Thailand generates approximately 27.20 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) annually, with challenges ranging from inadequate waste separation and limited recycling infrastructure to low public participation in waste segregation. To address this, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) launched a nationwide programme to establish at least one community waste bank (CWB) in each of Thailand's 76 provinces, developing a dedicated guideline in 2024 in collaboration with Chulalongkorn University.
This report, led UN-Habitat through the SDG Joint Fund, provides an in-depth analysis of community waste bank models operating across Thailand. Drawing on field observations from Udon Thani and Koh Samui, literature reviews, and stakeholder consultations, it examines the diverse incentive mechanisms, sorting systems, collection methods, and leadership structures that shape how waste banks function at the community level.
The report benchmarks Thailand's experience against regional models from Indonesia, Singapore, and Japan, identifying transferable practices that could enhance local implementation. Key findings highlight that while many waste banks demonstrate strong community involvement and innovation, common gaps persist — including limited public participation, low digitalization, and revenue models that rely predominantly on recyclable sales.
Successful models identified in the study integrate welfare benefits, youth engagement, and transparent sales tracking to sustain momentum. Building on these insights, the report outlines a series of practical recommendations aligned with the MOI's 2024 Guidelines, covering community ownership mechanisms, digital tools for tracking transactions and environmental impact, diversified revenue strategies, public-private-community partnerships, and a tiered certification system (Bronze, Silver, Gold) to incentivise continuous improvement.
This publication supports Thailand's circular economy agenda and its progress toward SDGs 11, 12, and 13.
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