situation - pcd.go.th

[47]THAILAND STATE OF POLLUTION REPORT 2003

POLLUTION CONTROL DEPARTMENT

WasteSituation



Solid Waste

Municipal solid waste problem has remained significant in alllevels of communities and municipalities across the country, includingthe Bangkok metropolitan area. There was a slight change in thequantity of municipal solid waste. In 2003, municipal solid wastegeneration in Thailand was approximately 14.4 million tons. Thisamount was partly contributed by 9,340 tons/day of solid waste fromBMA, which was about 300 tons/day lower than the figure in 2002.The daily production rate of Municipal solid waste from Pattaya andother municipalities was 12,100 tons and from other local government authorities covering Tambon Administrationwas 17,800 tons. The waste separations at the source campaign and the larger amount of waste being reusedand recycled were the likely reasons behind the decrease in solid waste generation in BMA. On the other hand,the increase in population, the migration of people, the city expansion due to the decentralization process, theeconomic stimulation from central government, the tourism development and promotion and the One TambonOne Product (OTOP) scheme, have accelerated the consumption, leading to a slight increase in solid wastegeneration in other municipalities and local administrations. (Table 1 and Figure 1)

Table 1. Municipal Solid waste Generation in 2002-2003

Area Waste generation (tons/day) Change of

2002 2003waste generation

(%)

1. Bangkok Metropolitan area 9,617 9,340 -2.88

2. Municipal area in each region (including Pattaya) 11,976 12,100 1.04

2.1 Central and East (365) 5,190 5,220 0.58

2.2 North (250) 2,060 2,095 1.70

2.3 Northeast (345) 2,761 2,795 1.23

2.4 South (174) 1,965 1,990 1.27

3. Non-municipal area 17,632 17,800 0.95

Total 39,225 39,240 0.04

Note: numbers in the parentheses are the numbers of municipalities



Waste generation rate

9,340 tons/day

Collection rate

9,245 tons/day

On Nuch transfer station

3,580 tons/day (39%)

Rachadheva Landfill,

Bangkpli, Samut Prakarn

3,580 tons/day (39%)

Kampang San Landfill, Kampang San District, Nakorn Pathom

5,665 tons/day (61%)

Nong Kham transfer

station

3,360 tons/day (36%)

Tha Rang transfer station

2,305 tons/day (25%)

Solid Waste in Bangkok Metropolitan AreaThe daily waste generation rate in the BMA was about 9,340 tons, which was 277 tons lower than the

rate in 2002. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) collected 99% of the total amount generated, which is

equivalent to 9,245 tons/day in its service area. The disposal of waste was contracted out to a private company

that is responsible for the collection and transfer of waste from Tha rang, Nong Kham and On Nuch transfer

stations to a landfill facility in Tambon Rachadheva, Bangpli District, Samut Prakarn Province for 3,580 tons/day

and to another landfill site in Kampang San District, Nakorn Pathom Province for 5,665 tons/day (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Diagram showing solid waste management of BMA

Municipal area including Pattaya

12,100 tons/day

31% 45%

24%

Non-municipal area

17,800 tons/day

Bangkok

Metropolitan

area 9,340 tons/day

Figure 1. Municipal Solid Waste Generation by area in 2003



Solid Waste in City AreasWaste generation rate in city or municipal areas was about

12,100 tons/day, making up 31% of the countrywide waste generation.

In many municipalities, solid waste is still not treated properly by using

techniques such as open dumping and open burning. In 2003, the

numbers of sanitary landfill facility, which were completely constructed

and in operation (including improvement) were 107 sites and 2 more

sanitary landfills are under construction. About 4,200 tons/day of solid

waste was treated by sanitary landfills, equivalent to 35% of solid waste

generation in municipal areas across the country.

