Thailand to ban import of plastic waste

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is proposing to the Thai cabinet a total ban on the import of plastic waste into Thailand. The ban would start in 2020.

Thai PBS reports that the Natural Resources and Environment Minister Gen Surasak Karnjanarat says, that as imports of plastic waste are to end next year, Thailand will increase recycling of locally-generated plastic waste by as much as 100% within ten years.

The application of new measures will require plastic products to contain a certain percentage of recycled plastic. The minister says he is confident that Thailand has the technology and facilities to reach this goal.

Currently, about two million tonnes of plastic waste are generated in Thailand each year but only 500,000 tonnes are recycled. In the meantime, plastic trash is currently allowed to be imported for use in production of plastic products to save cost.

SOURCE: Thai PBS