A comparative study on characteristic of locally source-separated and mixed MSW in Bangkok with possibility of material recycling

To quantitatively emphasize the importance of source separation practice, the difference on the MSW composition of the two areas in Bangkok, namely the community with locally source separated of MSW and the Bangkok’s waste transfer center, was comparatively studied. The possibility of material recycling was discussed based on the observed MSW’s data. Results showed that waste generation per capita at the community was significantly lower (39%) than the official reported value due to source separation practice. The portion of plastic waste at transfer station was 60 and 90% higher than that of the community (where source separation activity has been performed) for weekday and weekend, respectively, while the paper waste of NKC was 147 and 211% higher than that of the community for weekday and weekend, respectively. Potential for plastic and paper recycling was 250 and 150 g per day per capita, respectively, and their potential on economic values were 0.33 and 0.18 baht/person/day, respectively.