GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT BASED ON THE 5RS PRINCIPLE IN NONG PLA MO SUBDISTRICT, BAN PONG DISTRICT, RATCHABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

This mixed-method research aimed to 1) study the level of public participation in solid waste management, 2) compare opinions on public participation in solid waste management classified by personal characteristics, 3) study how solid waste management based on the 5Rs principle affects public participation in solid waste management, and 4) propose guidelines for public participation in solid waste management based on the 5Rs principle. The sample consisted of 400 people living in Nong Pla Mo Subdistrict and 9 key informants. Data were analyzed using percentages, means, standard deviations, one-way variance, multiple regression, and content analysis. The results of the study found that 1) public participation in solid waste management was at a high level. 2) Personal characteristics, including gender, age, marital status, education level, occupation, income, and number of family members, had no different opinions on public participation in solid waste management. 3) Solid waste management based on the 5Rs principle in terms of repair, waste reduction, and recycling had a causal relationship with public participation in solid waste management. At the significance level of 0.001 and 0.01 respectively, and 4) the guidelines for public participation in solid waste management according to the 5Rs principles, it was found that meetings and activities to provide knowledge on waste management should be organized, waste collection centers and waste sorting should be established, and there should be regular monitoring of the results of operations.