High-Rise Waste Sorting Pilot Launched in Bangkok
A new initiative aimed at improving waste separation in Bangkok’s high-rise condominiums has officially commenced. Launched on February 12th, this pilot project, if successful, is slated for expansion across all 50 districts of the capital in the coming years.
BMA Leads the Charge with International Support
The pilot is spearheaded by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) Department of Environment. Crucial support for this endeavor comes from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and the Thailand Environment Institute. SCG Chemicals Plc is also a key network partner, contributing expertise in circular economy and recycling solutions.
Addressing Unique Condo Waste Challenges
Condominiums now represent a significant portion of Bangkok’s residential landscape. A common challenge in these buildings is the aggregation of waste from numerous households before collection, which often hinders effective waste separation. The current pilot project is specifically designed to address the unique obstacles presented by high-rise living, including the use of garbage chutes, limited space for multiple waste bins, and centralized waste collection areas.
Participating buildings are being outfitted with the necessary infrastructure for waste sorting. This is complemented by educational programs for residents, aiming to make the separation process more practical and straightforward.
“We expect the pilot to demonstrate that waste sorting in high-rise buildings is achievable with well-functioning and convenient systems, education, communication, and stakeholder engagement,” stated Rasmus Andreas Toender, a circular economy and waste management specialist with the Danish agency.
The Scale of Bangkok’s Waste Problem
Currently, Bangkok generates approximately 8,700 tonnes of garbage daily. Analysis indicates that more than half of this waste is sent to landfills. While an estimated 40% of all waste is recyclable, the actual recycling rate hovers around 20%.
Informal waste pickers, known locally as ‘saleng,’ play a vital role in the existing recycling ecosystem, with some estimates suggesting they handle up to 75% of the waste that is actually recycled.
Environmental Threats from Landfills
Landfills pose a significant and growing threat to the environment. Beyond the contamination of soil, they are a major source of methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas responsible for roughly 30% of the current increase in global temperatures. Landfills also elevate the risk of fires and contribute to air pollution, including the formation of PM2.5 fine-dust particles.
Evolution of the “No Mixed Waste” Campaign
The “No Mixed Waste” campaign is not entirely new, with its evolution beginning in 2022 following Governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s tenure. The BMA initially tested smaller projects to encourage households to separate food waste from other refuse, aiming to reduce landfill disposal.
In 2023, the campaign expanded from these pilot projects in select districts to a citywide program encompassing all 50 districts. However, achieving consistent resident participation remains an ongoing challenge.
A new waste management fee regulation introduced in 2025 is set to incentivize separation. This regulation will impose higher fees on buildings that dispose of mixed waste and lower fees for those that implement proper separation.
Overcoming Resident Skepticism
Past waste separation campaigns have encountered skepticism from residents, who have questioned the effectiveness of separation if waste is mixed again after collection.
“Better waste management systems require the development of complex legislation, supporting taxes and fees, adequate public budgets, and public awareness to improve,” noted Mr. Rasmus. “In Denmark, for example, it has taken us decades to reach our current level of waste management, and our systems are still evolving.”
He emphasized the need for simple, accessible waste-sorting systems and for individuals to be confident that their efforts are making a tangible difference.
Future Collaboration and Findings
Following the pilot phase, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency will continue to collaborate with its Thai partners to analyze the project’s findings.
“We will continue to work with the BMA and other strategic sector cooperation partners in their efforts to extend the project’s impact beyond the pilot phase for the benefit of everyone involved,” Mr. Rasmus affirmed.
Additional partners in this comprehensive project include the Pollution Control Department, the Department of Local Administration, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Asean Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue.
