The initiative is part of the island’s goal of becoming a low-carbon destination, says Janthima Duangsai, director of the Environmental and Pollution Control Office of the Pollution Control Department, who explained yesterday (Nov 30) that approximately 1,100 tonnes of waste is generated daily in the province.
The pilot project will run until the end of April 2025, focusing on the three districts of Muang, Kathu and Thalang and is funded by the Environmental Fund under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Ms Janthima explained the project will see a food waste data survey conducted, as well as the development of a platform for managing food waste and surplus food, promotion of food distribution systems, repurposing of food waste and the provision of materials and equipment to enhance waste management efficiency.
She further explained how of the daily waste collected for disposal in Phuket 50% comprises of food waste; due to its high moisture content, food waste reduces the efficiency of the Phuket waste incinerator, which has a capacity of 700 tonnes per day.
Fresh markets have been cited as main source of food waste, followed by hotels, large retail stores, hospitals, restaurants, education outlets, religious institutions, small retail stores and households.
“We need cooperation from all sectors to reduce food waste as we strive to transform Phuket into a low-carbon, environmentally friendly city,” Ms Janthima said.
Her comments came after Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong visited Phuket on Nov 24 to officially launch the ‘Phuket Old Town Carbon Neutrality 2030’ project, aiming to position the historic area as an international model for sustainable tourism.
Approximately nine million people visited Phuket in the period between January and September this year, with the numbers expected to increase heavily during the impending high season, which will also, naturally, create more waste and a further burden on waste management services.
The prepare for this, Phuket City Municipality is expediting landfill management at the Phuket Provincial Waste Disposal Center at Saphan Hin in anticipation of the expected surge in waste volumes during the high season.
Yesterday’s announcement of the food waste management initiative came after it was confirmed that the island’s only public incinerator will shut down for one month for intensive overhaul maintenance.
The 30-day closure, from Dec 20 through to Jan 20 next year, will mean at least 42,000 tonnes of trash will be directed to recently opened sites at the Saphan Hin landfill while the incinerator is offline.
Phuket Vice Governor Thiraphong Chuaychu explained yesterday that the Ministry of Interior has approved funding for a second incinerator, while a location for a third incinerator is being finalised.
“Increasing the number of incinerators will significantly improve the province’s capacity to manage daily waste,” he stated, while also highlighting plans to convert some food waste into fertiliser and recycle used oil for biofuel.
“We call on all sectors to work together to reduce the waste entering incinerators. This will enhance Phuket’s image as a sustainable province," he said.
- Additional reporting by the Bangkok Post