Expanding Community Recycling Capabilities with Precious Plastic Bangkok
Precious Plastic Bangkok is a community-driven initiative focused on reshaping perceptions of plastic by highlighting its potential as a reusable resource. Originating from the Netherlands in 2013, the broader Precious Plastic global movement unites 80,000 individuals worldwide who advocate for open source recycling solutions, emphasizing universal participation in plastic recycling efforts. ECCA maintains a three-year partnership with Precious Plastic Bangkok, supporting its expansion of community outreach and research and development capacities.
Challenge

In Thailand, the mismanagement of plastic waste presents a significant environmental challenge. Currently, 87% of plastics in the country are discarded rather than recycled into valuable materials. By enhancing collection, sorting, and management practices, Thailand could transform this overlooked resource into new products and materials, fostering a more sustainable approach to waste management.
Scaling up grassroots initiatives within communities could establish models for effective plastic waste management, shifting from linear municipal waste systems that prioritize collection over recycling. Embracing a circular economy not only promises economic benefits but also ensures fair distribution of wealth and health advantages throughout society.
Approach

Precious Plastic Bangkok takes a hands-on approach to tackling plastic waste by establishing self-sufficient community workplaces. These spaces serve as hubs for collecting, cleaning, separating, and recycling plastic waste. They collaborate closely with local communities, schools, and universities to gather plastic waste, which are then transformed using their specialized machines into a wide array of innovative products.
From lampshades and bowls to cups and even furniture, their machines shred, melt, and mold plastic waste into new and creative forms. This process not only prevents plastic from ending up in landfills, canals, or streets but also helps combat marine pollution. Most importantly, we hope to inspire communities to reduce single-use plastics, segregate their waste, and commit to recycling efforts.
Outcomes
Support Precious Plastic Bangkok in their mission to create a cleaner environment!
Donate your clean, used plastic at any of their 60 drop-off locations in Bangkok.
Get involved by attending Precious Plastic Bangkok’s educational workshops and events to learn about plastic recycling and sustainability practices in Thailand.
Explore and purchase innovative products made from recycled plastic on Precious Plastic Bangkok’s website, Facebook page, and LINE—each purchase helps drive their cause forward.
Consider funding or supporting a community to establish their own recycling center, empowering them to manage plastic waste locally.
Together, we can make a difference!