A Study of Successful Solid Waste Management of Model Communities; a Case Study of the Winner Award Communities for the Zero Waste Projects in Phitsanulok Municipality

Abstract

The aims of this qualitative research were to describe patterns and methods for
solid waste management of Chanvejchakij and Sasonghong communities and to find the
factors contributed to the successful waste management of model communities in order to
present sustainable community. Two winner award communities for the zero waste projects
in Phitsanulok municipality from Department of Environmental Quality Promotion were
studied. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews from community presidents,
community leaders, representative of municipality, representatives of village health volunteers,
the traders and community’ members. A total of 16 people consisted of 9 people of
Chanvejchakij and 6 people of Sasonghong and a municipality. Data were analyzed using
content analysis.
The study found that the patterns and methods for waste management of two
communities were similar. The processes started from waste sorting, 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse,
Recycle) and public participation integration. The key success factors for management were
the public participation, an effective community leader and financial support from Phitsanulok
municipality. However, it had been found that the community participation of Sasonghong
had declined. Therefore, the sustainable solid waste management was suggested by giving
the opportunity for people participation in all processes including decision making, management,
outcome benefit and evaluation. Therefore, anyone interested could be applied to increase
the efficiency solid waste management in the other areas in the future.