The southern region had the highest proportion of solid waste

being disposed of by sanitary practices, which was 65%. The northeastern

region came in the second place with 38%, the central combining

eastern region came next with 35% and the northern region with 33%. The most observed waste disposal-related

problem was inappropriate operation and maintenance. This led to inefficiency in waste treatment in spite of a

good design. In some areas, there were complaints and protests from the local residents. For Phuket City

Municipality, Tambon Koh Samui Municipality and Muang Lampoon Municipality, which treat their solid waste by

incineration, the problem remained budget deficiency for operation. Central government subsidies were still

required.

Solid waste in non-municipal areasSolid waste generation rate in areas beyond Bangkok

Metropolitan area, Pattaya and other municipalities was about 17,800

tons/day. Provincial Administrations and Tambon Administrations, which

are responsible for the collection and disposal of waste, mostly do not

have sanitary waste disposal facilities. Waste is disposed of by open

burning, uncontrolled landfills or open dumping. In addition, uncollected

waste remained in several underserved areas and was taken care of

by local residents with unsanitary techniques such as open burning,

uncontrolled landfills or open dumping. However, the situation tends to

improve due to the fact that the Local Administrations have increased

their environmental awareness and have been allocated an increase

in budget from the government. The collective approach also allowed

several Local Administrations to share the same disposal facilities and

save government budget.

Figure 3. Sanitary Landfill Gas Vent System

Figure 4. Open dumping



19mi

s

2.8

tons

5.s

Industrial Waste

Agricultural waste

and material

residues

Community waste

WasteUtilization

In 2003, economic growth in Thailand was increased

higher than the previous years partly because of economic

stimulation by several government projects and low interest

rate. The growth resulted in an increase in expenditure for

consumption and investment, which also led to higher waste

generation in all sectors including municipal, agricultural and

industrial. Waste generation from all sectors totaled 108.2

million tons, of which 27.1 million tons or 25% of total waste

generation was utilized (Figure 1). A comparison of waste

utilization in 2002 and 2003 shows that waste utilization rates

in municipal and agricultural sectors were increased, while the

waste utilization rate in industrial sector was decreased. Several

measures should be implemented in order to lower the waste

Figure 1. Waste utilization (Municipal waste, agricultural wasteand industrial waste)

generation rate. These include waste reduction

and utilization at source, waste exchange among

industries, waste separation, waste-to-energy

scheme, composting, encouraging R&D in waste

reduction and increasing utilization efficiency.



Municipal Solid waste Utilization

Waste generation in 2003 across the country was

14.4 million tons, a slight increase from 2002. Waste

compositions vary among regions depending on the

consumption patterns, utilization methods, economic

situations, community characteristics and relevant

regulations. Overall, solid waste contains 47.10% organic

waste, 39.75% recyclable waste, 3.01% hazardous waste

and 10.15% general waste (Figure 2).

3.0 % 0.%

47.0%3

.75%

Hazardous waste

General waste

Organic waste

Recyclable waste

Figure 2. Proportion of municipal waste nation wide

Figure 3. Utilization of municipal solid waste 2000 - 2003

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

020002000 20012001 20022002 20032003

13.90

14.10

14.30

14.40

5.30

6.00

2.00

6.20

6.10

2.20

6.40

6.30 6.

805.70

2.80

2.60

Year

Amount (million tons)Amount (million tons)

Total municipal solid waste

Recyclable waste

Organic waste

Waste Utilized



About 12.5 million tons of solid waste, which is 87% of total municipal solid waste, has the potential to be

utilized. This amount can break into 6.8 million tons of degradable waste with the potential for composting/EM

liquid organic fertilizer production, 5.7 million tons of recyclable waste (paper, glass, plastic, ferrous metal,

aluminum and rubber). The actual amount of municipal solid waste in Thailand being separated for utilization was

2.8 million tons, equivalent to 19% of total municipal solid waste generation (Figure 3). Utilization methods include

junk shops, composting/ EM liquid organic fertilizer

production, garbage banks establishment and making

decorative or useful items (Figure 4).

