Governor Calls for Community Support in Recycling and Composting Efforts
PUBLISHED: 27 Sep 2024 at 17:01
PHUKET – The popular resort island of Phuket is facing significant waste management challenges as tourism rebounds in a post-pandemic landscape. Each day, the island disposes of 1,100 tonnes of garbage, according to Deputy Governor Norasak Suksomboon, marking an increase from 742 tonnes in 2022 and 961 tonnes in 2023.
At the 25th Inter-Islands Tourism Policy Forum, which convened 150 global tourism leaders and policymakers, Mr. Norasak addressed the sustainability challenges of the island and the urgent need for strategies to adapt to climate change impacts.
Phuket’s permanent resident population is approximately 418,000 as of 2021; this number excludes many temporary residents and workers from abroad. Last year, the island welcomed a staggering 11 million visitors, a significant rise from just 5.7 million in 2002, as reported by local tourism statistics.
The sole incinerator in Phuket, managed by the municipality, can only process around 900 tonnes of waste daily, leaving much of it to be taken to local dump sites. Alarmingly, only 10% of waste generated on the island is recycled, with 60% categorized as organic waste, according to the Pollution Control Department.
In response to the increasing waste problem, Mr. Norasak is urging environmentally conscious residents to participate in initiatives aimed at reducing waste output by composting organic materials. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in addressing these local issues.
Additionally, the municipality has launched a trial initiative for a “garbage bank” in the Samakkee Samkong community to enhance recycling efforts. If successful, this program will expand to other areas across the island.
