Challenges in Current Waste Management Practices in the Hotel

The hospitality industry is a significant contributor to global waste generation, necessitating an urgent shift towards sustainable waste management practices. This study examines the challenges, strategies, and stakeholder roles in waste management within the hotel industry, emphasizing the environmental and operational implications of improper waste disposal. Findings indicate that food waste is the predominant waste stream (45%), followed by plastic, paper, hazardous, and electronic waste, consistent with prior research. Despite increasing awareness, financial constraints, regulatory inconsistencies, limited recycling infrastructure, and lack of awareness among employees and guests remain substantial barriers to effective waste management. The study highlights various sustainable waste management strategies, including food waste reduction initiatives, recycling, composting, digitalization, and circular economy principles. The integration of AI-driven waste tracking, smart waste collection systems, and guest engagement programs presents opportunities for improving efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, collaborative stakeholder involvement, particularly from hotel management, employees, guests, government bodies, waste management companies, and technology providers, is crucial in ensuring the success of sustainable waste practices. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a stakeholder-based framework for waste management in the hotel sector and advancing discussions on the adoption of technology-driven sustainability solutions. Future research should explore the long-term impact of emerging waste management technologies and assess the effectiveness of policy measures in different regions. The findings underscore the need for stronger regulatory enforcement, increased investment in waste management innovations, and enhanced training and awareness programs to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability in the hospitality industry.

The hospitality industry is a significant contributor to global waste generation, necessitating an urgent shift towards sustainable waste management practices. This study examines the challenges, strategies, and stakeholder roles in waste management within the hotel industry, emphasizing the environmental and operational implications of improper waste disposal. Findings indicate that food waste is the predominant waste stream (45%), followed by plastic, paper, hazardous, and electronic waste, consistent with prior research. Despite increasing awareness, financial constraints, regulatory inconsistencies, limited recycling infrastructure, and lack of awareness among employees and guests remain substantial barriers to effective waste management. The study highlights various sustainable waste management strategies, including food waste reduction initiatives, recycling, composting, digitalization, and circular economy principles. The integration of AI-driven waste tracking, smart waste collection systems, and guest engagement programs presents opportunities for improving efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, collaborative stakeholder involvement, particularly from hotel management, employees, guests, government bodies, waste management companies, and technology providers, is crucial in ensuring the success of sustainable waste practices. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a stakeholder-based framework for waste management in the hotel sector and advancing discussions on the adoption of technology-driven sustainability solutions. Future research should explore the long-term impact of emerging waste management technologies and assess the effectiveness of policy measures in different regions. The findings underscore the need for stronger regulatory enforcement, increased investment in waste management innovations, and enhanced training and awareness programs to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability in the hospitality industry.