You often see agricultural practices in the field, but have you ever wondered what happens to agricultural chemical containers after they are used? A recent survey of 89 farmers and agricultural workers in the Central and Northeastern regions of Thailand found that 39% dispose of used agricultural chemical containers by burying them, while another 39% sell them to recycling dealers. Meanwhile, 8% leave the containers in the fields immediately after use. Only 3% dispose of them in hazardous waste bins, and 5% discard them with general municipal waste.
While these practices are common and may appear convenient, in reality, agricultural chemical containers cannot be safely recycled or resold due to residual chemical contamination, which poses risks to both the environment and community health. Proper handling should begin with triple rinsing the containers, followed by puncturing or destroying them to prevent reuse. The containers should then be sent to authorised hazardous waste management systems to ensure they are disposed of safely and correctly.
To better understand waste management practices in the area, Fairagora Asia, in collaboration with Khon Kaen Sugar Industry Public Company Limited (KSL Group), Nam Phong Branch, held discussions with Nam Phong Subdistrict Municipality and Lam Nam Phong Subdistrict Municipality. The discussions focused on raising awareness, addressing structural challenges through systematic approaches, and strengthening collaboration among all stakeholders to establish designated disposal sites for used agricultural chemical containers and ensure their proper management. This collaboration aims to improve safety for farmers and local communities, while supporting the management of agricultural chemical packaging in line with international standards and relevant practices in Thailand, ensuring that the disposal, handling, and treatment of agricultural chemical waste are carried out correctly and safely.
During the field visit, Fairagora Asia team also observed how used chemical containers and other hazardous waste were being stored at the KSL Factory, Nam Phong Branch — a facility recognized for its systematic approach to chemical containers management. Used packaging is dispatched for disposal through companies duly licensed by the Department of Industrial Works, in full compliance with Thai industrial standards. The team further visited a community waste collection point to understand better how different types of waste move through the local collection and disposal system. These observations highlight that residents’ waste disposal behavior is often influenced by convenience and access to waste collection services, and that improper disposal practices still occur.
Although used chemical containers may seem like only a small part of agricultural operations, they play an important role in protecting both environmental and community safety. Conversations and field visits such as these help us better understand the realities on the ground and provide an important starting point for identifying more appropriate and sustainable waste management solutions for the future.
