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

contaminants. The sorted and washed waste is then crushed before melting and pelletizing.
The pellets produced will be sold to plastic product manufacturers as raw material.
The Government has been promoting waste recycling through the use of 3-colored waste
separation bins placed at housing estates and public places. Plastic recyclables to be
collected by bins include not only plastic bottles (e.g. beverage bottles, shampoo bottles),
but also used plastic bags, plastic containers (e.g. buckets), plastic toys, plastic flower-pots,
CDs and expanded polystyrene packaging materials etc. (Environmental Protection
Department, 2012).
2.4 Laws and Policies Related to Plastic Waste Management in Thailand
2.4.1 Related laws in Thailand
2.4.1.1 Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, B.E.
2535 (1992)
Three chapters of the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality
Act should be amended. They are chapter 1 on the National Environment Board, Chapter 2
on the Environment Fund, and Chapter 3 Penalties (Proposed amendments are italicized
and boldfaced) (PCD, 1998)
1. Chapter 1 on the National Environment Board
Another subparagraph should be inserted in to Section 13 as follows: amended “(15) To
determine lists of goods and collection rates for packaging and waste residue tax,
subject to the cabinet’s approval”
2. Chapter 2 on the Environment Fund
The Section 23 bis are proposed for the Fund which shall be used for following activities
The Fund will support the packaging waste and waste residue management program
of local authorities/governments, as specified by the Environmental Fund
Committee.
The Fund will reimburse industrial operations and importers for their recovery of
packaging waste and waste residues from consumers when they meet the criteria
specified by the Environmental Fund Committee.
The Fund can be used to monitor, inspect and assess the Pollution Control
Department’s performance in packaging waste and waste residue management,
subject to the approval of the Environmental Fund Committee.
The Fund can be used to support activities undertaken by the Hazardous Substances
and Waste Management Division, Pollution Control Department, Ministry of
Science, Technology and Environment to develop systems, approaches and
methods to better manage and utilize packaging waste and waste residues, subject
to the approval of the Environmental Fund Committee.
The Fund will cover the administrative costs that may arise from the management.
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