City Hall waste-sorting campaign falls flat

Many residents not aware of changes

- SUPOJ WANCHAROEN

While the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) gears up to implement a new scheme designed to encourage households to sort out their rubbish, many residents say they are unaware of the changes set to come into effect in about two months' time.

Under the new waste collection scheme, residents who separate their rubbish correctly and submit photo evidence via the BKK Waste Pay app will pay the current monthly rate of 20 baht. Those who fail to do so will be charged 60 baht for six months before becoming eligible to reapply for the lower rate.

To promote the scheme, BMA has launched several public relations campaigns to encourage households to start sorting their waste before the new rates come into effect on Oct 1.

However, several residents interviewed by the Bangkok Post said they are unaware of the BMA's initiative, although they were quick to note that they are not opposed to the scheme and recognised its environmental value.

They also called on the city’s administration to ramp up its campaign to ensure the scheme’s success.

Kitti Taengchat, 59, who lives in Bangna with his family of six, said he only learned about the campaign from his wife a few days ago.

“At first, I thought it was unfair — an extra burden in this tough economy. But my wife explained that if we separate our waste, we can keep paying the original 20 baht,” he said.