It can be observed that the percentage of solid

waste with utilization potential was lower from that in

2002 (from 89% in 2002 to 87% in 2003). Especially from

the proportion of recyclables, it can be concluded that

recyclable waste was recycled more owing to the

cooperation among government agencies, businesses,

and non-governmental organizations in a campaign to

promote waste separation and public participation in

waste reduction and utilization.

Waste Utilization in the Agricultural Sector

Analyses of data from the Office of Agricultural

Economics, Department of Livestock Development, Land

Development Department, and Department of Alternative

Energy Development and Efficiency revealed that the

top 10 waste materials from agricultural activities with

the highest utilization potential are from rice, sugarcane,

corn, coconut, oil palm, cassava, peanuts, cotton, soy

bean and millet production. These waste materials totaled

81.4 million tons which can be broken down into 32.86

million tons from rice, utilized in the form of straws, stubbles

and husks, 25.26 million tons from sugarcane and 7.63

million tons from oil palms (Figure 5).

garbage bank/garbage

for eggs program

93.78 ton/day

(1.93%)

others

61.75 ton/day

(1.27%)

junk shops

4,642.88 ton/day

(95.74%)

compost/Liquid

organic fertilizer

51.23 ton/day

(1.06%)

Figure 4. Solid waste Utilization methods (in municipal areas)



Roughly 23.32% of agricultural solid waste and waste materials or 18.98 million tons were utilized. Utilization

methods include renewable energy/fuel substitute with the highest utilization rate of 15.92 million tons, animal

feeds and composting with the utilization rate of 2.9 million tons and 0.16 million ton, respectively (Figure 6).

In addition, 4.19 million tons (dry weight) of dung from livestock such as cows, water buffaloes, pigs,

chickens and ducks are generated daily. They can be utilized as fertilizer, fish feed and raw material for biogas

production. However, the utilization of animal dung is not widely practiced.

2Mi ns

15.90.6

Animal feed

Compost

Energy/Fuel

Figure 6. Utilization methods of agricultural waste andwaste materials

millet

0.18 million tons cotton

0.12 million tons

palm

7.63 million tons

coconut

5.77 million tons

cassava

4.91 million tons

rice

32.86 million tons

sugar cane

25.26 million tons

corn

3.84 million tons

soy bean

3.84 million tons

peanut

0.78 million tons

Figure 5. Waste Materials from agricultural activities with the highestutilization potential



Waste Utilization in the Industrial Sector

In 2003, generation of industrial solid waste, which comprised of paper, glass, plastic, ferrous metal,

aluminum and rubber, was about 12.4 million tons. Industrial waste is mainly utilized as product/packaging and

material residue recovery by manufacturers, importers or distributors through various mechanisms including waste

exchange system, deposit-refund system, lucky draw and buying back from junk shop operators, etc. Waste

utilization rate in industrial sector was about 5.3 million tons or 42.76% of total industrial waste generation, which

was 5% lower than the rate in 2002 (Table 1 and Figure 7). The details of each category are described as follows:

1. Paper Industry-1.0 million tons of waste paper was recycled, equivalent to 20% of total waste

paper across the country. (4.0 million tons). The utilization rate was decreased by 5% compared with that in 2002.

2. Glass Industry-1.0 million tons of waste glass was recycled and reused, equivalent to 49% of total

waste glass across the country. (2.0 million tons). The utilization rate was decreased by 7% compared with that

in 2002.

3. Plastic Industry-0.7 million tons of waste plastic was recycled, equivalent to 26% of total waste

plastic across the country. (2.8 million tons). The utilization rate was increased by 1% compared with that in 2002.

4. Iron and Steel Industry-2.1 million tons of waste iron was recycled, equivalent to 81% of total waste

iron across the country. (2.6 million tons). The utilization rate was decreased by 1% compared with that in 2002.

5. Aluminum Industry-0.3 million tons of aluminum waste was recycled, equivalent to 53% of total

aluminum waste across the country. (0.58 million tons). The utilization rate was at the same level as that in 2002.

