Bangkok’s vibrant metropolis is set to transform its waste management game, and the charge is being led by none other than the energetic Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. With his sleeves metaphorically (and perhaps literally) rolled up, Chadchart visited Don Mueang District to rally support for the lively campaign aptly named “This Home Doesn’t Mix Waste”. The city, known for its bustling streets and authentic cuisine, is now gearing up for a cleaner, more sustainable future with fresh fiscal incentives ready to roll out in October 2025.
The sun shone brightly on Friday, 5th July, as Governor Chadchart, along with his green-thumbed advisor Pornphrom Vikitsreth—the Chief Sustainability Officer for the city—kicked off the eco-conscious crusade at the Don Mueang District Office. Bangkok’s own beacon of civic pride, Councillor Kanoknuch Klinsung, couldn’t help but beam about the vibrant community cooperation she had witnessed in the noble quest of waste separation. As the day unfolded, District Director Sombat Kanokthipwan led eager visitors through an array of fascinating activity booths that rivaled a theme park for the eco-champion.
The district was buzzing with inventive solutions as interactive displays illustrated the city’s vision. Tech enthusiasts found themselves at the registration booths for the BKK WASTE PAY app, while curious minds indulged in waste-themed games that were both educational and surprisingly delightful. Model communities from around the city showcased ingenious creations, captivating the crowd with their artful alliance of waste and wonder.
In an inspiring demonstration of resourcefulness, participants observed the magic of making multi-purpose soap from the most unpretentious of ingredients—used cooking oil. Not to be outdone, the Sirisuk Community dazed onlookers with their “OK” composting bins. Burapha 18 Community took it a step further, unveiling their liquid gold (aka fertiliser) derived from common kitchen scraps and concocting cleaning elixirs from humble pineapple skins. Move over Harry Potter, there’s a new kind of potion-making in town!
Meanwhile, a crafty workshop turned discarded plastic bags into high-fashion items—not quite Paris, but close enough. Guests were also invited to contribute their lightly-worn clothing to the Mirror Foundation and support the feel-good ‘Chara Recycle’ initiative, breeding life into simple wares and offering jobs to the city’s roofless and elderly.
In a unique twist on currency exchange, ten plastic water bottles became the price for a bottle of tantalizing bio-fermented liquid. Those with a keen eye for recyclables relished the opportunity to swap sorted rubbish for cash, courtesy of the cheerful team at Waste Buy.
Governor Chadchart danced onto the floor with a rallying cry for unity. “It’s teamwork that fuels progress,” he emphasized with characteristic vigor. “Yes, separating waste takes a pinch of effort, but the rewards for our beloved city are colossal.” Not one to miss a chance for environmental triumph, he toasted the planting of over 2 million trees—a glorious target smashed beyond expectation. “Our waste becomes nourishment for our plants—let’s cultivate a city that’s not only orderly but abundantly green!”
The opportunity to partake in this communal endeavor is a few clicks away with the BKK WASTE PAY app. Enthusiastic participants will savor the perk of a lighter—only 20 baht a month, to be exact—waste collection fee. The catch? Consistent and sincere devotion to sorting household trash by meticulously separating food waste from all others. A heroic act, designated for green bags or clearly marked general bags, ensures easy collection and course for Gaia’s gifts. Let’s not forget; regular trash sticks to the main bin.
For those less inclined to join this eco-adventure, crucial fines loom on the horizon with fees set to soar to 60 baht a month come October 2025. A gentle nudge towards our shared responsibility for city-wide sustainability, and a clarion call for Bangkok’s proactive future.
This is amazing! Such a great initiative by the governor. I hope it becomes a success and other cities follow the lead.
It sounds nice but I’m skeptical. Do you really think people are going to separate their trash just for a discount?
It’s not just about the discount, Alex. It’s about changing the culture towards sustainability.
And more importantly, it’s about the environment. Every small step counts!
Totally agree, Sammy! Plus, the fines in 2025 are going to encourage even the lazy ones.
Let’s be realistic, getting everyone to participate will be a nightmare. Plus, doesn’t this burden the low-income households?
I think if we educate them about the benefits, people will come around. Plus, it’s beneficial for everyone in the long run.
Education takes time, and people need immediate incentives.
I love the idea of trading waste for cash! How does this Waste Buy work exactly?
Basically, you bring your sorted recyclables to their stations and they pay you based on the type and amount of waste.
I just downloaded the BKK WASTE PAY app. Can’t wait to get started!
How user-friendly is the app, Elle? I’ve heard mixed reviews.
Pretty straightforward so far! It’s got a clean interface, but I’ll let you know if I run into any bumps.
Planting 2 million trees is ambitious. Can Bangkok really pull it off?
They’ve already smashed it, Tom! From what I hear, they’re way ahead of schedule.
I think this initiative is just going to lead to more government control over people’s lives. Why can’t we just have our freedom?
This is exciting news! Sustainability projects like these should be more common globally.
I agree with Lisa! More cities should follow Bangkok’s lead. This is the future!
Is it really feasible for every city? Not all places have the resources or infrastructure to support such drastic changes.
Who knew you could make soap out of used cooking oil? I’d love to see a demo of that!
It’s fascinating, isn’t it? Such an efficient use of what would otherwise be waste!
Yes! It reminds me of that old ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ mantra.
I wonder if people will actually swap bottled water for that bio-fermented stuff… sounds risky!
It’s not risky at all, Jay! It’s a win-win situation for the environment and hydration needs!
I love that communities are coming together to solve waste issues. Go Bangkok!
Yes, this sense of community is exactly what we need to address global challenges like climate change!
What’s next? Mandatory composting? This could become too intrusive.
Turning trash into cash has a nice ring to it. But is it sustainable in the long run?
I think this is one step closer to making our planet more livable. We all should aim towards reducing waste.
Plastic bags turning into fashion items? This could start a new trend. Who knew waste could become chic?
And all of this while fostering jobs for the elderly and homeless! True social responsibility.