The Process of Public Participation in Waste Management by Pa Phai Subdistrict Municipality, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) examine the process of public participation in waste management by a local administrative organization, using Pa Phai Subdistrict Municipality, San Sai District, Chiang Mai Province, as a case study; 2) draw lessons and develop recommendations from residents participating in local waste management to improve the efficiency of the Municipality’s waste management process; and 3) encourage Pa Phai Subdistrict Municipality to develop a plan for supporting and strengthening public participation in waste management.

This study employed a qualitative research design involving 48 key informants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, focus group discussions, and a public forum at which subdistrict-level waste management information was presented to members of the Pa Phai Subdistrict Municipal Council. The information was intended to support the preparation of relevant plans and municipal budget ordinances.

The findings revealed that: 1) the public participation process involved organizing community meetings to gather opinions concerning municipal waste collection problems, seeking community cooperation in waste separation, providing training to improve residents’ knowledge of waste management and the circular economy, and promoting environmentally friendly products such as reusable cloth bags; 2) lessons and recommendations obtained from participating residents showed that the public and local communities played an important role in raising awareness of waste problems and their environmental effects. Community members learned to separate and appropriately manage organic, recyclable, general, and hazardous waste and established volunteer groups for waste collection; and 3) Pa Phai Subdistrict Municipality developed a plan to support and strengthen public participation in waste management. The Municipality established clear waste management guidelines and designed practical systems for waste separation and disposal. These actions reduced the volume of waste in the community through improved waste management policies and increased public participation.