Management at Source in Community, Wapipathum District, Mahasarakham Province

Abstract

Objective : To study the situation of garbage and waste management in the community  of  Wapipathum  District,  Mahasarakham Province    

Methods : This study was an action research phase I. The study area was a rural community in the Wapipathum District, Mahasarakham Province. There were 62 participants in the research including 30 household representatives in each village and 32 stakeholders. The garbage situation was collected by using qualitative questionnaires through group discussion and observation of participation. Data were analyzed by frequency, percentage, and content analysis.

Results : 1) Household waste that must be disposed of per day domain, it was found that most of the garbage was caused by daily living including waste food, plastic, glass bottles, foam box and paper. In addition, trash found from agricultural occupations including leaves, branch, bottle and pesticide box. 2) Waste management in the community domain, it was found that most of the methods used by the garbage disposal on the floor and then burned. Minimal is the separation of waste before disposing.  In addition, most do not understand how to properly handle waste at the source. 3) The impact of inappropriate waste management domain, it was found that the majority of respiratory health effects included cough, nasal congestion, and dizzy head of smoke exposure from burning garbage. In addition, the environmental impact included scattered debris and dog litter. There were insects and vectors, garbage clogs drainage garbage dumps on the farm, garden and public area. 4) Support needs and obstacles domain, it was found that mostly had a need to learn how to handle waste at the source properly and require relevant agencies to support resources and together with the village to clearly define the waste management policy at the source. Barriers, it was found that there was a lack of continuous waste management at the source and the right way and most villagers have insufficient understanding of proper waste management at the source.

Conclusion : The results of this study indicate that community nurse or relevant person can use the information for planning to develop a community learning process for waste management at  the source. This will result in people in the community health and good quality of life.

 Keywords : Garbage, Waste management