Analyzing Waste Management Strategies for “Cinque Terre” Area

Abstract This study presents a comprehensive analysis of urban solid waste management in Riomaggiore, located in the Cinque Terre National Park, a prominent Italian tourist destination. The municipality faces significant challenges due to overtourism, leading to increased waste production that threatens its socio-environmental integrity. This paper explores fluctuations in waste volume related to tourism growth, particularly in the post-pandemic context, while examining the local administration’s efforts to rationalize waste collection. Through interviews with key stakeholders and secondary data collection, the study evaluates the relationship between tourist influx and municipal solid waste generation, identifying critical periods of heightened waste production. The study employs a quantitative modeling approach, implemented by the spreadsheet Excel, to assess current waste management practices, framing the issue as a transportation problem within a multi-level network. While this analysis serves as a partial examination, it establishes a vital foundation for future optimization strategies aimed at enhancing sustainability in waste management. Ultimately, Riomaggiore can act as a pilot case for broader applications within the Cinque Terre, emphasizing the importance of effective waste management in preserving both the environment and the local community’s heritage.