Phuket City Implements Innovative Strategies to Tackle Increasing Waste Volumes
PUBLISHED : 26 Feb 2025 at 18:31
Phuket City is launching a “community waste bank” initiative in response to the increasing challenge of managing 1,200 tonnes of waste produced daily on the popular tourist island.
During a recent meeting, Deputy Mayor Supachok Laongpetch addressed the urgent waste management issues plaguing Phuket, particularly within the municipal area.
In collaboration with local communities, the municipality plans to set up waste banks in each community as part of a broader strategy to address waste management and disposal challenges, according to Supachok.
The waste bank initiative aims to minimize waste generation, create economic opportunities for households, and foster sustainable waste management practices.
Residents will be encouraged to separate recyclable materials, such as plastics, glass bottles, and paper, which can be deposited at the waste banks for sale. Plans are also underway to expand this programme across other areas of Phuket.
Currently, Phuket produces an average of 1,200 tonnes of waste each day, a significant increase from 961 tonnes in 2023 and 742 tonnes in 2022, largely due to a resurgence in tourism.
Phuket has one incineration plant with a maximum capacity of 700 tonnes per day; however, owing to maintenance issues, its operational capacity has been temporarily reduced to 300 tonnes. This challenge compels the disposal of an additional 900 tonnes in landfills, raising concerns about unpleasant odors affecting nearby communities.
In response to the growing waste crisis, Phuket City has approved plans for a private company to construct a waste-to-energy facility. This plant will process 500 tonnes of waste each day and generate approximately 10 megawatts of electricity, with completion expected by 2027 and an operational lifespan of 20 years.
Phuket currently operates five landfills encompassing 120 rai. New waste is now being redirected to the fourth and fifth landfills, situated along the coastline, as the first three landfills have been closed to protect local residents.
Additionally, the municipality has set up a centralized hazardous waste management facility that collects and disposes of hazardous materials, such as batteries and fluorescent lights, ensuring compliance with regulations. Infectious waste from hospitals, totaling 2.2 tonnes per day, is treated through steam sterilization technology to mitigate disease spread.
