Background and Context 

Location: Bangkok, Thailand 

Resource Stream: Municipal solid waste, with significant amounts of plastic and organic waste. 

Challenges: Bangkok generates approximately 10,000 tonnes of waste daily. Despite efforts to curb waste, only 19% is recycled, and much of the remainder ends up in open-air dumps or unregulated landfills, contributing to environmental hazards. Additional issues include mismanaged plastic waste, inadequate infrastructure for waste segregation, and a lack of public awareness. 

Technologies/Methods Used 

Bangkok employs a range of waste management strategies to address these challenges: 

• Waste-to-Energy (WTE): Advanced WTE systems are being introduced to convert non-recyclable waste into electricity, reducing landfill dependency. 
• Green Taxonomy Framework: A policy initiative that guides green investments, including financing for waste management projects through mechanisms like green bonds. 
• Integrated Sorting and Collection: Efforts to implement better waste segregation at the source and improve collection systems through technology.  

Implementation Steps 

• Policy Framework: Adoption of the National Solid Waste Management Master Plan, which integrates 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) principles and WTE technologies. 
• Public-Private Collaboration: Partnerships with private companies like SUEZ to establish infrastructure for recycling and energy recovery. 
• Infrastructure Development: Construction of advanced waste management facilities, including the SUEZ recycling plant and planned WTE facilities. 
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Education programs to promote waste reduction and proper segregation practices among citizens.  

Outcomes and Impacts 

Environmental and economic impacts: The development of WTE facilities provides alternative energy sources while creating jobs in waste management and recycling sectors. 
Social Outcomes: Improved infrastructure and public awareness programs have enhanced waste management efficiency and community participation. 
However, challenges remain, such as scaling recycling and WTE initiatives to address the entire city's waste and improving the integration of informal waste pickers into the formal system. 

Lessons Learned 

Bangkok’s waste management experience underscores the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach. Public-private partnerships, such as those with SUEZ, demonstrate the potential of innovative recycling and energy recovery technologies. However, stronger enforcement of waste segregation laws and further investments in infrastructure are necessary to scale and sustain these efforts. Addressing informal sector integration and public awareness will also be critical to achieving long-term success.