Phuket’s Plastic Problem: A Growing Concern for Tourists and Locals Alike
The Island’s Waste Crisis
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, has become a popular tourist destination, attracting over 13 million foreign visitors in 2024. However, this rapid growth has come at a cost. The island is struggling to cope with the sheer volume of waste generated by its tourism sector. Plastic bottles and empty beer cans litter the sea floor, while garbage piles up on the island itself.
A Landfill in Crisis
In one corner of the island, a sprawling landfill has become the final destination for over 1,000 tonnes of waste collected daily. The landfill has grown so large that it has replaced the previous serene mountain view from Vassana Toyou’s home. "There is no life outside the house, (we) just stay at home," she said. "The smell is very strong, you have to wear a mask." To cope with the stench, Vassana keeps her air conditioner and air purifiers switched on all the time, doubling her electricity bill.
The Impact on Locals
Phuket’s rapid development has pushed trash volumes above pre-Covid levels. By the end of the year, the island could be producing up to 1,400 tonnes of trash a day, overwhelming its sole landfill. The growth of the city has been much more rapid than it should be, said Suppachoke Laongphet, deputy mayor of the island’s main municipality.
Solutions in Sight
Authorities are pushing ahead with plans to cut waste generation by 15% in six months, expand the landfill, and build a new incinerator. However, experts say that increasing capacity and incinerators is only part of the solution. "If you just keep expanding more waste incinerators, I don’t think that would be just the solution," said Panate Manomaivibool, an assistant professor in waste management at Burapha University. "They need to focus on waste reduction and separation."
Conclusion
Phuket’s waste crisis is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The island’s authorities must work towards a more sustainable solution that includes waste reduction and separation, rather than simply increasing capacity and incineration. The tourism sector must also take responsibility for its impact on the environment and work towards reducing its waste footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main cause of Phuket’s waste crisis?
A: The rapid growth of the tourism sector and construction boom has pushed trash volumes above pre-Covid levels.
Q: What are the authorities doing to address the issue?
A: The authorities are pushing ahead with plans to cut waste generation by 15% in six months, expand the landfill, and build a new incinerator.
Q: What is the solution to Phuket’s waste crisis?
A: Experts say that increasing capacity and incinerators is only part of the solution. Waste reduction and separation are also crucial to addressing the issue.