Problems on Solar Cells Equipment Waste Management in Thailand

Abstract

          This academic paper aims to analyze the management of end-of-life and unused solar cells equipment in Thailand which has accumulated nearly expired amount up to about 6.2-7.9 hundred thousand tons. It was a study of entire life cycle of solar cells products with various measures both regulatory and legal, Corporate Social Responsibility as well as to apply the concept of Reverse Logistics to support the management for sustainable development in economic, social and environmental aspects.

           The results of the analysis revealed that the life cycle of the solar cells products is consistent with the concept of Reverse Logistics, from the extraction of raw materials, processing, transportation, installation, useability, repair, reuse, demolition, recycling, recovery, treatment and disposal. In the regulatory and legal measures aspect, it was found that Thailand has not yet had law to manage the waste products, but the corporate social responsibility is carried out voluntarily but some still have inappropriate measures. Recycling plants lack modern technology to recycle valuable resources. Some wastes are littered with general waste and not in appropriate time. With the increased amount, disposal landfill alone is not effective enough. It is not linked to the sustainable development goals in economic, social and environmental aspects as the of product wastes that have passed the reverse logistics process will transform into valuable materials such as gold, iron, copper, and aluminum. This can generate income, create jobs and reduce social problems. The remaining debris would be treated and disposed by burning in a cement kiln with high temperatures. They must be buried safely to reduce the environmental and ecosystem impacts. However, there are limitations in terms of the area and quantity of standard landfills.