Building sustainable community: Insight from successful waste management initiative

Abstract

The global waste situation presents a significant challenge worldwide, especially in developing countries experiencing rapid economic development and urban growth. Waste separation for recycling is a recognized sustainable management method that overcomes budget limitations and the lack of advanced technology. However, promoting waste separation remains a challenging issue that requires learning from successful lessons to advance this agenda. This study examines a successful waste management initiative started by a community in response to a significant waste issue. It's a case study of a low-income community near Bangkok, Thailand. The study uses the theory of change to understand the community's success and the sustainable development goals (SDGs) to evaluate the sustainability of the waste management efforts. The study highlights how the community effectively addressed a significant waste problem that was negatively impacting water sources and causing pollution. The leadership of the community leader played a crucial role in implementing successful strategies, including developing diverse participation approaches to meet the needs of various community members. The community utilized the PDCA (Plan Do Check Act) cycle to drive progress, and the task force operated on a foundation of equality, fostering horizontal relationships, and distribute of incentives. The process of effecting change was described in line with the theory of change, resulting in a successful outcome. Ultimately, this study will offer valuable insights for low-income communities worldwide, empowering them to tackle waste issues and foster sustainability within their neighborhoods.