Encouraging Food Waste Segregation in Office Buildings: A Step Toward Sustainability with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)

Chakrapan Pawangkarat

Head of Property and Asset Management, JLL Thailand

Board member, Property Management Association of Thailand

24 March 2025

As property managers in Bangkok, we play a pivotal role in shaping the environments where people work, collaborate, and thrive. With growing awareness of environmental challenges, one impactful initiative we can champion in office buildings is food waste segregation. In partnership with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the local government responsible for managing the capital city, we can align our efforts with city-wide sustainability goals. The BMA oversees critical services like waste management, urban planning, and environmental protection, making it a key ally in promoting responsible waste practices. Here’s why food waste segregation matters and how we can implement it effectively in our properties.

Why Food Waste Segregation Matters

Food waste is a pressing issue in Bangkok’s commercial spaces. The BMA reports that the city generates nearly 8,000 tons of trash daily, with over half being food waste from sources like office lunchrooms, break areas, and catered meetings. When this organic waste is mixed with general trash and sent to landfills, it decomposes and releases methane—a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide—contributing to climate change. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that food waste accounts for over 20% of landfill content globally, a statistic mirrored in Bangkok’s waste profile.

Segregating food waste offers a practical solution. By separating organic materials, we enable composting or anaerobic digestion, processes that transform waste into valuable resources like fertilizer or renewable energy. The BMA has already taken steps to address this, such as launching waste segregation trucks in pilot districts like Nong Khaem, Pathum Wan, and Phaya Thai under its “Mai Tay Rum” (No Mixed Waste) policy in 2022. For office buildings, partnering with these efforts not only reduces our environmental footprint but also aligns with the BMA’s vision of a greener Bangkok, potentially lowering waste management costs and enhancing our property’s reputation as an eco-conscious space.

Benefits for Office Buildings

1. Environmental Impact: Diverting food waste from landfills cuts methane emissions and supports the BMA’s composting initiatives, resonating with tenants who value sustainability.

2. Cost Efficiency: The BMA’s organic waste collection programs and potential incentives for waste reduction can reduce disposal fees over time.

3. Tenant Engagement: Offering tenants a chance to participate in a BMA-backed green initiative boosts morale and fosters a sense of community.

4. Regulatory Alignment: As the BMA tightens waste management policies, proactive segregation keeps properties compliant and ahead of future mandates.

How to Implement Food Waste Segregation with BMA Support

Getting started is straightforward, especially with the BMA’s framework as a guide. Here’s how property managers can roll out an effective program:

1. Assess Current Waste Streams

   Conduct a waste audit to quantify food waste in your building. Then, contact the BMA’s Environment Department or your district office to explore local composting or organic waste pickup options tailored to commercial properties.

2. Set Up Collection Stations

   Install clearly labeled bins in high-traffic areas like kitchens and cafeterias, mirroring the BMA’s three-bin system: compost (food scraps), recycling, and landfill. Use signage inspired by the BMA’s “Mai Tay Rum” campaign—e.g., “Food Waste Only: Fruit Peels, Coffee Grounds”—to make sorting intuitive.

3. Educate Tenants and Staff

   Launch an awareness campaign with BMA resources. Share flyers or host a brief session highlighting Bangkok’s waste stats—e.g., “Over 4,000 tons of food waste daily could be composted!”—and explain how segregation supports the city’s goals. The BMA often provides educational materials for such initiatives.

4. Partner with Vendors and the BMA

   Coordinate with cleaning crews to align with BMA collection schedules and work with food vendors to use compostable packaging. The BMA’s partnerships with markets and communities show that collaboration amplifies impact—tap into this network for support.

5. Monitor and Celebrate Progress

   Track waste diversion monthly and share updates with tenants, such as “This building diverted 50 kg of food waste last month, thanks to you!” Leverage BMA campaigns like “BKK Zero Waste,” which reduced city waste by 67,000 tons in five months in 2023, as inspiration to keep momentum going.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Resistance is natural, but solutions are within reach. Combat odors by coordinating frequent pickups with the BMA and using compostable bin liners. For space constraints, opt for compact bins that fit office layouts. Simplify the process by starting with basic food scrap separation, gradually expanding as tenants adapt—mirroring the BMA’s phased approach in its pilot districts.

Leading with the BMA by Example

As property managers, we’re not just maintaining buildings; we’re shaping Bangkok’s future alongside the BMA. By prioritizing food waste segregation, we support the administration’s mission—evident in initiatives like its 184 fresh market campaign that cuts 142.5 tons of carbon emissions daily—and offer tenants a chance to contribute to a cleaner city. It’s a win for the environment, our budgets, and the community we serve.

Let’s act now. Reach out to your BMA district office, set up those bins, and join Bangkok’s push for sustainability—one food scrap at a time.

Acknowledgement:

"This article was generated with the assistance of Grok, an AI tool, and subsequently reviewed and edited by the author."