Status and Issues of Recycling in Thailand

1. Current recycling system in Thailand
From the study on “Thailand Energy Strategy and Policy” by Energy Research
Institute, Chulalongkorn University:
• Each year about 13 million tons of waste are generated
(3 to 4 million tons or 30% is generated in Bangkok area)
• Recycling is currently carried out by individuals and the informal sector
1. Residents source separate some recyclable materials and sell them directly
to street buyers
2. Waste collectors separate additional recyclable materials from garbage
picked up from homes and businesses
3. Pickers recover additional recyclable material at the landfill
• Larger businesses sell recyclable materials directly to junk shops and brokers
Urban waste consists of about 40% organic material, 20% plastic, and 10% paper
- Current informal sector and various informal arrangements recover an
estimated 22% of the urban waste stream
- No significant attempts to recycle the organic fraction of waste through
composting or digestion
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