IMPROVING MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT THROUGH RECYCLING IN URBAN SETTLEMENTS OF THAILAND

Abstract

This study takes a holistic decision-making approach to identify an optimal process to promote MSW separation and diversion of recyclables into tailored MSW recycling system. The study was conducted in three scale settlements as case studies including Greater Phang Khon Area (PS), peri-urban settlements; Muang Hua Hin Municipality (US), a moderately urbanized settlement; and Bangkok (MS), a fully urbanized settlement. MSW characterizations at PS and MS were conducted to identify recycling potentials of MSW. Face-to-Face questionnaire surveys were collected (n=1064) on study sites to gauge willingness to pay (WTP) for improving MSW management, socio-economic and recycling attitude factors. The study found that MSW compositions between PS, US, and MS were similar except on the percentage of plastic and paper. WTP analysis indicated that means monthly WTP (0.73 USD, PS; 1.96 USD, US; and 1.65 USD, MS) were higher than the MSW fees currently charged by their municipalities (partially subsidized) but also lower than the full cost of MSW management. The study of recycling behavior of participants benchmarked the baseline condition of “Do-nothing” approach (DNO) to one the following recycling alternatives: itinerant recyclable buying (IRB); recycling center buying (RCB); donation to charity (DOC). The study found that socio-economic factors do not influence the decision to recycle except for education and the numbers of family member factors. Recycling attitudes instead exhibited a strong discriminating ability from one alternative to another. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to identify optimal MSW recycling choice and inputs from previous findings of WTP, MSW characteristic, willingness to recycle. The study concluded that the IRB is the best alternative and is recommended for the tailored recycling alternative to improve waste management in all types of urban settlement.