Report Bangkok Waste Scheme Stumbles as Residents Remain Uninformed

[webfact]

File photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Bangkok's latest waste-sorting plan is facing hurdles as many residents remain in the dark about impending changes. Set to roll out in two months, the initiative offers a monetary incentive for households that sort their rubbish correctly, with the goal of reducing waste collection costs.

 

The scheme, managed through the BKK Waste Pay app, requires residents to provide photo evidence of their sorting efforts to maintain the current fee of 20 baht monthly. Non-compliance will see fees rise to 60 baht until reapplication is possible. While many residents interviewed remain unaware of this upcoming requirement, they acknowledge its potential environmental benefits.

 

KItti Taengchat, from Bangna, mentioned he hadn't heard of the new system until his wife informed him. AAlthough he was initially concerned about the cost, he realised that proper waste separation could maintain the same charges. He noted many older residents might need direct guidance to adapt successfully.

 

In wealthier districts like Phaya Thai, awareness appears higher. Phuchatr Guna-Tilaka, a homeowner, learned about the changes through various media and supports the policy for promoting individual responsibility. However, he expressed concerns about the complexity of registering through the app, which might hinder participation.

 

Condominium residents, such as Prattapas Wanichkul in Lat Phrao, also remain largely uninformed. He believed waste fees were part of his maintenance charges and urged informational efforts from building management to cultivate better sorting habits, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Amidst these challenges, Pornphrom Vikitsreth, Bangkok's Chief Sustainability Officer, acknowledged initial low awareness levels. The BMA has since mobilised staff to community areas to assist with in-person registration, which has resulted in an increase in daily sign-ups; however, they are still falling short of their target of 250,000 households.

 

Currently, 10 million tonnes of waste generated annually cost Bangkok approximately 7 billion baht, while only 500 million baht is collected in fees. The scheme aims not only to adjust this financial imbalance but also to instill a culture of sustainability throughout the city.

 

As Bangkok edges towards the scheme's implementation, residents must decide whether to embrace the change or face increased fees. The success of this initiative will depend heavily on effective communication and community engagement across all city areas.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-07-29

 

 

[thesetat]

Great....another app to collect data on people that will eventually be hacked.  

I am curious though how someone is supposed to supply photo evidence that they use the correct containers each time they throw trash out? also, who pays for the newer containers and who stands by to prevent other people from throwing their trash into your container incorrectly? 

This system of reducing costs using an app and a fine of not used correctly seems far too complicated to be enforced correctly. As well as adding yet another data collection that can possibly get hacked and your personal information sold to anyone. 

[JoePai]

Lucky all the locals can read English    😎

[hotchilli]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Bangkok's latest waste-sorting plan is facing hurdles as many residents remain in the dark about impending changes. Set to roll out in two months, the initiative offers a monetary incentive for households that sort their rubbish correctly, with the goal of reducing waste collection costs.

Uninformed or just plain uninterested.

[khunjeff]

8 hours ago, thesetat said:

who pays for the newer containers

 

It's also never been explained how they're going to triple the number of garbage trucks to make three different collections. Up until now, all trash has been thrown into the same truck regardless of what the label on the bin said.

[CLW]

30 minutes ago, khunjeff said:

 

It's also never been explained how they're going to triple the number of garbage trucks to make three different collections. Up until now, all trash has been thrown into the same truck regardless of what the label on the bin said.

And separated at the landfill 555

[CLW]

31 minutes ago, khunjeff said:

 

It's also never been explained how they're going to triple the number of garbage trucks to make three different collections. Up until now, all trash has been thrown into the same truck regardless of what the label on the bin said.

I'm willing to separate (doing it already anyways with plastic, glass and cans and selling it to locals roaming around) if it doesn't end up in the same garbage truck

[black tabby12345]

Why only in English?

Or they assume the illustration will do? 

[black tabby12345]

Scavengers are the prime beneficiaries of this scheme?

They no longer need to put their hands into dirt needlessly(if things sorted out more or less).

[hotchilli]

1 hour ago, khunjeff said:

 

It's also never been explained how they're going to triple the number of garbage trucks to make three different collections. Up until now, all trash has been thrown into the same truck regardless of what the label on the bin said.

Same happens here, bins are scattered around at different locations, everything goes into each one, one truck comes, empties them and goes to the nearest dump.

[Lucky Bones]

Not a problem in my wifeys village. Everything is either thrown on the ground or burnt.🙃🙃

[Will B Good]

Just now, Lucky Bones said:

Not a problem in my wifeys village. Everything is either thrown on the ground or burnt.🙃🙃

 

We are pretty upmarket re: refuse........excellent bin collection once a week (even gave them a Christmas tip)......then they drive into the woods about 3km and burn it all there.

[newbee2022]

Reading is a Thai problem in general.

And then in addition pictograms?

Impossible.

Maybe they should show it on TikTok, or Facebook, maybe singing the message or a cartoon?

[carlyai]

3 minutes ago, Lucky Bones said:

Not a problem in my wifeys village. Everything is either thrown on the ground or burnt.🙃🙃

People in our village talk about looking after the environment then burn their rubbish.

At least we drive 50km round trip to put our rubbish in the local town bins, .... probably so they can burn our rubbish.

It's the thought that counts.

[Max Brok]

2 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Same happens here, bins are scattered around at different locations, everything goes into each one, one truck comes, empties them and goes to the nearest dump.

You are not informed about the 3 separated compartments in the trucks😂

[JimHuaHin]

I am sure if there are some "correct recycling" scenes included in all the Thai soaps and movies, the Thai masses will soon be behaving correctly.

[bristolgeoff]

I see many people every night go round collect plastic glass and they recycle and get paid.I,am sure that works just as well in thailand and the thais understand  that