In the context of Lake Garda, the urban hygiene data for 2023, presented by **Garda Uno**, highlights a significant increase in waste production coinciding with a rise in tourist traffic. The multi-utility company, which manages waste collection services in 27 municipalities, recorded a total volume of over **104,500 tons**, compared to just over **100,000 tons** in the previous year.
### Increase in Waste Production
The analysis conducted by Garda Uno demonstrates how tourism growth greatly impacts the amount of waste generated. The population served by the company currently stands at **164,505 inhabitants**, but during the summer months, this number swells due to the influx of tourists. Stefania Faini, head of operational management control, emphasizes that locations such as Moniga see a considerable increase in waste production; for instance, around **142 tons** are collected in January, while in August, this figure skyrockets to **379 tons**.
### Trends in Recycling
Despite the overall increase in waste production, the percentage of waste recycling has shown a slight increase, rising from **75.6%** in 2022 to **76.4%** in 2023. However, a decline is observed during the summer months in some smaller tourist municipalities. In Moniga, the recycling percentage drops from **88.7%** in February to **68.4%** in August; similar trends are noted in Toscolano Maderno and Gardone Riviera.
### Monthly Variations in Municipalities
The monthly analysis reveals significant variations between winter and summer across various municipalities:
– Moniga: from **142 tons** and **88.7%** in February to **389 tons** and **68.4%** in August.
– Manerba: from **317 tons** and **84.5%** in February to **797 tons** and **73.6%** in August.
– Salò: transitions from approximately **420 tons**, with a recycling rate of **77.6%**, to about **666 tons**, while maintaining a similar percentage.
Even in larger municipalities like Desenzano, a certain stability in recycling rates is observed throughout the year.
### Overall Results
Garda Uno maintains an average recycling rate that never falls below the threshold of **68-70%**, even during the most critical summer months. Massimo Pedercini, the company’s Technical Director, states that “the numbers are reassuring” and reflect the effectiveness of environmental management in areas with a high tourist appeal. The pact between citizens and institutions for sustainability appears to be further solidifying throughout the current year.
Italian Version
