How to recycle in summer and reduce waste on vacation: good practices for a sustainable summer

Summer is a time to unwind, recharge, and change routines. Habits change, and that also affects the environment: more packaging, more plastic, more consumption, more travel… and often, less attention to what we throw away and where we throw it away. But there’s one thing that never goes away on vacation: waste generation. And therefore, waste management never rests either. At TMA, we want to remind you that summer can also be an ideal time to strengthen our sustainable habits, enjoy a summer without leaving a trace, and become aware that caring for the environment doesn’t depend on seasons. Caring for the planet isn’t incompatible with enjoying your vacation, and in this article, we give you tips for recycling well in summer and maintaining your environmental commitment during the holidays. Read on and enjoy a sustainable summer.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO RECYCLE IN SUMMER

What happens to waste in summer?

Sun, beach, rural getaways, or days by the pool. Summer is a time to unwind… but not completely. Because if there’s one thing that doesn’t go away on vacation, it’s waste.

During the hot months, the consumption of single-use products increases: water bottles, soda cans, ice cream wrappers, plastic bags, straws, wet wipes, disposable napkins… And to this summer waste, we add seasonal items like mats, umbrellas, beach toys, and worn-out swimwear, which often end up in the trash without the possibility of reuse or recycling.

The change in routines and being away from home mean we don’t always have the usual resources on hand to properly separate them. This complicates recycling on vacation, increases sorting errors, and, in some cases, leads to waste being abandoned in the wild.

In addition, the heat accelerates the decomposition of organic waste, generating odors and bacteria. And if we add the greater influx of people in tourist areas, the result is extra pressure on cleaning and collection services.

The good news is that enjoying a sustainable vacation is possible. All you need to do is maintain your habits and make small, conscious choices to protect the environment, wherever you are.

It’s important to maintain your environmental commitment in the summer. Sustainability goes with you on vacation!

How to recycle in summer

Here are some tips to keep recycling even when you’re away from home:

• • Bring a reusable bottle to avoid constantly buying water.
  • Replace plastic bags with cloth bags or backpacks.
  • If you’re having a picnic, use reusable Tupperware, cups, and cutlery.
  • Choose products without unnecessary packaging or in sustainable formats.
  • If you’re staying in a hotel or apartment, try to separate your waste and find the appropriate containers.
  • Find out the nearest collection points and explain how to do it to your companions.
  • Even if you’re on the road, you can store your waste, separate it, and recycle it later.

Recycling and summer: The 3 essential Rs on vacation (and more)

The circular economy doesn’t close for vacation.

Reducing what we consume, reusing what we already have, and recycling what we dispose of correctly should be part of our daily routine… even on vacation, even when we’re away from home.

In summer, add more Rs and enjoy a sustainable vacation:

• • Reduce: buy only what you need and avoid overpackaging.
  • Reuse containers and utensils to avoid waste.
  • Recycle: even when you’re traveling, maintain the habit.
  • Respect nature: take care of beaches, parks, forests, and natural spaces.
  • Rethink your consumption habits: choose local, sustainable, and responsible products.
  • Recharge your environmental commitment: recycling in the summer helps keep the planet clean for longer.

Going on vacation doesn’t mean abandoning your commitment to the environment. Pack it in your suitcase!

The Circular Economy is also for summer

Applying the Circular Economy even on vacation helps protect the environments we enjoy most.

Every small gesture helps close the loop and reduce the environmental impact of our summer habits.

Even if we’re on vacation, our actions continue to have an impact. What if we take advantage of this moment to live a more circular summer?

• • Reuse before you buy: bring reusable water bottles, Tupperware, bags, and cutlery on your outings. You’ll reduce single-use packaging.
  • Repair instead of throwing away: If an umbrella, toy, or mattress breaks, try to fix it before disposing of it.
  • Recycle properly: Even when you’re away from home, respect waste separation and use the appropriate containers.
  • Donate what you no longer use: If at the end of summer there are clothes or accessories in good condition that you don’t need, give them a second life.
  • Reduce unnecessary waste: Plan your purchases well and opt for products with less packaging.

On vacation, don’t just rest yourself: give the planet a break. A circular summer is possible.

THE MOST COMMON SUMMER WASTE (AND HOW TO MANAGE IT)

During vacations, the most common waste is related to leisure time, food, and changes in routine. Cans, bottles, cartons, wrappers, and food scraps increase, but less obvious items also appear: punctured floats, broken flip-flops, or worn-out towels.

And with this, many questions arise: What goes in the yellow bin? What goes in the gray bin? When should you go to the recycling center? Where should you recycle sprays or sunscreen?

Where does the most common summer waste go?

Many summer products are made of plastic, but that doesn’t mean they go in the yellow bin. These are some items that should not be disposed of as packaging and therefore do not go in the yellow bin:

• • Broken floats, mats, shovels, buckets, and beach toys
  • Damaged flip-flops, towels, and umbrellas
  • Damaged lounge chairs or camping accessories

Take them to the recycling center if their size or material requires it. If there is no other option, use the gray bin (remaining fraction).

If they contain metal parts or removable elements, separate them to facilitate recycling by material.

