January 7, 2019 –  In August 2016, Alila Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of its Zero Waste to Landfill initiative, to be piloted across its four flagship properties in Bali: Alila Villas Uluwatu, Alila Ubud, Alila Manggis and Alila Seminyak. Fast forward to November 2018, all mechanisms for achieving zero waste are now fully established, to meet the goals set when Alila first embarked on this journey. With the implementation of the Zero Waste Policy, Alila Hotels and Resorts now have a zero contribution to the waste situation in Bali. 

As in urban societies the world over, much of Bali’s waste ends up in overflowing landfills, contributing to the production of toxic methane gas, which is 20 times more potent than CO², and leaches into the farmlands and waterways used by the local communities. Waste that does not make it to the landfill is either dumped on the side of the road, in rivers or ends up in the ocean or washed up on beaches.

 Doing its part to address this growing environmental threat, Alila is approaching waste in a whole new way, tackling waste at its source and recycling it into useful resources. The centrepiece of its Zero Waste Policy is an Integrated Sustainable Resource Recovery Facility (iSuRRF), an on-site laboratory where all waste streams are transformed into higher value products and services through a series of simple yet proven mechanical and biological engineering systems. 

For instance, plastics, glass and ceramics are shredded and crushed to produce aggregate, sand and fibre that is reused to produce green building materials. Metals and high-value plastics are recycled. Uneconomical waste plastics, such as wraps and films, are converted into a light crude oil that is distilled down to diesel, kerosene and gasoline for reuse in the hotels. In addition to the laboratory, each hotel has put in place a composting section and an organic garden. All organic waste is processed into compost and the compost is put back into the garden to produce organic food for the kitchen, from the garden to plate. 

Beyond its own zero waste efforts, Alila’s hope is to get the community on board and be a catalyst for other businesses. A PIONEER team (Positive Impact on Nature, Environment and Earth’s Resources) in each hotel, is not only responsible for upholding the zero-to-landfill status but will also look at ways to encourage local communities and guests to think differently about waste and the impact it has on the environment. Initiatives include incentivising waste collection for local village residents. Primary school children will be encouraged to bring their waste to school and, in return, Alila will contribute to the school fund. Guests can take part in cooking classes in the organic garden, learn how to design their own permaculture garden, and witness the workings of the iSuRRF. 

All Alila properties in Bali are operated to EarthCheck standards. Since adopting EarthCheck, the four resorts have collectively reduced their waste that would have normally filled sixty-four 20-ft shipping containers. The next step will be to replicate the system at other Alila properties. 

More about Alila Hotels & Resorts: www.alilahotels.com