GUIDELINE FOR CIRCULAR ECONOMY–BASED MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT TOWARD A LOW-CARBON SOCIETY: A CASE STUDY OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS, SAKON NAKHON PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aims to: 1) Examine municipal solid waste management models implemented by local administrative organizations (LAOs) in Sakon Nakhon Province under the Circular Economy (CE) concept; 2) Investigate stakeholders’ understanding and attitudes toward CE-based municipal solid waste management; and 3) Explore strategies for advancing CE-oriented municipal solid waste management toward the development of a low-carbon city. The study employed a mixed methods research approach, utilizing document review, questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The findings indicate that LAOs have applied CE principles across the municipal solid waste management chain, including upstream, midstream, and downstream processes, primarily at a fundamental CE practice, particularly reduce, reuse, recycle, and recovery. However, implementation varies significantly between large and small LAOs, reflecting differences in institutional capacity. Although LAOs demonstrate high levels of awareness and positive attitudes toward CE, such readiness has not yet been effectively translated into systematic and practical implementation at the local level. Key constraints include policy discontinuity, inadequate enforcement of local regulations, limited financial capacity, and insufficient technological accessibility. As a result, existing waste management practices predominantly prioritize source reduction measures rather than adopting integrated circular economy approaches that are systematically aligned with greenhouse gas mitigation objectives. The study proposes key policy implications, including strengthening policy mechanisms and local ordinances, aligning waste management strategies with greenhouse gas reduction targets under the NDC and Net Zero frameworks, developing data systems and CE performance indicators, promoting collaboration among public, private, and community sectors, and enhancing the capacity of LAOs. These measures are essential to support sustained implementation at the local level and facilitate the transition toward a sustainable low-carbon city.