Solid Waste Management as a Response to Urban Flood: Case study of Bangkok City

Abstract

Solid waste management is often set as a low-priority issue in cities in developing countries while urban floods induced by severe climate patterns in recent years is another challenge to urban developers. For Bangkok, both issues are closely linked to each other. An inefficient solid waste management system leads to increasing debris in drainage systems and so decreased drainage capacity and the wastewater remains longer in the sewer networks. Conversely, urban flooding often paralyzes the solid waste management service which worsens the situation. It is important that waste management in flood periods is included in the flood management plan. This research investigated the flood management and solid waste management system of Bangkok city, which is driven by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and public participation. The limitations of the current system are discussed and recommendations are made for improving waste management practices in the city which would contribute to effective flood control in Bangkok.