Solid Waste Management Behavior of Residents in Pa Mai Ngam Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Mueang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province

Abstract

            This research aimed to: 1) study the solid waste management behaviors of the public; 2) compare the solid waste management behaviors of the public based on gender, age, educational level, occupation, and average monthly income; and 3) propose guidelines for improving public solid waste management. The sample group consisted of 320 household heads residing in the Pa Mai Ngam Subdistrict Administrative Organization, determined using Yamane’s formula. Key informants included 15 individuals involved in waste management at both policy and operational levels. These comprised 5 administrators and officials from the Subdistrict Administrative Organization, 4 community leaders, 3 waste management practitioners, and 3 representatives of local residents, selected through purposive sampling. The research instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and interview forms. The statistics used for data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Hypothesis testing was conducted using the t-test and F-test. The research findings were as follows: 1. The overall level of solid waste management behavior among the public in the area of Pa Mai Ngam Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Mueang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province was at a high level ( = 3.67). When considering each aspect, it was found that the aspect with the highest mean score was avoiding materials that are difficult to decompose by acting as role models and promoting health-related behaviors within the community (= 3.81). This was followed by waste reduction (= 3.64). The aspect with the lowest mean score was reuse ( = 3.61). 2. The results of the comparative analysis of solid waste management behavior among the public in the area of Pa Mai Ngam Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Mueang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province, classified by gender, age, educational level, occupation, and average monthly income, revealed that household heads with different genders had significantly different solid waste management behaviors at the 0.05 level of statistical significance. However, household heads with different ages, educational levels, occupations, and average monthly incomes did not show significant differences in their solid waste management behaviors. 3. The guidelines for improving solid waste management among the public in the Pa Mai Ngam Subdistrict Administrative Organization area emphasize public participation in waste reduction and waste separation at the source. They also include promoting knowledge of waste management based on the 3Rs principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), establishing waste banks, and converting organic waste into compost. In addition, support from local administrative organizations is necessary in providing waste bins, improving waste collection systems, and organizing public awareness campaigns in order to ensure effective and sustainable waste management within the community.