KALASIN: An inspection of discarded electronic products and other so-called e-waste was launched in Khong Chai district yesterday as the province is being inundated with over 1,200 tonnes every month, or around 20,000 tonnes a year.
Provincial governor Kraisorn Kongchalard instructed Khong Chai district chief Prasoot Hombantheng and local authorities yesterday to inspect how e-waste was being disposed of in the area.
He also called on them to raise awareness of the dangers this poses to residents in tambon Khok Sa-at, who may not be aware of the potential hazardous materials involved.
The move came after the Public Ministry's Disease Control Department revealed that several provinces in Thailand have been plagued by e-waste problems, particularly in Kalasin where a disproportionate number of residents earn a living from its collection and separation.
Tambon Khok Sa-at faces problems relating to the disposal of the remaining waste after the separation process, as a landfill in the local tambon administrative organisation (TAO) is unable to handle such a large and regular influx.
Mr Prasoot said the inspection indicated the electronic waste was not being imported from overseas.
Rather, it is attributable to the fact most locals in 12 villages across the tambon make a living by purchasing and separating used electrical and electronic appliances, especially fans, televisions, refrigerators, computers and mobile phones, he added.
Also in tambon Non Silalueng, residents tend to buy used machinery and motorcycles and separate their auto parts for recycling, he said.
Mr Prasoot said previous inspections by local authorities have yet to find villagers falling ill due to hazardous substances in waste materials of this kind.
However, at least some of the villagers are given annual medical checkups and more are educated on the dangers linked to e-waste. Burning e-waste has also been banned.
TAO chairman Wichit Moonaek said most locals opted to follow in the footsteps of their forebears and make money from recycling, which in recent times has referred to as e-waste.
Nevertheless, after the separation process, they failed to eliminate the remaining e-waste and other garbage including polystyrene foam, plastic and glass properly, resulting in toxic leaks.