Trash island no more! Koh Larn’s rubbish crisis nears fiery end
A long-awaited solution to Koh Larn’s mountain of rubbish is finally on the horizon, and it’s going up in smoke.
The waste incineration plant on the popular tourist island near Pattaya is now 70% complete and expected to be operational within six months, according to Kiatsak Sriwongchai, the permanent secretary of Pattaya City.
Construction of the plant began on May 2, 2023 with initial plans targeting completion by March 28, 2024. But progress hit choppy waters, literally, after key machinery shipments were delayed due to rough sea conditions. Installation will begin as soon as the equipment reaches the island, said Kiatsak.
“The system is capable of processing up to 50 tonnes of waste daily, and the overall waste management strategy will cover a span of 10 years.”
The incinerator, which uses a two-stage gasification process, is designed to tackle both fresh and long-standing rubbish, including 170,000 tonnes of accumulated waste currently plaguing the island.
The first chamber of the system reaches temperatures of 600°C, while the second exceeds 800°C, ensuring comprehensive waste destruction with minimal environmental impact.
Despite concerns raised by the Pattaya City Council regarding delays and the island’s growing garbage stockpile, Deputy Mayor Manote Nongyai said the project meets all environmental impact assessment (IEE) standards, reported Bangkok Post.
He added that the plant’s capacity could be increased to process as much as 100 tonnes of waste per day if needed.
“The Koh Larn waste incineration project is expected to enhance waste management and establish a benchmark for sustainable waste disposal practices.”
The contractor is also responsible for developing systems to handle ash disposal and wastewater treatment. Staff training will commence shortly after the facility is completed.
More than just a quick fix, the project is part of a broader plan to clean up Koh Larn, which has struggled with rubbish management for years as tourism continues to rise. With the finish line finally in sight, locals and tourists alike can look forward to a cleaner, greener island, and a lot less stink.
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