Presenter/Author Information

Vilas Nitivattananon
Yuthtapong Wattanalapa

Keywords

local government authorities, municipal solid waste management, private sector participation, program evaluation, sustainability

Start Date

1-7-2010 12:00 AM

Abstract

This paper presents part of the results from a research project aimed atevaluating municipal waste recycling programs, supported by Thailand Institute ofPackaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Environment in collaboration withother recycling program partners in Thailand. The study applied sustainable municipalsolid waste (MSW) management approach and program evaluation concepts. Theevaluation design includes two main levels. At country level, a survey using aquestionnaire was carried out to investigate perceptions on factors influencing success ofrepresentative samples including community recyclable banks (CRBs) and schoolrecyclable banks (SRBs). A waste stream analysis at city level was conducted to examinethe composition of waste at different selected urban centres. The results show that factorssignificantly influencing the performance of recycling programs are related to perceptionsof source separation, facing inconsistent price problem, lack of skilled operators andfinancial support. The results of waste stream analysis reflect significant changes in wasteproportion of some recyclables. The findings reveal key points, particular trends and statusof each recycling program and each type of recyclable materials to the decision makerswho are responsible to set sustainable MSW strategies and plans.

COinS
 
Jul 1st, 12:00 AM

Evaluation as a Tool to Support Decision Making in Municipal Waste Recycling System for Thailand Sustainable Environment

This paper presents part of the results from a research project aimed atevaluating municipal waste recycling programs, supported by Thailand Institute ofPackaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Environment in collaboration withother recycling program partners in Thailand. The study applied sustainable municipalsolid waste (MSW) management approach and program evaluation concepts. Theevaluation design includes two main levels. At country level, a survey using aquestionnaire was carried out to investigate perceptions on factors influencing success ofrepresentative samples including community recyclable banks (CRBs) and schoolrecyclable banks (SRBs). A waste stream analysis at city level was conducted to examinethe composition of waste at different selected urban centres. The results show that factorssignificantly influencing the performance of recycling programs are related to perceptionsof source separation, facing inconsistent price problem, lack of skilled operators andfinancial support. The results of waste stream analysis reflect significant changes in wasteproportion of some recyclables. The findings reveal key points, particular trends and statusof each recycling program and each type of recyclable materials to the decision makerswho are responsible to set sustainable MSW strategies and plans.