Waste management in the territory of Lake Garda, especially in its Brescia part, remains a central issue for local administrations and environmental associations. Despite the progress made in recent years, with an average of separate waste collection approaching 75%, some municipalities still struggle to achieve the set targets. In the approximately 580 km² that make up the territory of the municipalities of Brescia Garda, Tremosine, Tignale, Gargnano, and Limone sul Garda, they still fail to exceed 65% of separate waste collection. In particular, Limone and Tignale are very close to this threshold. The non-recyclable waste produced in these municipalities amounts to 4,304 tons per year, representing 5% of the total non-recyclable waste in the entire basin.
On the other hand, there are positive examples to follow. Gardone Riviera stands out with a separate waste collection rate just below 82%. Manerba del Garda follows with 79%, while Puegnago del Garda stands at 78%. Other municipalities such as Padenghe and Salò record a rate of 77%, Toscolano Maderno, San Felice del Benaco, and Lonato reach 76%, while Desenzano and Moniga close with 75%. Sirmione is the last on the list of virtuous municipalities with a percentage of 71%. According to Legambiente Lombardia, one of the critical aspects is the high quantity of non-recyclable waste that continues to be produced. With a tourist overcrowding that shows no signs of stopping, administrations and the Garda Uno company must improve waste management by reducing the amount of non-recyclable waste and enabling tourists to contribute to separate waste collection.
Another problem concerns the microplastics present in the lake’s waters. Analyses indicate that polystyrene, polyethylene, and polypropylene are among the main components found, exacerbated by the millions of tourists who visit the shores of Lake Garda each year, significantly contributing to waste production. The pressure exerted by non-domestic users such as hotels and commercial establishments often exceeds that of domestic users, as evidenced in Limone sul Garda. Legambiente recognizes the results achieved but emphasizes the need for further efforts to increase environmental sustainability. The data clearly show the importance of continuing on this path, with 101,611 inhabitants, 21,137 tons of non-separate waste per year in the basin, and a weighted average percentage of separate waste collection of 74.68%.
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