Community Learning Process: A Model of Solid Waste Reduction and Separation

• Main Author: Jittree Pothimamaka
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thai Society of Higher Eduction Institutes on Environment 2008-07-01
• Series: EnvironmentAsia
• Subjects: community learning; community strength; community model; solid waste/waste separation; solid waste/waste reduction
• Online Access: http://www.tshe.org/ea/pdf/vol1%20no2%20p43-48.pdf

The main purpose of this research was to study and develop an appropriate model of waste reduction and separation in the community under the community learning process. This is a research and development (R&D) study with mixed methodology consisting of four steps. Step One: Research was conducted to obtain information on solid waste disposal in Bang Sue District, Bangkok Metropolis, Thailand, employing group discussions with community members and data collection from the field. Step Two: The activities for development of the model consisted of group discussions, workshops, and development of a test of knowledge and behaviors concerning solid waste disposal using the 1A3R practice concept. Step Three : Experimentation with the model consisting of pre testing and post testing of knowledge and behaviors concerning solid waste disposal ; door to door imparting of appropriate knowledge and behaviors concerning solid waste disposal ; and collecting of data on the rate and amount of generated waste, and waste separation. Step Four: Evaluation of the developed model consisting of assessments based on physical indicators of the waste, opinions of experts, and impacts on participating communities. The findings revealed that (1) the post experiment knowledge and behavior mean scores of community members in the sample significantly increased over their pre experiment counterparts; and (2) the rate of waste generation decreased while waste separation increased. The proposed model of solid waste reduction and separation was accepted, and has four main components:(1) Community Practice: solid waste should be separated in the household into three types: food waste, marketable waste and non marketable waste must be clearly separated from household waste.(2) Knowledge sharing: door to door imparting of knowledge and behaviors on solid waste reduction and separation based on the 1A3R practice concept should be promoted.(3) Community mastery: the community organization must be strengthened by employing active leaders and community members who follow the regulations of waste separation.(4) Team sharing: the district office or other local agencies should determine the purchasing points with clear purchasing location and time. Regarding recommendation of the study, a continuous implementation plan for household waste management is needed to ensure that the community has a sustainable waste separation activity through community building.