THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LEGAL MEASURES FOR EFFECTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MUEANG DISTRICT, PHITSANULOK PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article has two objectives: 1) to study the implementation of waste management in Muang District, Phitsanulok Province, and 2) to analyze the effectiveness and suggest improvements to the legal measures related to waste management in Muang District, Phitsanulok Province. The research is a mixed-methods study based on environmental management and environmental law frameworks. The sample group consists of 399 residents of Muang District, Phitsanulok, selected using convenience sampling, and five legal academics from Phitsanulok University and Phibunsongkhram Rajabhat University, selected using purposive sampling. The data collection tools include a questionnaire for studying waste management issues in the area and interviews to study the effectiveness and improvement of legal measures. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and content analysis. The results of the study show that the overall waste management in Muang District, Phitsanulok, is at a high level, with recycling efforts having the highest average score. However, waste reduction and reuse efforts are at a moderate level. The enforcement of laws and penalties is highly effective. However, public participation remains at a moderate level. The recommendations suggest that to enhance waste management, efforts should focus on increasing public participation through campaigns, raising awareness, and offering incentives. Additionally, modern technologies should be used to efficiently recycle waste to reduce the waste volume sustainably. The knowledge from this research can be applied to develop appropriate waste management measures in other communities, promoting cooperation between the government and the public to reduce environmental impacts in the long term.