Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has partnered with Danish technology company cBrain to use artificial intelligence in verifying waste separation images submitted via the BKK WASTE PAY application as part of the city’s “Separate Waste to Reduce Fees” programme.
The collaboration was discussed at a meeting on Thursday 24 July 2025, chaired by Pornprom Viggitset, Advisor to the Governor of Bangkok and Executive on Sustainability. According to BMA, the AI system will analyse images of four waste categories – organic, recyclable, general and hazardous waste – submitted by residents through the app.
“The integration of AI aims to improve the accuracy and speed of waste separation checks, as well as link residents’ location data with waste collection routes,” says BMA.
“It will also connect GPS data from garbage trucks to inform the public about their operations in real time, enhancing overall waste management efficiency.”
The initiative follows a BMA delegation visit to Copenhagen from 16–19 June 2025, where Bangkok officials explored circular economy solutions, sustainable urban development and digital government transitions. During the visit, discussions were held with cBrain, which has previously partnered with Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to develop prototype producer registration databases and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) data systems.
The 24 July meeting was attended by Waranuch Suaykakhaw, Deputy Director of the Department of Environment; Charupong Phengklieng, Director of Urban Planning and Promotion Division, International Affairs Office; along with executives, officials and staff of the Department of Environment. cBrain representatives joined the meeting online.
