Public participation in solid waste management of municipalities in an urban area : case study of Nonthaburi municipality, Nonthaburi province, Thailand.
Abstract:
The purpose of this survey research was to examine the public participation in
solid waste management as a whole and to investigate the factors influencing the public
participation in solid waste management in the municipality of Nonthaburi, Thailand.
The sample included 307 household representatives aged 20 years or older, residing in
the community that undertook the activity of sorting out the solid waste under the waste
reduction project of Nonthaburi municipality in the FY 2005 for a minimum 1-year
period. The data was collected by using mailed questionnaires, and the collection was
conducted during 1st - 15th December, 2008. The statistic means used included frequency,
percentage, mean, standard deviation, mean comparison, One Way Analysis of Variance,
and multiple regression analysis.
The results have shown that public participation in waste management was
rated moderately (0.71 ± 0.429) in respect of all areas. Regarding income factors, public
participation in problem examination and corrective action were rated moderately, 0.75 ±
0.523 and 1.03 ± 0.541, respectively, while planning (0.64 ± 0.533), benefit gain (0.64 ±
0.494), and follow-up and assessment (0.541 ± 0.511) were rated relatively low. Overall,
the factors related to public participation were educational level, social status, knowledge,
and information perception at a statistically significant interval (p<0.05). Clearly,
information perception was 24.1% predictive of public participation at a statistically
significant interval (p<0.05).
For further study, it is suggested that public relations activity should be
conducted to provide people with knowledge of participation in solid waste management.
To do this, various media can be used to gain access to the community expediently. In
addition, activity planning should be done consistently with prospective groups, with the
aim that people shall better realize the importance of and participation in waste
management in their locality.