Evaluation of Plastic Waste Management in Thailand Using Material ...

Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket digestion (UASB): UASB is an anaerobic process
forming a blanket of waste. Waste water flows from the bottom, through the
blanket, and cleaner water is released from the top. The sludge is trapped in the
blanket by gravity. Bio gas that is released within can be collected and used as
clean energy to run the treatment plant.
Aeration tank: Aerobic digestion take places inside the tank, bacteria consume
organic matter and generate carbon dioxide. Diffuser systems or blowers are
required to keep the waste water underneath the bottom oxidise.
Reverse osmosis: The final effluent will be released after being treated by reverse
osmosis. This effluent will be very clean, suitable for drinking.
4. Health aspect of workers: Workers such as truck drivers, scavengers are at risk of
road safety issues. For the safety of the scavengers, safe driving is highly
recommended. Chemicals which are harmful when in direct contact with the skin
can cause occupational hazards. Personal protection equipment should be worn at
all times for the safety of scavengers. Most scavengers in Sai Mai transfer station
prepared their wearing and protection equipment by themselves (see Figure C-54).
Avoid storing and keeping waste overnight to prevent scavengers roaming around.
This is dangerous as the trucks are moving anytime and their lives are at risk.
7. Conclusion
Figure C-54 Personal wearing of scavengers at transfer station
From the data, it has been identified that majority of the waste thrown can be reduce
through recycling. Despite having volunteer sorting out plastic bottles and recyclable
materials, plastic are not taken into consideration due to the low value fetch from selling it.
Hence, more has to be done to achieve unnecessary dumping and this would require
community as well as government’s involvement and commitment.
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