An Innovative Method for Upcycling Leaf Waste from Green Areas in Bangkok's Government Agencies

The rapid growth of urban green spaces in Bangkok’s government agencies generates substantial amounts of organic leaf waste, which imposes significant financial burdens and environmental challenges when managed through conventional disposal methods. This study quantifies leaf waste generation in three government agencies and evaluates its potential valorization into composite panels as a sustainable alternative to plywood. Over a 30-day period, daily leaf waste generation ranged from 86.50 to 172.33 kg, highlighting a consistent biomass stream with high potential for reuse. Composite panels were fabricated by combining leaf waste with a urea-formaldehyde adhesive and a paraffin emulsion and then hot-pressed into 30 × 30 × 3 cm sheets. Mechanical testing revealed an average tensile strength of 0.063 MPa and a compressive strength of 5.45 MPa, values that are below the Thai Industrial Standard (TIS 966-2547) for Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF) requirements for structural applications but are acceptable for lightweight, non-load bearing uses, such as interior decoration and furniture components. The findings underscore the dual benefits of this approach: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill dependency while lowering waste management costs. By integrating circular economy principles, this research demonstrates the feasibility of upcycling leaf waste into innovative products, providing both environmental and socio-economic value.