Officials said the initiative focuses on managing waste at its source, with an emphasis on improving sorting and disposal of organic waste. The introduction of the system is intended to reduce the volume of waste entering Phuket’s main disposal stream while minimising long-term environmental impacts.
The Oklin machine is capable of breaking down food waste within 24 hours, converting it into usable by-products such as soil conditioners or organic fertiliser. The process also helps to reduce foul odours, insect infestations and the accumulation of harmful bacteria often associated with untreated food waste.
Environmental benefits highlighted by officials include a reduction in methane emissions ‒ a potent greenhouse gas linked to global warming ‒ as well as a decrease in overall carbon footprint from waste disposal.
Governor Nirat said implementing waste management practices within government offices would serve as a model for wider adoption across communities and the private sector.
“Starting waste management at the source in government agencies is an important step that can be expanded to society as a whole, in line with sustainable development principles,” he said.
According to information provided by Oklin, its food waste composters collectively have the capacity to process more than 16 million kilogrammes of food waste annually, potentially reducing methane emissions by over 4.5mn kg per year and cutting carbon emissions by more than 7.4mn kg of CO₂ equivalent.
The company offers a range of models designed for different scales of operation, from small facilities handling up to 125kg of waste per day to larger systems capable of processing up to 500kg daily. These systems are suitable for use in restaurants, hotels, schools, hospitals and industrial facilities.
Food waste remains a significant global issue, accounting for an estimated 40-60% of total waste generated in households and commercial operations. When disposed of in landfills, such waste decomposes without oxygen, releasing methane gas ‒ which has a far greater warming effect than carbon dioxide.
By contrast, technologies such as Oklin’s use controlled microbial processes to break down food waste safely and efficiently, transforming it into a reusable, soil-like material. This supports the development of a circular economy by turning waste into a resource rather than a burden.
The systems are designed to be user-friendly, requiring minimal maintenance and no separation of liquids, while operating without producing strong odours. The resulting fertiliser can be immediately used in agriculture or landscaping.
The adoption of the technology at Phuket Provincial Hall is expected to reduce waste management costs over time while improving hygiene and environmental outcomes.
Officials described the initiative as another key milestone in Phuket’s efforts to transition towards a sustainable, low-waste society, with plans to expand similar solutions to other sectors in the future.