Ocean-Bound Collection of Mixed Plastics in Pattaya and Chon Buri, Thailand (PWRS)

This project partner pays local collectors a fair wage to remove all types of plastic directly from beaches in Thailand. The collections are then sorted, weighed and transported to be disposed of in the best way possible.

Thailand’s beautiful beaches are inundated with plastic. Much of it ends up in the ocean making Thailand among the top ten largest contributors to marine plastic. 

The project incentives collectors to remove the full spectrum of plastic waste. This includes non-recyclable and contaminated plastics, from between the ocean and high tide line, preventing it from reaching the ocean. The project initiators are watersports enthusiasts who began with voluntary beach cleans back in December 2000. 

This credit only funds collection. However, after clean ups the project sorts waste  into recyclables and non-recyclables. Recyclables are sent to a variety of locations: Old flip-flops are sent to be made into new ones; nylon fishing nets to a specific factory and PET bottles to local recycling centers. Non-recyclables (including composite materials and plastic that has been heavily contaminated) are sent to a waste to energy facility. 

Credit sales for this project helps fund more clean ups, covering collector wages and transport, as well as the movement of collected waste from the site to relevant facilities. A percentage of funds will also go towards supporting sustainable development in vulnerable communities, with livelihood projects and environmental education. In addition, the funds from credit sales also support research and campaigns to fast track stricter regulations concerning production and use of single use plastic.