Community Mapping and Theory of Planned Behavior as Study Tools for Solid Waste Management

Chainarong Apinhapath

doi:10.1155/2014/934372

Abstract

Many cities have encountered problems with uncollected solid waste. Separate disposal of recyclable waste is viewed as the most effective procedure in waste management. However, this requires the cooperation of the people in the community. Community mapping is the most effective tool for understanding a community but it does not address possible ways to change people’s behavior. The Theory of Planned Behavior was the basis for this study of recycling behavior as it offers methods for changing people’s habits. However, the theory does not provide guidance on how to facilitate the use of recycling bins in the community. Many recycling projects have been unsuccessfully implemented due to the fact that most people do not want waste bins placed near their houses. Therefore, both of these effective tools were combined in this study, which propose an effective implementation method for community solid waste management.

Highlights

Municipal solid waste management has become a challenging environmental problem
We found subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitudes to be associated with the intention to dispose of recyclable waste into separate waste bins
There were no specific separate waste bins, there is space to place them in the community

Summary

Introduction

Municipal solid waste management has become a challenging environmental problem. Many cities in both urban and rural areas have encountered problems with disposal and treatment facilities that are inadequate to deal with the significant volume of solid waste. In Thailand, it is estimated that around 24.73 million tons of municipal solid waste was generated in the year 2012. More than half of the waste (13.62 m tons or 55.08%) was untreated or incorrectly treated [1]. It is very expensive to improve disposal and treatment facilities [2]. The budgets for municipal solid waste management are insufficient to provide disposal facilities. New treatment plants, both sanitary landfills and incineration, have been banned in many municipalities

Methods

Results

Conclusion