Waste Management of Sub-district Administrative Organizations in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

Background and Aims: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province is characterized by its unique economic, social, and environmental landscapes. As a central hub for multi-dimensional economic activities, the province encompasses a robust industrial sector with numerous large-scale industrial estates, a vital agricultural sector that remains the backbone of rural communities, and a thriving historical and cultural tourism sector that attracts both domestic and international visitors. This diversity of activities directly influences the structure and volume of solid waste in the area. Effective waste management in Ayutthaya requires "systemic planning" that integrates budgetary factors, personnel, legislation, and community participation. Such planning aims to reduce accumulated waste, enhance the quality of life, and maintain the province’s image as an international tourist destination. Furthermore, it seeks to generate supplementary income for residents through proper waste sorting and processing. The primary challenge lies not only in the sheer volume of waste but also in the "diversity of waste types" and the "inadequacy of management tools" at the local level. Although Sub-district Administrative Organizations (SAOs) are legally mandated to manage waste according to the 3Rs principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), success remains elusive due to constraints in budget, technology, and a lack of source-level waste separation by the public. Consequently, this research aims to: 1. Examine the current state of waste management of Sub-district Administrative Organizations in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province; 2. Identify factors affecting the waste management of Sub-district Administrative Organizations within the study area; and 3. Analyze the waste management practices of Sub-district Administrative Organizations in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.

Methodology: Qualitative Research: Data was collected through interviews with 15 participants from Sub-district Administrative Organizations (SAO) in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. This group consisted of policymakers, policy implementers, and relevant stakeholders. Quantitative Research: The researcher employed quota sampling based on purposive area boundaries. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane formula with a 5% margin of error, resulting in a total of 400 respondents. This sample included SAO officials responsible for waste management, representatives from the private sector (business owners and merchants), and local citizens who are stakeholders.

Results: 1) Analysis of General Demographic Data of the Research Sample. The results revealed that the majority of the sample consisted of officials from other government agencies, accounting for the highest proportion at 26%. Conversely, public health officials represented the smallest group at 6.5%. 2) Analysis of Waste Management Conditions of Sub-district Administrative Organizations (SAOs) in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province 2.1) Analysis of opinion levels regarding waste management principles: The findings showed that the sample prioritized these principles at the highest level. 2.2) Analysis of the current state of waste management operations: The results indicated that the sample rated the implementation at the highest level. 3) Analysis of Factors Affecting Waste Management of Sub-district Administrative Organizations in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The analysis found that the sample gave these factors the highest level of importance. 4) Analysis of Overall Waste Management of Sub-district Administrative Organizations in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. The findings indicated that the sample rated the overall waste management at a high level.

Conclusion: Environmental education and public participation are crucial tools for achieving sustainable waste management, emphasizing the role of collaboration between the public sector and the general public. This cooperation can create sustainability in waste management more effectively than organizations operating alone. Public participation, from waste separation and waste reduction processes to supporting environmental activities, helps foster a shared sense of awareness and responsibility within the community.