A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2006

The rapid increase in the usage of technology and economic activities in the industrialized world have caused new environmental problems such as E-waste management. E-waste is hazardous waste that contains significant amounts of heavy metals and chemicals. E-waste should have a special collection system, and a management option to handle them properly for a sustainable development. However, currently, Thailand does not have an appropriate E-waste management strategy. The aim of this study was to find the current E-waste management situation in Thailand. The investigation was held in area of Bangkok and other surrounding provinces. Interviews, surveys, and field visits were also arranged to get information from manufacturers, policy makers, and informal sectors. The questionnaires were also conducted to users and second-hand shops to get necessary information and feedback. The E-waste inventory methodology was developed for estimating the amount of E-waste at national level. The computer simulation was developed to use as an educational tool for evaluating the E-waste management scenarios. This study reveals that, E-waste inventory method estimated that approximately 90,000 tonnes of E-waste were disposed in 2003. The percentage of E-waste from the manufacturers is only 11% of all E-waste generated in the country. E-waste is not mainly disposed in landfills. The informal sectors play an important role in E-waste management. Most of E-waste from households are dismantled and recovered by these informal sectors. The informal separator can separate recyclable E-waste materials approximately 60-70% and sell to waste transfer dealer. Wat Suan Kaeo is one of the important informal separators collecting E-waste approximately 4% of all E-waste generated. Waste transfer dealers sell recyclable parts to material recycling industry. Computers, monitors and notebooks are mainly imported second-hand products from other countries, mainly from Japan (90%). From the questionnaire survey, only 64% of users have knowledge on the hazard of E-waste and only 41% of users in Bangkok were found to be willing to pay for the treatment of E-waste. The drafted regulation of Supporting the Management of Hazardous Wastes from Used Products Act of Parliament is going to be used within next 3 years. The law is aimed for establishment of E-waste transfer stations in order to improve informal sectors' activities. The computer simulation is used as an educational tool especially for policy makers who can use for evaluating the scenarios to find the appropriate E-waste management for Thailand. The basic information of E-waste, case studies in Thailand, references, and websites are included in the simulation