Bangkok rolls out three-stage waste plan for flooded districts

Bangkok has introduced a three-stage waste management plan for the districts affected by flooding. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Environment Department detailed the measures in an emergency meeting yesterday. The plan aims to prevent the accumulation of rubbish and sewage during flooding, reduce environmental pollution, and limit health risks associated with contaminated water.

In the initial stage, before flooding, district offices need to verify staffing, vehicles, waste collection equipment, and flat-bottomed boats for immediate deployment. They must also identify potential blockages in drainage channels and establish temporary waste collection points in safe locations.

During the second stage, when flooding occurs, rubbish collection should happen every two to three days or as soon as bins reach their capacity. Collection methods will depend on water depth, with rubbish trucks used in shallow flooding, pickup trucks in moderate flooding where water does not surpass the exhaust pipe, and flat-bottomed boats in deeper water. Officials will wear protective gear to minimize exposure to diseases from the floodwaters.

In the final stage, once the floodwaters recede, district offices will set up collection points for damaged furniture, electrical appliances, and other bulky items. A thorough clean-up will involve removing mud, disinfecting affected areas, treating wastewater, and restoring neighborhoods. Temporary waste collection sites will be cleaned and returned to their original state.

Residents are advised to segregate waste when feasible, seal infectious waste, sewage, and food scraps securely, and keep dry rubbish on higher ground until collection. Damaged items can be delivered to designated collection points announced by individual district offices. Uncollected rubbish or waste collection assistance requests can be reported through district offices' cleanliness and parks division, the Traffy Fondue application, or the Bangkok hotline 24/7.