What is the challenge?
Tønder Kommune is a popular tourist destination in southern Denmark, known for its quiet landscapes and seaside charm. However, high visitor numbers at local events and attractions also bring challenges, particularly around waste management. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector struggle with waste sorting, especially during large public events.
To support the green transition, the municipality wants to build local capacity and skills that enable sustainable action. The focus is on practical implementation and collaboration.
Why this pilot?
This pilot is designed to strengthen waste sorting practices among event and attraction organisers in Tønder Kommune. It focuses on:
- Improving waste handling before, during and after tourism events
- Encouraging collaboration between tourism stakeholders
- Turning small, concrete actions into valuable learning experiences
- Aligning sustainability goals with local tourism activities
Even modest steps, like better sorting after a festival, can help create lasting awareness and shared responsibility within the sector.
What’s being done?
The following activities have been carried out:
- A workshop on 19 November 2024 brought together tourism SMEs and event organisers to explore waste sorting solutions
- Experts from Tønder Forsyning and the municipality gave practical presentations on local waste management
- A Theory of Change session helped participants map out challenges and opportunities
- One breakout group spontaneously launched a joint initiative to improve post-event sorting at the Rømø Motorfestival, a major classic car event on the beach
A follow-up workshop is planned for April 2025, where a smaller group will focus on setting up a concrete pilot at one or more local attractions.
Who is involved and what’s the 3ST approach?
The pilot is coordinated by Tønder Kommune, with involvement from:
- Local SMEs and event organisers
- Tønder Forsyning (waste utility)
- Municipal sustainability experts
- 3ST partners supporting the Theory of Change process
The 3ST approach combines action with reflection. Local stakeholders take the lead in solving a real challenge, while developing skills that can be used more widely in the future.
What will it deliver?
- A waste sorting pilot initiated by local stakeholders
- Improved collaboration between event organisers and waste management actors
- Stronger sustainability skills among SMEs in the tourism sector
- A repeatable model for better waste handling at tourism-related events
The pilot helps make sustainable tourism in Tønder more visible, achievable and community-driven.
Want to know more?
For more information about this pilot, please contact Tønder Kommune.