Sunscreens, aerosols, and hygiene products

Sunscreen jars, if completely empty and clean, can be recycled as packaging (yellow).

Metal sprays (such as deodorants or sunscreens) must go to the waste disposal/Clean Point

Therefore (and very important):

• • Sunscreen spray (aerosol): Clean Point
  • Empty sunscreen tube/bottle: Yellow container.

Wet wipes should never be flushed down the toilet. Always in the gray bin

What to do with food and beverage containers in the summer

In this case, you can apply the recycling rules you already know throughout the year.

Even if you’re on vacation, containers still have their place in the proper container. Here are some practical examples to help you avoid mistakes:

• • Plastic bottles (PET): go in the yellow bin. Remember to empty them, rinse them, flatten them to save space, and remove the cap before recycling.
  • Aluminum cans (soft drinks, canned goods, etc.): also go in the yellow bin. Ideally, rinse and flatten them.
  • Juice or milk cartons: go in the yellow bin. Rinse and let them dry before throwing them away.
  • Glass bottles and jars (such as those for juice, water, or canned goods): go in the green bin. Make sure to rinse them and remove the cap or lid before disposing of them.

Even if you’re at the beach or in a tourist area, try to locate the appropriate containers. Many places already have bins adapted for fractions. And if you can’t find them, store your waste in a reusable bag… and recycle it later.

Summer textiles and swimwear

• • If they’re in good condition, donate them or take them to the textile recycling bin.
  • If they’re heavily used or torn (bikinis, towels, swimwear, etc.), take them to a recycling center or look for textile recycling campaigns for certain brands.

Incorporating these habits not only prevents common mistakes, it also reduces the environmental impact of your vacation.

HOW TO RECYCLE DURING SUMMER VACATION

How to recycle at the beach: caring for the sea and protecting the oceans

The beach is one of the most magical places in summer… and also one of the most fragile. Enjoying the sea, the sun, and the sand also means respecting that environment.

Here are some simple steps to help you keep beaches free of waste:

• • Always carry a reusable bag or lightweight backpack to store your waste. This way, you’ll avoid having to leave it on the sand or rely on overflowing trash cans.
  • Don’t leave trash on the beach—whether wrappers, bottles, cans, or cigarette butts. Pick up everything you generate, even the small bits of waste that sometimes go unnoticed, such as ice cream seals or popsicle sticks.
  • Use the available containers. Many coastal towns now have bins separated by fraction (containers, paper, glass, organic). Take advantage of them!
  • If there aren’t adequate containers, take your waste with you. It’s okay to wait a few more hours to recycle properly at your accommodation or at a recycling center.
  • Cigarette butts off the sand. A single cigarette butt can contaminate up to 50 liters of water. Don’t bury it or throw it in recycling bins. The ideal option: a portable ashtray or a specific bag for mixed waste.
  • Avoid single-use plastics. Opt for water bottles, reusable lunchboxes, wooden or steel cutlery, and cloth bags. In addition to being more sustainable, they’ll last you all summer!

Choosing sustainable products also means recycling

Recycling starts before you throw anything away: it begins when you choose what you buy and use.

Every reusable product is one less piece of waste.

With these sustainable products, you can reduce waste this summer:

• • Reusable bottles.
  • Cloth bags.
  • Bamboo or steel tableware.
  • Microfiber towels.
  • Recycled swimsuits.
  • Microplastic-free cosmetics.
  • Eco-friendly sunscreens that don’t harm marine life.

Sustainable vacations also involve mobility

Sustainability also involves how we move around.

If you can take public transport, carpool, bike, or walk more this summer, you’ll be reducing your carbon footprint.

And when you reach your destination, remember that your actions matter: leaving no waste, turning off lights, turning off taps, avoiding waste… these are small gestures that, multiplied by millions of people, have a huge positive impact.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR RECYCLING WELL IN SUMMER

During vacation, we change our surroundings, routines, and habits… but what shouldn’t change is our commitment to the planet.

To continue caring for the environment even on our days off, here are a series of practical recommendations that you can easily incorporate, wherever you are.

Daily actions for a sustainable summer

• • Collect and take your trash with you until you find a suitable recycling point. Never leave it on beaches, trails, or in natural areas.
  • Crush bottles, cans, and cartons before throwing them away: you’ll save space and make recycling easier.
  • Avoid single-use plastics, such as cutlery, straws, plates, or unnecessary packaging.
  • Buy products in bulk and bring your own reusable containers or cloth bags.
  • Repair items like shovels, floats, or toys before throwing them away: extending their useful life is key.
  • Compost organic waste if you spend the summer in a house with a garden or outdoor space.
  • Opt for more sustainable modes of transportation, such as cycling, trains, or carpooling.
  • Take advantage of natural ventilation to cool your accommodation and save energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
  • Separate waste properly even when you’re traveling: find out about the local collection system.
  • Use portable ashtrays if you smoke on the beach or in the mountains.

Best practices for reducing waste on vacation

Beyond recycling, our consumption and behavioral choices can make our vacations more sustainable.

Whether at the beach, in the mountains, or on a rural getaway, your consumption and recycling habits can have a positive—or negative—impact on the environment you visit.

