Purpose: Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand. Municipal solid wastes (MSWs) was generated 430,828.2 ton/y in this area; however, only 24 percent of waste was properly disposed, and 43 percent of waste was properly managed. The purpose of this paper is to explore knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of highland residents in order to provide a basis for the development of waste management in the study area. Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mae Fah Luang district, Thailand, from November 2016 to January 2017. A random sample of 451 respondents constituted the study population. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire. Pearson Correlation and χ² were applied to identify the association among variables. Findings: Overall, 73 percent of respondents had high level of knowledge; 85 percent of respondents showed neutral attitude; and 59 percent of respondents performed moderate practice on MSW management. The results highlighted that age and education levels were statistically significant associated with KAP levels on MSW management at (p=0.05). Originality/value: The respondents who have good knowledge also have a good level of practice; and those who have good attitude also have a good level of practice. Socio-demographic factors and suitable way to promote an effective MSW management should be considered.

This study investigated municipal solid waste generation rate and its compositionincluding the level of knowledge, attitude and practice on municipal solid waste (MSW) management of highland rural tourist area in Chiang Rai Province, Mae Salong Nok Sub-district, Thailand in order to propose the guidelines for effective MSW in rural tourist areas. Samples of MSW were collected during weekdays and several weekends, and separated into 4 categories: general,recyclable, organic and hazardous waste. About 40 % of the MSW consisted of organic waste; plastic bags were widely present, comprising more than 60 % of the mass of the general waste group. Level of knowledge, attitude and practice(KAP) on MSW was evaluated using questionnaires. While respondents scored 80 % and 76 %, respectively, on their level of knowledge of, and attitude to MSW, practice fell far short at only 37 %. The results led to a recommendation to strengthen waste separation at source, implement waste reduction and recycling concepts to reduce the volume of plastic bags, and introduce composting of food waste. The study also highlights economic and financial benefits of waste recycling. Additional value-added could be derived from the organic waste recycling program by promoting production of bioextracts and compost at household level, in order to reduce the amount of organic wastes and carbon emissions. The general and recyclable wastes could also be converted to energy as refuse-derived fuel 2 (RDF-2); the estimated average heating value of this RDF-2 was 23.56 MJ kg-1. To sustain MSW management in tourist areas, environmental education and environmental awareness campaigns are needed, using the appropriate local languages for communication, and introduction of a fairer system based on the polluter-pays principle for the business sector.

This research aims to investigate the situation of municipal waste management in the highlands of Chiang Rai, Thailand in order to formulate a preliminary strategic action plan for efficient management of municipal solid waste. In-depth interviews, questionnaires and discussions between government officers and community residents were conducted, in addition to analysis of the composition of solid waste in the municipality. SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) of current municipal waste management was performed and considered together with the assessment indicators of zero waste management: geo-administrative, socio-cultural, management, environment, economic, organization and governance and policy, in order to identify key domains and locally relevant indicators. The results pointed to two main weaknesses of municipal waste management: lack of knowledge, combined with low levels of implementation of best practice in waste management. This was attributedmainly to language barriers impeding knowledge exchange. To improve the prospects for a zero-waste community in these highland areas, there is a need to improve administration and the social attitudes by promoting the 3Rs concept and initiating waste utilization projects to raise awareness and consciousness within local communities. Importantly, imparting the knowledge of waste management using effective parent language for communication is a key success factor for enhancing the effectiveness of municipal waste management.