Phuket's Tourism Boom Fuels Waste Crisis, Island Seeks Sustainable Solutions

Phuket, a renowned tourist destination, is grappling with a mounting waste problem, a direct consequence of the surge in tourism following the pandemic. The island's landfill is now handling an immense 1,100 tons of waste daily, marking a significant increase from 742 tons in 2022 and 961 tons the year prior.

The Tourism-Waste Link: A Growing Challenge

This pressing issue was brought to the forefront by Phuket Vice Governor, Norasak Suksomboon, at the 25th Inter-Island Tourism Policy Forum. The forum, attended by 150 tourism leaders and policymakers from across the globe, tackled the future of tourism, sustainability concerns, and climate change strategies. The sharp increase in waste directly correlates with Phuket's tourism boom. Phuket's permanent population reached 418,000 in 2021, excluding temporary residents and workers. Last year, the island welcomed an astounding 11 million tourists, a sharp increase from 5.7 million in 2022. This surge in both residents and tourists has significantly fueled the escalating waste problem.

Phuket's existing waste management infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the influx of tourists and the resulting waste. The island has a single municipal-operated incinerator, equipped to handle around 900 tons of waste per day. Excess waste is disposed of at various landfills across the island.

Tackling the Waste Crisis: A Multifaceted Approach

The Pollution Control Department reported that only a meager 10% of Phuket's waste is recycled, with organic waste constituting a substantial 60% of the total waste. To combat this challenge, Vice Governor Norasak has urged residents and volunteers to participate in a waste reduction campaign. This campaign aims to divert organic materials from landfills by transforming them into compost or soil amendment. "We need the help of environmentally conscious residents to tackle this issue right at their doorsteps," stated Norasak.

In a bid to enhance waste management, the municipality launched a pilot waste bank program in the Samakkee Samkong community in Mueang District earlier this year. This initiative aims to promote recycling and cultivate better waste management practices. If successful, the program will be expanded to other areas.

Phuket's waste challenge highlights a crucial dilemma facing many popular tourist destinations. The rapid growth in tourism, while beneficial for local economies, often strains infrastructure and resources, leading to environmental concerns. Phuket's efforts to address its waste problem offer valuable lessons for other destinations striving to achieve sustainable tourism.