CURRENT SITUATION AND CHALLENGES OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THAILAND: ANALYSIS OF WASTE FLOW DIAGRAM

Solid waste management is an important global issue toward the goal of sustainable development. Theoretically, the most preferable option in the solid waste management hierarchy is prevention, followed by waste minimization, reuse, recycling, recovery; while disposal is considered the least preferable option. Unfortunately, Thailand’s current waste management practices are still mishandled, considering the upstream to downstream waste flow analysis. The municipal solid waste flow diagram visualizes the mishandling of waste from the top of the hierarchy through the bottom processes including resource reduction, household waste segregation, mismanagement during transfer, transportation by both garbage men and middle men (called sa-leng), and disposal limitations. Current practices along with environmental impacts are pointed out, as compared to ideal management goals. Existing challenges, possible and practicable solutions, as well as sustainable future plans for environmentally-friendly solid waste management are addressed and discussed, according to the diagram. A strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT) analysis of suggested solutions related to technical, educational/social, political, and financial aspects are also identified for consideration