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- Introduction of ANMC21 Training Programs
(2) Promotion of Environmentally Sound Waste Management and Resource Recycling (Implementation Report)
| In this training session, technology and systems for recycling and waste management in Tokyo will be introduced, and an exchange of information will be held on the current conditions, issues, experiences, etc. of each city. This session marks the sixth training installment. Two technicians from Bangkok, where current goals include optimization of waste collection and waste minimization, learned in about waste management, such as waste policies, recycling technology, and other subjects related to Tokyo.
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On the first day of the site tour, in order to gain understanding of Tokyo's 3R policy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), participants visited the Toshima ward garbage collection site. Because waste separation by type is not so common among Bangkok citizens and garbage collection work is a lengthy process in the city, trainees from Bangkok were considerably surprised to see Tokyo's neatly waste separation at sources and citizens occasionally assisting in waste collection. The trainees posed a number of practical questions, such as whether there is a charge for garbage bags and treatment, or why citizens are so eager to lend a hand.
For bulky waste, trainees visited a bulky waste relay station operated by a private company, as well as a recycling center that repair and sell bulky waste, learning about how the local government and private companies work together in their own ways to reduce waste.
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On the second day of the site tour, trainees visited the Central Breakwater Landfill Site, and after discussing issues and management of the seaside landfill, visited the Super Eco-Town project that was launched in 2002. In this seaside area of Tokyo's city land where private businesses manage waste treatment and recycling facilities, participants were able to view two food waste recycling facilities. One converts food waste into electricity and the other convert into animal feed, respectively. As treatment of food waste is an issue of concern in Bangkok, the trainees eagerly asked questions about collection methods and costs, the microbes used in fermentation, and other subjects, with some expressing their amazement at the previously unheard of concept of converting food waste into energy.
The final event was an open lecture held by Professor Masaru Tanaka of Tottori University of Environmental Studies, "Strategic Waste Management in Developing Countries," which encouraged discussion with the participating city staff members, and ended the session on a lively note.
Having completed the training, one participant remarked hopefully, "I'm impressed with the technology for reducing the residues that are placed in landfills, and would like to see them implemented in Bangkok in the near future. I feel very fortunate to be able to see so many high-tech methods for reducing waste during the training."
Despite the training period lasting just 5 days, enthusiastic discussions between the participants were exchanged constantly, and a wide range of opinions regarding each country's waste management conditions was exchanged, making for a rewarding session for all. Next time we hope to welcome more participants, and carry out a significant exchange of information regarding recycling of natural resources, a subject which has gained attention in Asian countries.
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