Chula Collaborates with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and GIZ to Create a Model for Using Reusable Containers under a Deposit-Return System at Events in the Heart of the City 

Whenever events or festivals are organized in Bangkok, such as in public parks or city squares, where vendors serve food and drinks to attendees, a large amount of waste is generated, particularly from food and drink consumption. This contributes to an increase in waste by 15-30% compared to daily waste in the city. According to data from the BKK EXPO 2027 event, disposable items like cups, straws, dome lids, bowls, plates, spoons, forks, and plastic bags make up about 45% of the waste. This kind of waste significantly harms the environment and contradicts the principles of the circular economy.

How can we make these festivals more environmentally friendly? The “Bangkok Central Transformation” event, held on January 18–19, 2025, at the Lumpini Park Entertainment Building, is an example. It not only brought joy to city residents but also helped to promote environmental responsibility. This was done through a trial of reusable containers in a deposit-return system, aiming to reduce disposable container usage and the amount of waste generated at the event. The deposit-return system is a collaboration between the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Chulalongkorn University, and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) under the framework of the Southeast Asia Plastic-Free Initiative (CAP SEA).

The deposit-return system involved offering reusable containers to attendees and encouraging their return by adding a deposit to the price of food and drinks. After consumption, attendees could return the containers at designated points to get their deposit back or continue using the container at another food stall. This time, they would only pay for the food and drinks, not the container.

Over the two days of the event, the following reusable containers were used:

• 1,481 water cups 
• 1,149 bowls and plates 
• 1,950 spoons 
• 550 forks 

These reusable items helped reduce over 8,000 pieces of single-use plastic waste. The initiative received positive feedback from attendees and helped vendors significantly cut costs on disposable items (around 5 baht per set for boxes, spoons, and forks). In addition to the deposit-return system, attendees were encouraged to bring their own containers, such as lunch boxes and water bottles, and refill clean drinking water to further reduce waste from plastic bottles.

Thanks to the event organizers, vendors, and attendees of “Bangkok Central Transformation,” this initiative demonstrated that reducing waste at festivals is achievable. It could serve as a model for future events in both Bangkok and other provinces, setting a standard where we can enjoy festivals while being kind to the environment. 

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