A Model for Developing Efficiency in Managing Waste Problems at Rai Khing Wittaya School in Rai Khing Municipality, Nakhon Pathom Province
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Abstract
This research aimed to: (1) study the current state of waste management at Rai Khing Wittaya School in the four dimensions of Handle, Reduce, Separate, and Dispose; (2) examine the lessons learned from waste management practices at Rai Khing Wittaya School in these four dimensions; and (3) present a model for developing efficiency in managing waste problems at Rai Khing Wittaya School. A qualitative case study design was adopted, combining documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews, and non-participant observation. Twelve key informants were purposively selected from three groups: four students, four teachers, and four school support staff. The data were analyzed through content analysis and analytic induction.
The findings revealed that: (1) Handle was functional at a basic level through daily collection and temporary storage, but it depended heavily on cleaning staff and was weakened by unclear role allocation, inconsistent bin placement, and limited shared responsibility; (2) Reduce remained underdeveloped because source-reduction practices, including the reduction of food waste and disposable packaging, were not embedded in daily routines; (3) Separate was constrained by mixed waste, unclear or insufficient labels, inconsistent student behavior, and a gap between environmental awareness and actual practice; and (4) Dispose relied on collection by Rai Khing Municipality, but school-level procedures, monitoring, and feedback were not sufficiently connected to the municipal system. The lessons learned show that short-term campaigns can raise awareness, but sustained improvement requires participation, repeated behavioral reinforcement, suitable infrastructure, clear operational procedures, environmental education, and school–municipality coordination. The study therefore presents a school-focused model in which Handle, Reduce, Separate, and Dispose form the operational core, supported by participation and shared responsibility, behavioral change, system-based management, environmental education, and continuous improvement. The model is intended to reduce mixed waste, improve cleanliness and source separation, strengthen student and staff responsibility, and establish a more reliable connection between Rai Khing Wittaya School and Rai Khing Municipality.
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