Author : Thaksina Poyai , Pavinee Pongpunpurt , Unruan Leknoi , Pisut Painmanakul , Nattawin Chawaloesphonsiya
Abstract : This study evaluates the plastic waste recycling program, named “Send Plastic Home,” tailored for urban areas in Thailand. Thirteen strategically located plastic drop-off points were implemented, and their effectiveness was assessed using the Productivity Index (PI). In-depth interviews and group discussions were conducted to identify key stakeholders and estimate the Social Return on Investment (SROI) associated with the project. Moreover, the environmental impacts of various plastic waste management scenarios were investigated and compared. To improve the PI of drop-off points, pass-through points for smaller amounts of plastic and drive-through points for bulk returns are recommended. Increasing drop-off points in highly populated areas, coupled with effective multi-channel public relations, would be beneficial. The current plastic waste management approach, combining recycling and waste-to-energy methods, yields commendable environmental benefits, particularly in mitigating marine aquatic ecotoxicity. With a collected plastic waste volume of 22,135 kg, greenhouse gas emissions and waste management costs are minimized by 27 tonCO2eq and 1803 USD, respectively. The program operates effectively, as evidenced by an impressive SROI ratio of 8.45. These findings provide a data-driven foundation and actionable insights for the design and implementation of more efficient plastic waste collection infrastructures in urban environments, aligning with the circular economy concept.
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