Here are some simple ideas for enjoying summer without leaving a footprint (or at least a responsible footprint) and for your vacation to generate less waste.

• • Empty, rinse, and crush containers properly before recycling them.
  • Use reusable bottles, Tupperware, coolers, and durable cutlery for outdoor meals.
  • Reuse and repair whenever possible: from clothing to beach accessories.
  • Never leave waste in nature: take it with you if there are no trash cans nearby.
  • Inform and educate your companions about recycling and waste reduction.
  • Plan your menus to avoid leftover food and thus reduce food waste.
  • Choose accommodations with sustainable policies: recycling, energy efficiency, responsible water use, and more.

What to pack for a sustainable vacation

Summer can also be an opportunity to adopt more responsible habits and discover new sustainable products.

Nowadays, there are many sustainable alternatives you can pack.

Sustainable products for your vacation:

Reusable bottles (steel or glass): reduce plastics.

• • Foldable cloth bags: for shopping or picnics.
  • Reusable cutlery and plates: this way you reduce waste during outdoor activities.
  • Eco-friendly sunscreens: oxybenzone-free, protect corals and marine ecosystems.
  • Microfiber towels: lightweight, dry quickly, and save water.
  • Biodegradable or recycled swimsuits: less impact on production.

Choosing these products is a way to prevent waste before it’s even generated. Each of these items can help us reduce waste in our daily lives.

If we do this, in the summer we will continue to promote the circular economy: extending the useful life of what we use, minimizing resource consumption, and avoiding unnecessary waste.

RECYCLING ON VACATION: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR SUMMER WASTE

On vacation, we change places, but waste continues to accompany us.

Knowing where to dispose of it correctly—and how to prepare it for recycling—is essential to continue caring for the planet, even on our days off.

Here’s a quick and practical guide to what to do with each type of summer waste.

Lightweight packaging: yellow bin

Plastic containers, cans, and cartons should be placed in this bin.

But remember: not everything plastic goes here, and some waste requires prior preparation to facilitate recycling.

• • Plastic bottles (water, soft drinks): empty, rinse, crush, and remove the cap.
  • Drink or tin cans: clean and flatten them to reduce their volume.
  • Milk, juice, or soup cartons: empty, rinse, and dry them before throwing them away.
  • Empty sunscreen containers (plastic): if clean, go in the yellow bin.

Glass: go in the green bin.

Only glass jars and bottles should go (never glass or ceramic).

• • Glass bottles or jars: clean them if possible and remove the cap or lid.

Other waste: go in the gray bin.

Waste that cannot be easily recycled or reused goes here.

• • Punctured floats, broken mattresses, and damaged beach toys.
  • Old flip-flops or broken umbrellas that cannot be reused.
  • Baby wipes: never throw them down the toilet; always put them in the gray bin.

Textiles: reuse or donate when you can

If you clean out your wardrobe in the summer, think about the second life of your clothes and accessories.

• • Summer clothes in good condition: best to donate or take them to a textile collection container.
  • Heavily worn clothing or torn swimsuits: take them to a recycling center or your municipality’s textile recycling system.
  • Reusable flip-flops or towels that are still usable: extend their life as much as possible.

And if you don’t know where to go? Recycling Center

When waste is difficult to sort, a recycling center is the best option.

• • Large toys, sun loungers, or broken umbrellas that combine several materials.
  • Textiles that cannot go in the textile container, such as very worn clothing or items with complex mixtures.
  • Empty metal sunscreen sprays.

To summarize and know how to recycle well at summer:

• • Latex balloons, in the gray bin.
  • Plastic tubs and wrappers, in the yellow bin.
  • Ice cream tubs, in the blue or yellow bin (depending on the material).
  • Wooden ice cream scoops, in the brown bin. If plastic, in the yellow bin.
  • Sunscreen bottles, in the yellow bin. If aerosol, in the Clean Point.
  • Beach toys, umbrellas, and lounge chairs, in the gray bin or Clean Point.
  • Swimsuits, bikinis, or towels, in the textile bin.
  • Flip-flops, in the textile bin.
  • Diving goggles, snorkels, and fins, in the gray bin.
  • Buckets, rakes, and shovels, in the gray bin.
  • Pool noodles, in the Clean Point or the gray bin.
  • Floats/armbands, in the gray bin.

AT TMA, WASTE MANAGEMENT DOESN’T GO ON VACATION

At TMA, we continue working all summer to ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable waste management. We know that waste generation increases during these months, which is why we maintain all our services active in August.

We collect, transport, process, and recycle waste even during vacations.

If you need to strengthen your collection service during the summer, you can count on us.

Do you need advice or timely support for your business, establishment, or second home? We can help.

During the summer, we carry out and guarantee efficient and sustainable management.

Every day, and even during vacations, let’s continue to care for the environment.

We take care of our customers and we take care of the environment.
We are much more than comprehensive waste management.

If you want to comply with regulations, improve your environmental impact, or adapt your procedures, write to us at comercial@tma.es and we will be happy to provide you with a personalized proposal, fully tailored to your needs.

We are here to help you reduce the environmental impact of your waste and take care of the environment.

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