Integrated waste management urgent for sustainable coastal tourism cities

Even with available technology, many coastal tourist cities struggle to manage solid waste, sewage, and plastics. International examples highlight effective solutions.

Coastal tourist cities face mounting environmental pressures as rapid urbanization and seasonal population surges strain waste and water management systems. Improper handling of solid waste, untreated sewage, and fecal sludge is threatening groundwater quality, public health and urban sustainability.

Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Foundation, states: “Fecal sludge treatment plants exist, surface water treatment is underway, and plastics can be recycled. Yet integrated waste management across urban wards remains elusive. This is not a technical issue—it is a matter of planning, coordination, and political will.”

Inadequate waste management has led to groundwater and surface water contamination. Organic and solid waste, often dumped in low-lying areas, slowly infiltrates water supplies, increasing salinity and pathogens. Over-extraction of groundwater further lowers water tables, while untreated sewage worsens contamination.

While technical solutions exist, implementation gaps persist. Experts argue that integrating fecal sludge treatment, surface water treatment, recycling, and composting is essential to reduce environmental and public health impacts.

Bali, Indonesia: Community-driven waste segregation and recycling reduce reliance on landfills and protect groundwater.

Alappuzha, India: Decentralized processing converts organic waste to compost and safely recycles plastics.

Colombo, Sri Lanka: Fecal sludge and solid waste are managed together, ensuring safe and systematic processing.

These examples show that integrated waste management is feasible even in cities with limited administrative units.

• Reduces environmental pollution

• Protects groundwater and surface water

• Decreases dependence on commercial water

• Enhances urban aesthetics and tourism appeal

• Improves public health and reduces disease risk

Tourist cities adopting these practices have experienced better visitor satisfaction, longer stays, and higher-quality tourism revenues.
Top-down approaches often fail. Engaging communities in source segregation, recycling, and composting ensures long-term success. Public awareness campaigns, incentives, and accessible collection infrastructure are critical. Monitoring water quality and waste processing ensures adaptability and efficiency.

Mr. Chowdhury emphasizes: “With coordinated planning, institutional support, and political commitment, integrated waste management is entirely feasible. Coastal tourist cities must prioritize waste management today to safeguard natural resources, ensure safe water, and sustain tourism.”

Integrated waste management is no longer optional—it is essential for urban resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism development.

Writer is a Development Practitioner & Policy Analyst