Bangkok: The Subcommittee on Water Management has expressed confidence that the new draft of the Product Waste Management Act, also known as the WEEE Act, will provide a systematic and sustainable solution to the issue of electronic waste plaguing the city. The act focuses on the principle that producers, rather than the government, should bear the responsibility for waste management.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Paiboon Na Butjom, Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Water Management, Pollution and Environment, has taken a keen interest in the proposed legislation after receiving insights from the Pollution Control Department and various agencies. The draft Act on Management of Waste Electrical Appliances and Electronic Equipment, known as the Draft WEEE Act, aims to address these concerns.

At the heart of the draft WEEE Act is the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principle, which mandates that manufacturers and importers take responsibility for their products from inception to disposal. This includes designing products for easy recycling, collecting waste from consumers, and ensuring proper disposal or recycling in line with Circular Economy principles.

The Subcommittee believes that it is high time for Thailand to implement robust legislation to tackle the e-waste problem. The draft WEEE Act is expected to close existing gaps, especially by enforcing the EPR principle. This enforcement will require manufacturers to be more accountable, with penalties such as a 1 million baht fine for non-compliance, thereby aiding in waste reduction and promoting recycling.

The Pollution Control Department has already submitted the draft WEEE Act to the Cabinet Secretariat on January 27, 2025. The proposal is currently under consideration, and there is a push for its swift enactment. If implemented, this law would mark a significant advancement in Thailand’s efforts to manage electronic waste in a more organized and sustainable manner.