Legal Measures for Setting Fees in the Community Management of Electronic Waste and Equipment

Abstract

The management of electronic waste (e-waste) and electronic equipment in communities is a statutory duty assigned to local administrative organizations under the Public Health Act B.E. 2535 (1992) and related legislation. However, the current fee collection system faces several limitations, including rates lower than the actual management costs, the absence of standardized national criteria, and the lack of clear monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. This study aims to analyze the legal measures governing fee determination for e-waste management in Thailand, compare them with systems in other countries, and propose suitable and sustainable improvements. The findings reveal that Thailand does not have a clear Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, resulting in the financial burden falling on local authorities and the public. The prescribed fee rates do not reflect actual costs, there is a lack of effective enforcement measures and penalties, and no comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system is in place. In contrast, jurisdictions such as the European Union, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Republic of China (Taiwan) have adopted EPR principles alongside the establishment of centralized management organizations, integrated tracking systems, and fee structures based on the type and quantity of e-waste, which collectively enhance the sustainability of waste management systems. Therefore, it is recommended that Thailand revise its legal framework to mandate producer responsibility for e-waste management costs, establish an effective monitoring and evaluation system, set fee rates that reflect actual costs with periodic adjustments, develop recycling infrastructure, promote multi-sector collaboration, and create economic incentives to ensure a sustainable e-waste management system that aligns with international standards.