With over 1,200 tonnes of garbage arriving at the facility each day, the wet conditions have worsened the smell, causing concern among local residents and visitors, Phuket City Municipality explained in a report posted online.
The situation has become more challenging as landfills No. 4 and No. 5 are now receiving additional waste due to the temporary closure of the center’s second incinerator for repairs.
On a recent inspection visit, Phuket City Mayor Suphot La-ongphet, accompanied by Phuket City Municipality Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Chalermporn Piyanarongroj, Engineering Office Director Yuthana Kanchanaphak and municipal staff, assessed the site and discussed possible solutions.
Officials are now working on plans to adjust the landfill area and construct drainage canals to help control water accumulation that contributes to the spread of odours. Heavy rainfall over the past week has caused water to wash through garbage delivered by collection trucks, worsening the problem.
Mayor Suphot acknowledged the strain on the waste management system, with roughly 700-800 tonnes of excess waste currently being diverted to the incinerator each day. He called for public cooperation to help ease the burden on the disposal center.
“We are asking both residents and tourists across Phuket to help reduce the amount of waste, particularly organic waste, which poses significant challenges for disposal,” Mayor Suphot said.