6. Rubber Industry-72,000 tons of waste rubber was recycled, equivalent to 20% of total waste rubber

across the country. (0.36 million tons). The utilization rate was decreased by 1% compared with that in 2002.

From the above data, it was discovered that, in almost all categories, industrial waste utilization rate was

decreased except that in plastic industry. In order to increase waste utilization rate in industrial sector, several

measures should be promoted such as waste exchange among industries, increase the number of recycling

facilities, applying economic instruments, clean technology promotion and awareness building.



Table 1. Industrial waste utilization in 2002-2003

Waste generation Industrial waste utilization

Industry 2002 2003 2002 2003 Methods

weight (tons) % weight (tons) %

paper 2,955,600 3,997,600 953,600 32 1,053,000 26 Recycling

glass 1,738,700 2,009,300 759,400 44 742,500 37 Recycling

207,100 12 246,300 12 Reuse

plastic 2,848,400 2,841,600 710,600 25 746,600 26 Recycling

Ferrous metals 3,175,900 2,632,900 2,603,900 82 2,139,000 81 Recycling

aluminum 302,700 575,700 159,700 53 306,400 53 Recycling

rubber 344,300 356,000 52,300 15 47,500 13 Recycling

20,300 6 24,400 7 Reuse

√«¡ 11,365,600 12,413,100 5,466,900 48 5,305,700 43

Note : Data from the Customs Department, Department of primary industries and mines, Department of Trade Negotiations, Board of Investment of Thailand,The Office of Industrial Economics, Thai Federation of Industries, Thai Plastic Industries Association, Iron and Steel Institute of Thailand, Thai Pulp andPaper Industries Association, Industrial Finance Corporation of Thailand, Siam Cement Industry Co., Ltd., Bangkok Glass Co., Ltd.

Figure 7. Industrial waste utilization 2000 - 2003

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

020002000 20012001 20022002 20032003

10.8

4.8

11.3

5.1

11.4

5.5

12.4

5.3

Year

Ammount (millon tons)

Industrial waste generation

Industrial waste utilization



Hazardous waste

From the increasing trend of economic growth in Thailand(as reported by the Office of National Economic and SocietyDevelopment Board that GDP growth in 2003 was 6.7%), PCD hasestimated the total amount of hazardous waste in 2003 as about1.8 million tons, 1.5% increase from 2002. The amount of industrialhazardous waste was increased by 0.7% or about 10,000 tons,while the amount of community-generated hazardous waste wasincreased by 3% or 13,000 tons.

Industrial hazardous waste data collected from authorities such as Department of Industrial Works (DIW),

Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), etc revealed that 44% (625,000 tons) of the hazardous waste was

treated by licensed treatment facilities, a 406,100 tons increase from the previous year. The Industrial Environmental

Technology Bureau, DIW, has announced the list of licensed facilities for disposal of wastes or unusable materials

Table 1. Hazardous waste generation by type and region

RegionIndustrial Community Total

(million tons/year) (million tons/year) %

Bangkok metropolitan and Vicinity 0.921 0.138 58.8

Central 0.108 0.068 9.8

East 0.111 0.020 7.3

Northeast 0.043 0.079 6.8

North 0.116 0.051 9.3

South 0.101 0.044 8.0

Total 1.4 0.4 100



Table 2. Industrial Hazardous waste treatment 2003

Hazardous waste treatment facilities Amount percentage

(Incineration, stabilization, landfill) (ton)

General Environmental Conservation Public Co., Ltd. (GENCO)

Mab taphut, Rayong, treats all types of hazardous wastes. 55,000 20.16

General Environmental Conservation Public Co., Ltd. (GENCO)

Samaidam and Ratchaburi, treats inorganic hazardous wastes. 71,000

7 Cement kilns incinerates hazardous wastes that can be

used as fuel or alternative raw materials. 490,000 78.4

Professional Waste Technology (1999) Public Co.,Ltd.) treats

hazardous waste by separation, stabilization and landfill. na na

Separation and Recycling Facilities 9,000 1.44

Total 625,000 100

source : Survey by Pollution Control Department ,to the treatment facilities from DIW’s announced list of licensed facilities for disposal of wastes or unusablematerials (Dec,2003)

Community-generated hazardous waste is mostly mixed with general waste. Pollution Control Department

(PCD) has proposed the establishment of community-generated hazardous waste treatment center as reported

in the feasibility study by PCD to handle community-generated hazardous waste from 18 provinces in the western

part of the central region including Bangkok and the surrounding provinces. The center was expected to be set

up and operated by the private sector.

