Ms. Preeyaporn Suwankaset, Deputy Director-General of the Pollution Control Department (PCD), presided over the opening of the 1st Capacity Development Training for Sala-eng and Scrap Shops, under the Capacity Development Activity for Sala-eng and Scrap Shops, part of the Project on Development and Management of Waste Separation and Recycling to Reduce Environmental and Health Impacts, through a participatory process. This was organized in partnership with the National Health Promotion Fund (ThaiHealth) and the Association of

Sala-eng and Scrap Shops, in support of the "Policy for Citizens to Sort Waste at the Source — with sala-eng and scrap shops serving as a mechanism to ensure that plastic scraps and various types of packaging from households, buildings, offices, and other sources are returned as industrial raw materials, so that 'Waste' is not 'Waste' but 'Resources' to be recycled, in line with Circular Economy principles and consistent with the BCG Model policy declared as a National Agenda by the government, which will also support the plastic scrap import ban policy in the next 2 years. Sala-eng and scrap shop operators today play a critically important role in the recycling business as intermediaries in collecting and purchasing recyclable waste and used materials. Today's training is the 1st of 5 capacity development sessions for sala-eng and scrap shop operators, to be held across regions — Central, Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Southern Thailand — covering knowledge on sorting each type of waste, appropriate work practices, precautions regarding hazardous materials to protect worker health, the environment and nearby residents, compliance with regulations, and use of the Recycle Hero application to enhance efficiency in buying and selling recyclable waste, so that these operators become a key force driving the country's circular economy," Mr. Pinsak stated.

Mr. Sriswan Kuankhajorn, ThaiHealth Fund Committee Member, stated that changing attitudes about solid waste — viewing it as something that can be reused — adds value and income for the public and local administrative organizations while also reducing production costs. Sala-eng and scrap shop operators must separate each type of material without mixing — such as glass, paper, plastic, aluminum, copper, and iron — to increase resale value. However, this work can cause environmental impacts, heavy metal and toxic contamination in surrounding areas, and health risks for workers and community members from prolonged exposure. ThaiHealth therefore partners with the Pollution Control Department and the Sala-eng and Scrap Shop Association to systematically and comprehensively elevate the quality of life for operators — covering physical health, mental health, and wisdom — building knowledge of safe occupational practices that do not harm the environment or public health, and forming organizational networks to reduce inequality.

Mr. Chaiyut Polsen, President of the Sala-eng and Scrap Shop Association, stated that the sala-eng and scrap shop profession has existed in Thailand for over 100 years. Elevating and enhancing capacity in waste and environmental management to help achieve goals under the Plastic Waste Management Roadmap and the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) Model policy represents a significant shared historic milestone. As President of the National Sala-eng and Scrap Shop Association of Thailand, experienced, knowledgeable, and capable speakers have been prepared to train sala-eng drivers and scrap shop operators gathered from across the country, demonstrating a firm commitment to transforming this profession through development, expanded opportunities, and enhanced capacity. It is hoped that government agencies and related organizations will continue to organize such events on an ongoing basis.

Mr. Prem Pruktayanon, owner of the "Uncle Sala-eng and the Disappearing Trash" page, stated that the scrap-buying business has long been part of Thailand, yet rarely receives the social attention it deserves, despite being an important mechanism for solving the country's waste problem. Recycling entrepreneurs also lack development in knowledge and business models that would make them more accessible to the general public. This capacity development training for sala-eng and scrap shops is therefore an excellent starting point that will enable sala-eng drivers and scrap shop operators to collectively develop Thailand's recycling industry to keep pace with social and technological changes — becoming one of the key mechanisms driving Thailand's circular economy in line with the country's BCG policy.

Date: December 9, 2022 | Source: Public Relations Department News Agency

Credit: Environmental News, Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University