Household Organic Waste Management: Determinants of Community Health in the Thai Context

Abstract

            Household organic waste management is a critical determinant of community health, particularly in the current Thai context where the volume of household waste continues to escalate. This academic paper aims to analyze community health determinants associated with household-level organic waste management within the Thai social context, utilizing community health and health social science frameworks as analytical foundations. Data were synthesized from a comprehensive review of relevant literature and research since 2020 a period marked by rapid socio-economic transformations in Thailand. These changes, including the rise in ready-to-eat meal consumption and online food delivery services, have significantly contributed to the continuous increase in household organic waste. The analysis reveals that the community health determinants influencing organic waste management behaviors can be categorized into four key dimensions: (1) Socio-cultural factors, such as values, lifestyles, and beliefs regarding cleanliness and the environment; (2) Economic and environmental factors, including household income, waste management expenditures, and the community's physical environment; (3) Policy and institutional factors, such as access to waste collection services, health and environmental campaigns, and the active participation of local government organizations; and (4) Knowledge and health behavior factors, including awareness of the impacts of improper waste management, positive environmental attitudes, and consistency in practice. This review indicates that promoting household organic waste management behaviors requires an integrated approach involving the state, the community, and individual households. Emphasis should be placed on fostering health behaviors that align with socio-cultural contexts and developing local support mechanisms to drive sustainable waste management systems. Such efforts are essential for achieving effective and long-term community health development.