Abstract:
This independent study aims at discerning patterns and success factors behind the community-based waste management in Moo 3 Baan Wang Khong, Thuemtong Sub-district, Muang District, Nan Province. The framework was adapted from the Department of Environmental Quality Enhancements Zero Waste criteria.
The study finds that successful waste management began at home. The village encouraged households to participate by instilling understanding about source separation and 3Rs through trainings and other communication channels. The implementation also followed the Sufficiency Economy principles. The community operated a recyclable bank and recyclable markets.
Key success factors can be divided into internal and external factors. Internal factors included leadership and a strong committee, participation and supports from other groups in the community like elders, school students, housewives, health volunteers and religious groups, and public awareness on the importance of source separation. External factors that assisted the community were supports from Thuemtong Tambon administrative organization, private waste dealers such as Wongpanit and local businesses, local hospital, school, provincial offices, the Department of Environmental Quality Enhancement, and the Thailand Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Management (TIPMSE). These factors enabled the village to successfully participate in Recycling Bank Competition and won the grand prize in 2010.