655,500 glass water bottles, eliminating over 6,500kg of plastic waste last year.

• Nearly 200,000 cubic meters of wastewater were treated and reused at Jetwing hotels last year.

»» Go deeper into this case study here ««

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Song Saa Private Island has a unique approach to sustainability that is deeply personal and rooted in its foundation. 

"When I first arrived at the islands in 2005, they were covered in ocean waste. It was the act of sharing time and stories with locals as we collaborated on a waste pickup effort, which was the beginning of Song Saa.” 

— Melita Koulmandas, Song Saa's CEO and Founder

»» Go deeper into this case study here ««

Alila Resorts, Bali, Indonesia

The approach of Alila Resorts in Bali to achieving zero contribution to the waste situation on the island is multifaceted, involving comprehensive waste management and reduction strategies that align with Alila's overall sustainability goals.

"These efforts, among others, have enabled us to significantly reduce our environmental impact and contribute positively to Bali's waste management system. Our Zero Waste to Landfill policy is not just a statement of intent; it is a reflection of the tangible actions we have taken to protect and preserve the environment for future generations."

— Budiartini, Sustainability Manager at Alila Ubud

»» Go deeper into this case study here ««

The Solution: 5 Key Waste Management Strategies for Hotels

1. Understand Your Context

Conduct a thorough waste audit to understand what types of waste are being generated and in what quantities. This will help determine the infrastructure and resources needed to manage waste effectively.

"Measurement and record-keeping are crucial. You cannot control or manage waste if you do not know how much you are generating or where it is being generated." 

— Sashika Kaluwahewa, Jetwing Hotel's Sustainability Manager

2. Engage with Your Community

Hotels can work with local communities or organizations to find ways to reuse or upcycle their waste. This could include donating excess food to charities or partnering with companies turning waste into useful products.

"For other properties looking to implement sustainable waste management techniques, our advice is to deeply engage with your community and environment." 

— Melita Koulmandas, Song Saa's CEO and Founder

3. Start Small and Educate

Education and awareness are also crucial aspects of sustainable waste management in hotels. By educating employees and guests on the importance of waste reduction, segregation, and proper disposal, hotels can create a culture of sustainability that extends beyond their operations.

"Start small, focus on education, and build initiatives that can grow organically, fostering a culture of sustainability and respect for the environment."

— Melita Koulmandas, Song Saa's CEO and Founder

4. Implement Innovative Techniques

In terms of practical techniques to reduce waste generation, hotels can consider purchasing in bulk, using eco-friendly packaging materials, implementing a composting program for food waste, and even using food waste monitoring software solutions, such as FIT Food Waste Monitoring Tech and Lumitics, that are specifically built for the hospitality industry. 

5. Have fun with it

"No matter how much we reduce waste production, waste is a part of life. It doesn’t always need to be an arduous task – there are so many creative, interesting, and satisfying ways to transform waste into a resource."

— Melita Koulmandas, Song Saa's CEO and Founder

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