Sustainable solutions for solid waste management in Southeast Asian countries
2009 | Elsevier
Human activities generate waste and the amounts tend to increase as the demand for quality of life increases. Today's rate in the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEANs) is alarming, posing a challenge to governments regarding environmental pollution in the recent years. The expectation is that eventually waste treatment and waste prevention approaches will develop towards sustainable waste management solutions. This expectation is for instance reflected in the term 'zero emission systems'. The concept of zero emissions can be applied successfully with today's technical possibilities in the agro-based processing industry.
The manual aim to support both formal and informal recycling enterprises in preventing plastic pollution by advocating best practices and promoting proper housekeeping within informal recycling facilities.
The main goal of this study is to evaluate plastic and pellet losses and leakage from the logistical handling and pre-processing operations of informal recycling groups in Thailand, focusing on recovered post-consumer plastic waste and factory processing operations. The focus areas of this study are the Nonthaburi Municipality and Pattaya City.
This study was conducted following on a simplified three-step approach: 1) collect and analyse data and information relevant to plastic leakage from informal sector recycling; 2) engage with key stakeholders; and 3) disseminate the outcomes of the study.
The guidelines aim to fill knowledge gaps and promote contextually appropriate best practices. They will also encourage industry actors to implement measures to prevent and contain plastic and pellet leakages. Based on the findings of a preliminary assessment of the post-consumer plastic recycling value chain, which analyzed primary sources of plastic loss and leakage, including technology applications, resource availability, access, and regulatory and policy gaps, these guidelines are designed.
