"Orphan Waste: Stories from the Black Bag Offering Hope for Renewable Energy"

“Throw trash in the right bin” and “Sort your waste before disposal” — these phrases have echoed in Thai society for decades. As a result, waste separation behaviors have gradually taken root. But upon closer inspection, one overlooked type of waste emerges — quietly excluded and seemingly worthless.

This type of waste doesn’t rot or smell, yet no one wants it. Recycling plants refuse to buy it, as it's not cost-effective to process. As a result, it's pushed out of the system entirely, becoming unwanted, unloved, and left with nowhere to go.

But where should this waste go?

That very question sparked the “Orphan Waste on Tour” project — built on the belief that even trash deemed valueless still holds potential. In fact, it can be transformed into a renewable energy source.

The Journey of Orphan Waste That Nobody Loves

With extensive experience in industrial waste management, Somporn Kittianong noticed that many types of waste were routinely rejected by processing plants and sent straight to landfills — which only continue to grow. He called this type of waste “orphan waste.”

“Orphan waste means no one loves it, no one wants it, and recycling plants won’t accept it — but in reality, it can still be used as fuel,” he explains.

This realization inspired Somporn to launch the “Orphan Waste on Tour” initiative. The project welcomes sorted waste from the public, which is then shredded and converted into fuel for cement plants and power plants. These facilities use closed combustion systems with high temperatures, minimizing pollution.

But the most impressive part isn’t the process — it’s the people.

Participants from all over the country willingly pay out of their own pockets to ship sorted waste, even without any rewards, points, or prizes — just the belief that it will be properly handled. Through trust and word-of-mouth, the project has grown from a small Facebook page and Line group into a nationwide community — including supporters in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Chanthaburi, and Rayong.

“One retired teacher called to check if the waste she sent had arrived. She paid over 100 baht for postage, just to ensure it didn’t cause trouble for others. It brought tears to my eyes. There are still people in this country with real dedication and social responsibility.”

Recovery Energy: When Trash Replaces Coal

While the 3Rs — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle — have become a standard waste management model, Somporn sees a fourth R: Recovery Energy — transforming waste into fuel.

The key is using dry, non-decaying, combustible waste to produce RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel), a viable substitute for coal in industrial plants. However, hazardous waste like batteries, PVC pipes, electronics, glass, and metal must be excluded to avoid damaging machinery.

One ton of orphan waste can replace one ton of coal. It’s a 1:1 exchange. This method reduces landfill waste while also decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

The project’s collection capacity has grown from 70 tons/year to 150, then 300, and recently hit 800 tons/year. This is more than waste disposal — it’s the restoration of value to what was once deemed worthless. It also proves to the public that their efforts to sort waste can make a tangible difference.

Don’t Give Up — Keep Sorting Your Waste

Achieving sustainable national waste management may seem overwhelming for individuals. But Somporn believes change starts small — with disciplined personal habits. When people are ready, the system will follow.

“Just start by separating wet and dry waste. That alone reduces odor, rot, and makes everything easier to process downstream.”

“The key is to do our part — don’t give up. It’s like making merit: the act of doing good is what matters, not what others do with it afterward.”

Today, the “Orphan Waste on Tour” project continues to thrive thanks to generous supporters from both the public and private sectors. It doesn’t rely on a large budget, but it draws strength from small contributions from citizens across Thailand — united by one goal: a cleaner, more hopeful environment for all.

"Thailand’s sustainable growth depends on a low-carbon economy and resilient climate action — made possible through public participation."