Promoting climate-friendly disposal of waste and wastewater (TGCP-Waste)

Project description

Title: Thai-German Climate Programme – Waste Component
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conserva-tion and Nuclear Safety (BMU)
Country: Thailand
Partner: Pollution Control Department, Department of Local Administration
Overall term: 2018 to 2021

Context

Population growth, economic growth and urbanisation and the resulting changes in the population’s consumer behaviour are leading to a steady increase in the amount of waste and wastewater pro-duced in Thailand. According to the Thai State of Pollution Report, 27.8 million tonnes of household waste were produced in 2018. This corresponds to an increase of 1.64 per cent compared to the pre-vious year. Approximately 9.58 million tonnes (34 per cent) of the waste was recycled, 10.88 million tonnes (39 per cent) ended up in landfill sites and 7.36 million tonnes (27 per cent) were disposed of inappropriately, for instance in open dumps or burnt.

In addition, a total of 9.7 million cubic metres of household wastewater is produced each day, only 2.6 million cubic metres (27 per cent) of which is treated in central municipal wastewater treatment plants. At the same time, the actual treatment capacity is around 40 per cent, primarily due to a low throughput, gaps in the sewer network and budgetary constraints.

At regional level, the authorities responsible for managing household waste and wastewater often lack the institutional capacities and funding necessary to operate their waste and wastewater treatment plants effectively.

Household waste and wastewater that are disposed of inappropriately are a key cause of environmen-tal damage and health problems throughout the country. In addition, they constitute around four to five per cent of Thailand’s total greenhouse gas emissions and thus contribute to climate change.

Objective

The framework conditions for integrated and climate-friendly management of household waste and wastewater are improved and support the implementation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Approach

As part of the Thai-German climate programme, the project promotes the implementation of the NDCs in the area of waste and wastewater. This project therefore pursues the following approach:

Climate protection mechanisms are integrated into the national strategies and plans in the area of waste and wastewater management. The project is working together with decision-makers and plan-ners to verify the existing political concepts, strategies and guidelines and adapt them where neces-sary.

Climate-friendly systems for dealing with household waste and wastewater are being developed in at least four target regions. The programme is working together with local authorities to develop climate-friendly waste and wastewater strategies that can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are economically feasible.

The existing national information systems for waste and wastewater management are being adapted and contribute towards monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) in this area.

Public and private funding models are being developed and promoted that contribute to treating and disposing of household waste and wastewater in a climate-friendly manner.

In conjunction with national and international platforms, dialogue is taking place on initiatives for the integrated management of household waste and wastewater.

Results

The National Committee on Climate Change has approved the national measures planned for climate protection with regard to household waste and wastewater.

A dialogue has been established between interest groups to develop a national plan for the reduction of food waste.

In three pilot cities, framework plans have been developed for a strategy for low-emission municipal waste and wastewater management.

The partners have prepared a nationwide survey to collect data on household waste and have selected service providers to carry it out.

The partners have developed an MRV system for household waste and wastewater and defined ca-pacity-development measures.

Funding options for climate action measures have been analysed and corresponding promotional strategies recommended.

Last update: January 2021