With 180 active members, this collaborative effort marks a significant milestone towards sustainable waste management and environmental conservation
Community Recycling Social Enterprise in Surat Thani
20th February 2024 marked the opening of a Community Recycling Social Enterprise in Surat Thani, Thailand, welcomed by a speech from Theerakit Wangmuthitakul, Mayor of Surat Thani Municipality. The community enterprise is a part of the Plastic Smart Cities project in collaboration with the Surat Thani municipality and implementing partners – it started as a waste bank in Wat Potawas Community, but has since transitioned into a community recycling social enterprise operating under the Surat Thani Provincial Administrative Organisation.
This transition marks a significant milestone towards promoting waste segregation and management, increasing the value of recyclable materials within the community. Moving forward, the enterprise aims to expand its members and develop a learning hub focused on sustainability in the area, leveraging the increased storage capacity provided by the warehouse.
The Community Sorting Center, a part of the community enterprise led by Mr. Lapon Phuekdej (Lung Dum), a local advocate, has been a cornerstone enterprise in the Surat Thani community for over a decade. Dedicated to sorting waste materials, the center has successfully facilitated the daily sale of about 300 kilograms of plastic waste to local junk shops, resulting in an impressive monthly total of about 10 tonnes.
Learning Hub for the Community
The initiative also aims to serve as a community learning resource center, emphasizing the importance of collective effort and long-term sustainable practice. Over 180 members are actively sorting and selling recyclable waste, solidifying its impact on waste management.
Managed by a team of three members overseeing waste banks, the project procures recycled waste from surrounding communities and institutions in Surat Thani. With the support of local warehouses for waste collection, the project anticipates doubling its waste intake to increase its purchase of waste from nearby areas.
Managing a Sustainable Waste Management Culture in the Local Community
The project also aims to foster a responsible and sustainable waste management culture within the local community. The efforts include offering support for the construction of waste collection and sorting facilities dedicated to establishing the community’s waste banks. In addition, a portion of the project’s revenue is allocated to local community affairs, including benefits for members engaged in waste trading, such as coverage of funeral expenses and festive gifts, serving as motivational incentives.
Through trial and error, the Community Recycling Social Enterprise remains dedicated to social improvement and collaborative waste reduction efforts. This dedication has led to significant progress in waste management and community development as the community waste bank providing supplementary income transformed into a social enterprise generating a consistent revenue stream. The Community Center is determined to contribute to the collaborative goal of reducing plastic leakage into the ocean by 30% by 2025 and making a lasting impact on the community.
