Phuket’s waste warriors launch innovative ‘waste bank’ to tackle trash troubles

Phuket City Municipality forged ahead with innovative steps to navigate the growing waste management crisis, introducing the Samakkhi Samkong Community Waste Bank scheme.

The Mayor of Phuket Town, Saroj Angkhanapilas, underscored the necessity of proficient solid waste management during the announcement of this community-centric initiative. He hailed the inauguration of the community waste bank as a remarkable stride in the right direction.

Mayor Saroj was accompanied by Pairoj Kirirak, the Chairman of Samakkhi Samkong Community, and Noppadol Jenrua, Councillor for Phuket City District 1, during the official launch of the waste bank on February 11. The collaboration with the Samakkhi Samkong community is set to lead Phuket’s waste reduction endeavours.

The initiative’s primary goal is to raise widespread consciousness about waste management operations, particularly the notion of a waste bank, Mayor Saroj said.

“The project aims to reduce waste generation through active participation from households and communities while simultaneously creating added value.”

The waste bank launch featured activities that demonstrated the practical elements of waste management. This included techniques for waste separation, buying and selling of recycled waste, member recruitment, and guidelines for making deposits and withdrawals from the bank, reported The Phuket News.

The Samakkhi Samkong Community Waste Bank committee and the operational strategy exchange further cemented the commitment to effective waste management practices.

Mayor Saroj extended an invitation to the public to proactively partake in recycling efforts by utilising the services provided by the Samakkhi Samkong Community Waste Bank. The bank will accept a range of items for purchase, including clear and opaque plastic water bottles, assorted plastics, newspapers, cardboard, various types of paper, glass bottles, aluminium cans, and iron cans.

The waste bank will be open for transactions from 9am to 12am on the first Sunday of every month. For additional information, the public is urged to reach out to the Public Health and Environment Division of Phuket City Municipality at 076-211570.