Tourism and Sustainable Waste Management on the Danish Island of Bornholm

School Bornholm, a small Danish island in the Baltic Sea, has positioned itself as a “Bright Green Island” with the ambitious goal of leading Denmark’s transition towards a circular economy. As one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, welcoming large numbers of seasonal visitors, Bornholm experiences significant fluctuations in waste generation that put pressure on its waste management systems. There is a seasonal difference in waste generation of up to 150% when comparing the winter week with the lowest activity with the highest summer peak. This makes the island a unique case for exploring the intersection of tourism, sustainability, and circular economy practices. This study investigates how tourism interacts with Bornholm’s local waste management strategies, with a focus on both opportunities and challenges. The analysis draws on municipal plans, stakeholder initiatives, and case examples to examine how short-term visitor waste is managed, how local businesses adapt to sustainable practices, and how circular economy principles are integrated into tourism-related services. Particular attention is given to the role of community engagement and multi-stakeholder collaboration, as well as the influence of behavioral patterns where relevant, in shaping practical solutions. Examples include innovation projects run by the island’s municipal waste management authority and service provider BOFA. These utilize demonstration and living lab approaches in areas such as festivals, island governance, crafts and food retail. The Bornholm case illustrates how destinations with high seasonal variation can function as living laboratories for sustainable waste management. The findings suggest that integrating tourism stakeholders into local waste systems, combined with innovative circular practices, is essential to reducing environmental pressures and achieving long-term sustainability goals. By sharing insights from Bornholm’s ongoing transition, the article contributes to wider discussions on how tourismdependent regions can advance circular economy models while maintaining competitiveness and environmental responsibility.