From Spectacle to Sustainability: Navigating Waste Management Challenges in Mega-Sporting Events of the Modern Era

Abstract

Abstract In modern times, sports play a significant role in people's lives, serving as major global events. While sports can have a positive impact on health and quality of life, they can also have negative effects on the environment and people's health in specific circumstances. The production of massive amounts of waste during events like the Olympics and the World Cup is a major concern. Improper waste management can lead to land and water pollution, harm ecosystems, destroy biodiversity, and negatively impact human health. The amount of waste produced by stadiums around the world varies depending on factors such as population density, lifestyle, levels of consumption, and commercial activities near the stadiums. Weather conditions, seasons, and changes in people's behavior can also influence waste production. Understanding the variety of stadium waste (production rate, quantity, quality, source, etc.) and the characteristics of the host city is essential to design and implement sustainable waste management systems. Inefficient waste management can result in resource depletion, visual pollution, high management costs, and adverse effects on human health. This study aims to investigate different waste management strategies for mega-sporting events during the last two decades. The findings demonstrate that governments and event organizers have increasingly focused on implementing effective waste management systems. Going forward, organizers should prioritize smart waste management strategies to manage the waste stream generated by these events.