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Bali faces escalating waste crisis due to landfill restrictions and inadequate alternatives
Bali newsBali13 min read
Bali is experiencing a severe waste crisis, marked by roadside trash, plastic in rivers, and toxic fumes from burning waste. This escalation follows tightened restrictions on landfills, particularly the Suwung TPA, Bali's largest, which stopped accepting organic waste on April 1 and is set to close by November 2025. The lack of viable alternatives has led to a surge in illegal dumping and open burning, affecting residents, expatriates, and tourists. Experts attribute the crisis to government failure, including inadequate financial support for local waste management and a prioritization of other sectors. Financial constraints have forced some villages to cut waste management programs. Additionally, cultural habits, where traditional burning of organic waste has not adapted to the increase in plastic, contribute to the problem. The crisis is also impacting public health, with increased air pollution causing respiratory issues. While some suggest a moratorium on tourism growth, others believe the hospitality sector can drive solutions by funding village waste management systems. There is also debate over technological solutions like waste-to-energy plants versus emphasizing reduction, reuse, and recycling.
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