Waste management on islands presents unique challenges that require tailored solutions rather than a uniform approach. Factors such as limited land area, high population density, scarce resources, and fluctuations in population—primarily due to tourism—make waste management particularly complex. Despite their fragility, islands must adhere to strict waste management regulations, ensuring that residents benefit from sustainable practices that help protect their pristine environments. This research focuses on Gotland and Malta, with plans to extend findings to other islands. A holistic approach is adopted, considering sectors impacted by waste management, including agriculture, tourism, and energy. Utilizing life cycle assessment methodology, the study incorporates economic, technical, and practical analyses of proposed solutions, alongside legislative and social dimensions. It presents an analytic methodology for assessing island waste management, emphasizing the importance of both background and foreground factors. Recommendations include household waste sorting into recyclables, biodegradable, and combustible waste, while advocating for local waste treatment. However, it recognizes that some smaller islands may need to rely on waste export due to their limited capacity.
