The failure of a private contractor to do its job has led to the creation of an immense and smelly garbage mountain that the Koh Tao tambon municipality can no longer handle. “The waste incinerator broke down in 2013 and has yet to be fully repaired, it said. At the same time, SEM-BQ, the waste management contractor, has failed to dispose of the garbage by the amount required in the contract. The municipality did not renew the contract with the company when it expired on Aug 15.”