Phuket Urges Waste Separation as Incinerator Shuts Down

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Phuket Urges Waste Separation as Incinerator Shuts Down

Phuket faces a worsening waste crisis as its only public incinerator undergoes a month-long renovation, reducing its capacity from 900 to 300 tonnes per day. The excess trash is being dumped into already overflowing landfills, prompting officials to urge residents to separate waste for safety and efficiency. Authorities are using heavy machinery to manage the overflow, but this is expected to worsen odors in surrounding areas. Adding to concerns, a landfill fire on February 16—likely caused by improperly discarded items—has heightened the risk of future fires amid the hot season. To address the crisis, a 40-million-baht waste separation initiative is underway, and officials are raising public awareness on proper disposal methods.