Recently, at the press conference held at the dynamic Suralai Hall, perched on the seventh floor of IconSiam shopping mall in Bangkok’s bustling Khlong San district, an assembly of notable figures gathered. Among them were Pichayapa Phrutthananont, the esteemed Vice President of Merchant at LINE MAN Wongnai, Naratipe Ruttapradid, the influential Chief Operating Officer of Siam Piwat, and Anont Attawiboon, the diligent Operations Executive at IconSiam. Also in attendance were high-ranking executives from the Khlong San District Office, representatives from network partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
The spotlight was on Pornphrom, who passionately highlighted that trust is the cornerstone of encouraging people to actively engage in waste sorting. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has rolled out a meticulously designed strategy to sort waste into three distinct sizes: small (S), medium (M), and large (L).
Delving into the specifics, Pornphrom elaborated that “L-size” waste is sourced from substantial venues such as sprawling shopping malls, towering office buildings, bustling schools, and revered temples. This category is neatly divided into 22 distinct sources, and the eager District Offices stand ready to enlighten and support operations geared towards waste sorting. In a commendable achievement, BMA’s prowess in sorting L-size waste has significantly evolved; where Bangkok once sorted a mere 1,100 tonnes daily before the unruly Covid-19 pandemic, the city now triumphantly reduces nearly 2,000 tonnes of waste per day amidst an estimated generation of 9,000 tonnes daily.
As BMA ventures into tackling the conundrum of M-size waste, predominantly emanating from effusive food outlets adjacent to shopping malls, the initiative “Ran Mai Te Ruam” was introduced. Facing the challenge of central waste collection and disposal, this project cheerfully beckons food outlet operators to manage their waste voluntarily and liaise with District Offices to expedite collection. Lending a helping hand, LINE MAN Wongnai enthusiastically provides essential tools for adept waste sorting, showcasing participating food venues on their dedicated website, https://greener.bangkok.go.th. With ambitious goals, BMA fervently aims to entice 2,500 food outlets to join the initiative, daringly seeking 50 venues per district.
Pushing the envelope further, Pornphrom addressed the meticulous task of sorting “S-size” waste originating from individuals. Historically, BMA’s plea for public collaboration met with sparse compliance, as the populace harbored doubts about City Hall’s commitment to waste sorting. To bridge this gap, a clever mechanism was implemented, incentivizing household waste sorting with enticing waste collection fee reductions—from 60 baht to an irresistible 20 baht. Enthusiastic residents may register their involvement with a QR code, while BMA remains steadfast, dispatching waste collection trucks thrice weekly, generously providing garbage bags.
In an earnest appeal, BMA implores citizens to galvanize their efforts in waste sorting, aspiring to enhance the city’s ecological wellbeing, encapsulated in their inspired slogan: “The whole city can be changed starting with you.”
Meanwhile, Naratipe shared insights into the symbiotic collaboration between BMA and Siam Piwat, showcasing their unified vision of nurturing a circular economy with a lofty “zero waste” ambition. Expansion of the food waste separation project reflects their commitment, drawing in more food outlets within their vibrant shopping centers when compared to earlier phases.
The progressive “Ran Mai Te Ruam” project signifies BMA’s extended collaboration with food outlet operators, delivering palpable outcomes in waste management. Information on the growing roster of conscientious operators is publicly accessible on greener.bangkok.go.th, enlightening patrons seeking environmentally responsible establishments. This collective move aims to amass data key to predicting daily waste output from food vendors, enabling meticulous design of waste collection routes and shaping astute environmental policies, all while optimizing waste management budgets for utmost efficacy.
BMA’s forthcoming waste collection fee scheme, set to take effect in October 2025, outlines tiered charges based on types of waste generators:
- Group 1: Households discarding no more than 20 liters or four kilograms of waste daily incur a modest fee of 60 baht monthly, which includes a 30 baht collection and transport fee, and a 30 baht disposal fee.
- Group 2: Restaurants and convenience store waste exceeding 20 liters but no—or capping at one cubic meter or 200 kilograms—face a fee of 120 baht for every 20 liters, inclusive of a 60 baht collection and transportation fee, paired with a 60 baht disposal fee.
- Group 3: Entailing vast quantities, shopping malls, markets, hotels, and business enterprises surpassing one cubic meter, or 1,000 liters—or weighing more than 200 kilograms per day—are charged 8,000 baht per cubic meter. This covers a 3,250 baht collection and transportation levy, complemented by a 4,750 baht disposal charge.
With this innovative fee scheme, BMA eagerly motivates small and medium-sized food outlets to proficiently and systematically implement waste sorting, strategically diminishing waste disposal costs. Eager participants are encouraged to enroll in the project at greener.bangkok.go.th/ran-mai-te-ruam/, championing a cleaner and greener Bangkok.
This is such a fantastic initiative by Bangkok! More cities should follow this model for waste management!
I think it’s just another flashy campaign. Will it really work without public cooperation?
I believe it will, especially with incentives like reduced fees. People just need a little push.
Those fee reductions are not enough to change deep-seated habits. We need a cultural shift.
Isn’t it ironic that shopping malls are part of the solution when they’re a big part of the problem?
Malls can be sustainable if they follow the right practices. Plus, they have the reach to influence many people.
True, they have the audience, but will they change their consumption-driven focus?
Unfortunately, consumerism will always outweigh sustainability in such venues. It’s a hard balance to achieve.
Why focus on food outlets and small waste generators? We need to target the big industries!
Targeting smaller sources can foster widespread community involvement and begin changing public perception.
Changing perceptions is great, but if real impact isn’t made at the top, it’s all for naught.
The big industries are always looking for loopholes. It’s the small changes that add up.
There’s a ton of skepticism here, but what alternatives do people suggest?
How about enforcing stricter laws on industrial waste? It’s time to hit them where it hurts.
Maybe the government could provide subsidies for companies that truly revolutionize their waste management?
Good points—both regulation and innovation need to work hand-in-hand for lasting impact.
A zero waste city by 2025 in Bangkok? Seems overly optimistic given the current situation.
Every big change starts with a dream. Who thought we’d be this conscious about recycling 10 years ago?
As a small business owner, these initiatives seem more like additional costs than savings.
Participating in waste reduction can lead to long-term savings, especially with reduced fees and improved efficiency.
It’s the short-term impact that worries me. We’re already struggling with costs.
I’m thrilled more food outlets are joining the effort. Every step counts toward reducing plastic waste!
Let’s see how long they stick to it. There’s always a breach once the novelty wears off.
Not much mention of S-size waste solutions. Most citizens won’t bother with marginal fee reductions.
Every little helps. If even a fraction of people save money and do their bit, it’s worth it.
This kind of initiative requires advanced infrastructure. Is Bangkok prepared for the scaling?
Reductions from 60 to 20 baht seems effective, but honestly, is saving 40 baht going to be a motivation?
For affluent areas, probably not. But for lower-income families, every baht counts.
The collaboration with LINE MAN Wongnai is intriguing. Digital exposure could really accelerate participation.
Absolutely, tech partnerships are the future. They bring a new level of accountability and visibility.
Digital platforms are great, but personal engagement and community-led initiatives work best.
Interesting approach with the sliding scale of charges. But will this disproportionately affect smaller businesses?
At least they’re trying. Sitting back and doing nothing will achieve zero, that’s for sure.
It’s crucial these educational elements reach schools too. The next generation must be at the heart of this.
Agreed! Integrating waste management into the curriculum could shape future responsible citizens.
Hope this initiative doesn’t end up being another pipe dream. We need genuine effort from all sectors.