}

and divided them into 2 main groups. The first group is categorized according to treatment technique into 4

types including 1) disposal of waste by cement kiln (7 facilities) 2) disposal of non-hazardous waste by incineration

(4 facilities) 3) disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste by landfill (3 facilities) and 4) disposal of non-

hazardous waste by landfill (3 facilities). The total number of listed licensed treatment facilities as announced by

DIW is 17 facilities. The second group comprised of 49 separation and recycling facilities. These facilities can

operate once they have filed an application for operation.



In 2003, import of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) was controlled by the Ministry of

Industry as in the notification of the Ministry of Industry, subject çList of hazardous substances B.E. 2546,é adding

WEEE to the list in section B number 62 and 63. DIW then issued a notification of DIW, subject çConditions of

permission to import WEEE as hazardous substances.é PCD has conducted the preparation of establishment of

appropriate management system for WEEE project with the mobile phone battery recovery as the first pilot

project. The protocol of the appropriate management system for mobile phone battery recovery was developed

by consultation with several stakeholders including mobile phone importers and distributors, mobile phone service

providers, BMA, DEQP and PCD.

PCD estimated the total amount of infectious waste across the country as 22,500 tons in 2003. In the

Bangkok metropolitan area, 4,150 tons of infectious waste was generated (as of September 2003). The collection,

transfer and disposal of infectious waste were contracted out to a private company. 3,500 tons of infectious

waste from BM area was incinerated at Onnuch waste disposal facility. In regional areas, Ministry of Public Health

issued notifications of the Ministry of Public Health, subject çCode of Practice for Biological Standard Inspection

for infectious waste Disposal B.E. 2546é and çLogo or Symbol for infectious waste Containers.é In addition, the

Public Health Committee has approved the framework of infectious waste management protocol and issued an

order, subject çAppointment of subcommittees for coordination and development of national infectious waste

management system and for standard setting and development of organization and human resources.é

PCD has proposed the integration of community-generated hazardous waste management protocol and

the infectious waste management protocol developed by the Ministry of Public Health to be added in the

National Solid Waste Management Plan.



Hazardous waste Management:Waste of dry cellbatteries and mobilephones

According to a recent survey, there are approximately 12million mobile phones in use by 21 million users from all serviceproviders. Three out of twelve million units are replacement phones and another 9 million units are new. Oldermodels are powered by Ni-Cd, Ni-Fe and Ni-MH batteries. Modern mobile phones are powered by moreexpensive Li-ion batteries, which can store more electricity and can be recharged before the power drains out.From the data obtained from the Customs Department, it was found that import of Ni-Cd batteries wasincreased from 3,856,185 units in 2002 to 6,036,478 units in 2003. Similarly, import of Ni-Fe batteries wasincreased from 642,343 units in 2002 to 806,101 units in 2003. An increase in the number of other typesof batteries (Li-ion, Li-polymer, AgO, Air-Zn, etc) that were imported was also observed, from 25,494,764units in 2002 to 36,629,092 units in 2003. In the near future, the amount of waste batteries will significantlyincrease. If they are not properly treated, the environment may be affected and there could be a contaminationin the food chain, posing human health risk.

Table 1. Rechargeable Batteries and Mobile Phone

C.E.

