Evaluation of landfill sites on Pašman Island and islanders’ perceptions regarding waste management issues

Abstract

Islands and coastal regions are experiencing significant impact from sea-borne litter, and this issue also affects the Croatian islands, including Pašman Island. A comprehensive research approach has been adopted to assess the landfill sites on the island, which involves applying an integral list of indicators to existing landfills. Indicators have been connected to statistical data, and in the last phase of the research the perception of the islanders towards waste management was examined. The research done in 2018 involved accessing 32 solid litter sites, including 10 located on the coastline and 22 inland, with particular attention given to the composition of the waste. Results revealed that plastic litter was more prevalent in coastal sites (55%) than in inland sites (20.9%). Although the local government reported no landfills on the island in February 2021, islanders disputed this claim and confirmed the presence of solid waste disposal sites. A qualitative research study conducted in January 2022 indicated that waste management has recently improved. The data collected from the fieldwork has informed a proposal for future waste management measures in isolated, inhabited coastal areas.