The project, which involves pouring concrete over Pit 4 of the landfill, is set to be completed by the end of this month, Deputy Mayor Suphachok La-ongphet told The Phuket News.
The project aims “to increase efficiency in waste processing by separating waste before incineration, which will help speed up the burning process”, Mr Suphachok said.
“Phuket City Municipality, together with Siam Cement Group (SCG), has begun pouring cement to create a stable foundation for the new sorting machine,” he told The Phuket News today (Feb 6).
“I can’t say how much area it will cover. That depends on the facility’s size and SCG’s assessment,” Mr Suphachok said
The B40 million project, funded by B35mn from the central government and B5mn from Phuket City Municipality, covers cement pouring, landfill clearing and machine installation.
The project aims to expand the waste disposal area and manage overflow while awaiting the completion of the new incinerator in 2027, Mr Suphachok added.
“We need this facility to separate waste. It will help us to burn waste faster,” Mr Suphachok explained, adding that 400 tonnes of waste are buried daily, putting increasing pressure on Phuket’s waste management system.
Deputy Mayor Suphachok in November, before the huge surge of visitors to Phuket over the new Year, noted that waste from local government bodies and businesses across Phuket was already pouring in at roughly 1,400 tonnes a day.
However, the island’s single incinerator can only burn 700 tonnes per day, resulting in an overflow of around 400-500 tonnes sent to landfills – beyond their current capacity.
The surge in the volume of solid waste is attributed to Phuket’s growing tourism sector and the expansion of local businesses and households.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat last month confirmed that from January through September last year Phuket welcomed more than 9 million visitors to the island. This year tourism officials are trying for even more.
Once operational, the waste sorting facility is expected to reduce incineration time and improve overall waste disposal efficiency, Mr Suphachok said, adding that it will help provide a more sustainable solution for the province.