Participatory Solid Waste Management Using Technology and Learning Approaches to Promote a Circular Economy in Kanchanaburi Municipality, Thailand
Keywords:
Solid Waste Management, Kanchanaburi Municipality, Community Participation, Circular EconomyAbstract
This research aimed to: (1) examine the municipal solid waste management situation in Kanchanaburi Municipality; (2) develop a mobile application to support solid waste management for households within Kanchanaburi Municipality; and (3) investigate the potential for community-level value creation from municipal solid waste. A mixed-methods research design was employed, including data collection through questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and participatory workshops. The findings revealed that most residents demonstrated positive attitudes toward waste management and awareness of waste-related problems; however, concrete community participation remained limited. The integration of technology and learning activities was found to enhance understanding and promote appropriate waste separation behaviors suited to an urban community context. The researchers developed a waste management application designed to meet user needs, incorporating key functions such as waste collection day notifications, waste classification information, and learning promotion activities. The evaluation results based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and user satisfaction indicated the highest level of acceptance and satisfaction. In addition, the research team developed value-added waste innovation initiatives, all of which were evaluated as suitable for urban communities facing spatial limitations and seeking environmentally friendly waste management solutions. Project participants were able to practically apply the acquired knowledge, disseminate it within the community, and generate income, with overall outcomes rated at a high level.
References
Davis, F. D. (1989). Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology. MIS Quarterly, 13(3), 319–340.
Department of Local Administration. (2007). Environmental management standards. Bangkok: Department of Local Administration, Ministry of Interior. (In Thai)
Duangmusik, N., Piyaweero, P. E., & Chamnanputtiporn, S. (2023). Solid waste management of Bang Chana Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province. Journal of Public and Private Management, 5(3), 18-29.
Geissdoerfer, M., Savaget, P., Bocken, N. M. P., & Hultink, E. J. (2017). The circular economy – A new sustainability paradigm?. Journal of Cleaner Production, 143, 757–768.
Hoornweg, D., & Bhada-Tata, P. (2012). What a waste: A global review of solid waste management. World Bank.
Kallayanamit, P., & Ngamlamom, W. (2018). Guidelines for municipal solid waste management development of local administrative organizations. Praewa Kalasin Academic Journal, Kalasin University, 5(1), 172–193.
Kanchanaburi Municipality. (2023). Details regarding waste disposal management items for the fiscal year 2023. Kanchanaburi: Kanchanaburi Municipality. (In Thai)
Konla, K. (2019). Municipal solid waste management: A case study of Narathiwat Municipality, Mueang District, Narathiwat Province. Ramkhamhaeng Journal of Public Administration, 2(3), 84–112.
Khwansuwan, W., & Wattanakit, S. (2020). Value creation for waste materials towards decorative and fashion products: Khao Rup Chang Municipality Model Community (Master's thesis). Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.
Kisner, M.K., Mazza, M.J., & Liggett, D.R. (1997). Building Partnerships. New Directions for Community Colleges, 1997(97), 23-28.
Noppol, I., Khiaoluea, T., & Wongwattanapong, K. (2022). Sustainable participatory municipal solid waste management process of communities. Journal of Academic and Social Science Research, 7(11), 480–493.
Pollution Control Department. (2009). Preliminary guidelines and requirements for waste reduction and utilization (3rd ed.). Bangkok: Hiz. (In Thai)
Promsen, W., Khamjainak, P., & Maeban, A. (2021). Waste management by public participation process in Patan Nakrua Municipality, Mae Tha District, Lampang Province. Lampang Rajabhat University Journal, 10(2), 104-114.
Puangprasert, P., et al. (2020). Community participation in municipal solid waste management: A case study of Ladsawai Municipality, Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani Province (Independent study, Master of Political Science in Interdisciplinary Studies for Local Development). Ramkhamhaeng University. (In Thai)
Sriwongsa, Y. (2021). A model of value added creation from waste with participation of Yaycha Community, Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom Province (Research Report). Faculty of Architecture, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya. (In Thai)
Sriwongsa, Y. (2021). Value creation from waste through community participation: A case study of a sub-district municipality in Chiang Mai province. Journal of Community Management and Development, 9(1), 15–29.
Srisombat, S., On-nom, A., & Thongthae, S. (2019). Factors affecting household solid waste management behaviors in urban communities. Thai Environmental Journal, 35(1), 45–60.
Yamane T. (1973). Statistics: An Introductory Analysis (3rd ed.). New York: Harper and Row Publications.
Yusof, N., Rahman, N., & Awang, H. (2020). Community participation in solid waste management: Case study of selected communities in Malaysia. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 22(6), 4821–4837.
Zhang, D., Huang, G., Xu, Y., & Gong, Q. (2021). Promoting household waste sorting in China: The role of environmental education, knowledge, and incentives. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 168, 105262.