Type 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

(Ni-Cd) ND 5,983,511 4,228,259 4,291,829 3,856,185 6,036,478

(Ni-Fe) 76,700 458,688 433,487 655,552 642,343 806,101

Other batteries/electricity storage units 16,081,642 16,680,809 17,348,571 14,424,236 25,494,764 36,629,092

Mobile phones ND ND 3,342,600 6,828,678 9,515,941 8,396,012

Source : Customs Department- part 85.07 other batteries/electricity storage units including square or rectangular barriersor

- part 85.25 telephone radio transmitters with or without receivers or voice recorders- other batteries/electricity storage units are (Li-ion, Li-polymer, AgO, Air-Zn, etc)



Hazards from mobile phones and battery wastesWhen discarded with general municipal waste, the outer cases of mobile phones and batteries will

become deteriorated, leading to the leaching of internal chemicals. These toxic chemicals will contaminate the

environment and enter the food chain through soil, water and air. Possible risks from these wastes are summarized

in Table 2 and 3.

Table 2. Hazardous compounds percentage by weight in rechargeable batteries

Hazardous materials Ni-Cd Ni-metal hydride Li-ion

Cadmium 6-26

Nickel/nickel compounds 11-30 30-50 Unknown amount

Zinc 5-20

Copper 2-15

Cobalt/Cobalt compounds 0-2 2.5-8 <25

Manganese 0-2 Unknown amount

Aluminum 0-1 2-10

Lithium compounds <3-10 0-1 <25

Steel 1-25 1-25 15-30

Polyvinyledene fluoride 0-5

Organic solvents 10-20

Carbon/graphite 3-30

Table 3. Diseases developed from chemical exposure

Chemicals Sources and descriptions of diseases

Lead Used for soldering in printed circuit board (PCB), causes damage to central nervous and blood system,

failure of kidney and reproductive system. Effects childrenûs brain development, atmospheric accumulation.

Acute and chronic effects on fauna, flora and microorganisms.

Cadmium Found in certain types of batteries, accumulated in kidney, causes damage to nervous system.

Effects child development, pregnancy and genetics.

Flame retardants Made of bromine, used in electrical wire boxes, circuit boards and connectors. Toxic and accumulation

in living things. If present with copper, a chance of dioxins and furans formation during incineration is increased.

These carcinogens have adverse effects on lymph and digestive systems, kidney, nervous and immune systems.



Chemicals Sources and descriptions of diseases

Beryllium Used in spring coils and welding. Carcinogenic, especially lung cancer. Regular inhalation can cause

Beryllicosis, a lung disease. Skin exposure results in severe inflammation. Effects on thyroid and pituitary

glands. Accumulated in milk and blood and can be passed along the food chain.

Arsenic Used in PCB. Causes damages to nervous, skin and digestive systems. High level of intake may result

in death.

Nickel Found in batteries. Nickel dust is classified as carcinogenic in guinea pigs, possible cause of lung

cancer. Negative effects on reproductive system. Chronic skin wounds include irritation, inflammation

and rash. Lung irritation, asthma-like symptoms.

Lithium Found in batteries. Oral intake, inhalation or diffusion through skin can be dangerous. Causes severe

damage to respiratory tissues, eyes and skin. Inhalation may result in spasm, bronchitis, lung inflammation,

headache, nausea and vomiting.

Mobile Phone and Battery Wastes Management Partnership ProgramDue to the imminent risks, BMA, DEQP and PCD, representing the government sector, have joined with

the private sector including AIS, DTAC, Nokia, MBK Center, etc. to work out on the pollution generated from

mobile phones. In the initial phase of the program, cooperation was successfully given by the relevant private

sector. Mobile Phone and Battery Waste Recovery Initiative was launched on the 4th of December 2003 with

cooperation from all stakeholders. During the opening event, waste of mobile phones and batteries were traded

with prizes and tokens. The year 2004 was assigned to be the year of Mobile Phone and Battery Waste Recovery.

Mobile phone service providers and distributors including AIS, DTAC and Nokia were responsible for the collection

and proper disposal of these wastes. It was the first project by both the government and the private companies

to prevent the toxic contamination by mobile phone and battery wastes.

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