Innovation in Community Waste Management and Environmental Development of Phang Ken Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

This research examines the innovations in community waste management by the Phang Ken Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO), Na Tan District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, focusing on waste management and environmental development using a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and group discussions with 30 participants, including leaders and personnel from the Phang Ken SAO, village headmen, and volunteers from Phang Ken Subdistrict. The research findings reveal that the innovations in community waste management at Phang Ken SAO can be divided into three phases: (1) Awareness-Raising Phase (2009-2013): Addressing the problem of overflowing garbage in the communities, which led to the initiation of the innovative concept of "no pits, no bins, no cars, and no garbage collectors"; (2) Community Integration Phase (2014-2018): Implementing participatory waste management based on the 3Rs-Pracharat principles; and (3) Innovation Development Phase (2019-2023): Advancing towards a clean and sustainable Phang Ken by developing innovative processes, methods, and mechanisms, with the SAO collaborating with network partners in waste management and environmental development. Additionally, the participatory waste management approach under the "no pits, no bins, no cars, and no garbage collectors" concept, based on the 3Rs-Pracharat principles, has successfully reduced waste by 80%, resulting in a cleaner, more livable community environment. The environmental performance of the Phang Ken SAO has gained significant recognition, leading to awards and the organization's establishment as a model for community waste management and learning.