Varying estimates of the job creation potential inherent in recycling
exist. Despite these varying estimates, it is clear that of all
waste management options, bulk disposal in landfills and incineration
sustain the fewest jobs. For example, according to Macdonald
(1998) citing the Worldwatch Institute report ‘‘for every 150,000
tons of waste, recycling creates nine jobs, incinerating creates
two, and landfilling just one”. However, according to the US Environmental
Protection Agency (2002), incinerating 10,000 tons of
waste creates one job, landfilling 10,000 tons of waste creates six
jobs and recycling 10,000 tons of waste creates 36 jobs. By applying
these assumptions to Thailand, based on the estimated annual
construction waste generated, it was calculated that between 70