In northern Thailand, the dry season often brings piles of fallen leaves and yard waste. For many households, burning the debris remains the cheapest and most convenient way to clear it, though the practice releases smoke and fine particulate matter into the atmosphere, contributing to seasonal air pollution.
Located just east of Chiang Mai city, San Kamphaeng district is known for its blend of rural villages, agricultural land and traditional handicraft communities. Like many areas in northern Thailand, it faces the seasonal challenge of managing large amounts of dried leaves and organic waste during the dry months. The local authorities have introduced a small initiative to encourage alternative ways of managing yard waste. With support from Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF), residents are invited to bring dried leaves to designated collection points and exchange them for eggs, offering a simple incentive to reduce the burning of debris.
Under the “Leaves for Eggs Market” campaign, residents are encouraged to take part by bringing dried leaves collected from their homes and neighborhoods to exchange points, where two kilograms of leaves can be traded for one egg, up to 10 eggs per day. The collected leaves are then fermented and processed into compost, which is later distributed back to the community to improve soil quality. By turning everyday yard waste into a useful resource, the initiative not only discourages open burning but also promotes community participation in transforming organic waste into a valuable by-product for local use.
District chief Kanes Khamnon said the initiative is designed to encourage people not to burn yard debris, a common practice during the dry months.
“This activity helps people see that what was once considered waste can become something valuable,” he said. “People are helping reduce burning and smoke, while also bringing nutritious food back to their households.”
The project, now in its second year, collected 25,000 kilograms of leaves during its first run, according to district officials.
For some residents, the benefits are immediate. Bunyom Chomphukham, a resident of San Kamphaeng, said the project offers the community a practical way to manage accumulated dry leaves, which can become a fire risk. Meanwhile, Nimnuan Chomphukham, who joined the exchange, said the eggs help lower household food expense
Northern Thailand faces recurring air pollution during the dry season, with PM2.5 caused primarily by forest fires. Even so, local officials say reducing small-scale burning in communities can still help improve air quality. Projects that encourage people to stop burning leaf waste can ease local pollution while strengthening community participation in environmental solutions.
Pinyo Romket, Associate Director of Pullet and Commercial Layer Production at CPF, said the project shows how communities can turn local waste into a useful resource while addressing an environmental problem.
“It helps reduce burning, which contributes to PM2.5 pollution, while also providing high-quality protein to families in the area,” he said. “CPF is pleased to support a community initiative that turns local action into tangible environmental and social benefits.”
The exchange is held every Wednesday from March 4 to May 27, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the San Kamphaeng District Office, and is open to residents registered in the district. By linking waste reduction, composting and community support, the campaign highlights how CPF is working with local partners on practical solutions to air pollution and sustainable community development in northern Thailand.
