The amount of COVID-contaminated garbage, discarded face masks in particular, has increased to an average of 16 tonnes a day, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
About 548 tonnes of Covid-contaminated garbage was recorded from April 1st to May 5th. On May 5th alone, up to 70 tonnes of contaminated waste was found. Of that amount, over 21 tons was Covid-infected, said BMA Secretary-General Silapasuay Raweesangsoon.
To cope with this public safety problem, and to ensure proper disposal, the BMA has installed separate garbage bins at more than 1,000 locations in Bangkok and is urging the public to separate their used face masks and place them in a plastic bag before disposal.
The BMA has also hired a waste disposal company to burn the contaminated garbage in specialised incinerators in On Nut and Nong Kham. Officials are required to adhere to strict rules including wearing protective gear and avoiding direct contact with the waste.
