Composition and Management Plan of the Hawker Solid Waste in Thewet Area, Bangkok

Abstract

This survey research aimed to study the waste composition, influence factors, and management guidelines for the solid waste generated from different types of hawkers in the Thewet area, Dusit District of Bangkok. It was found that there were 71 hawker stalls in the study area, including of 42 food stalls, 17 fruit/vegetable stalls, 5 beverage stalls, and 7 miscellaneous stalls. The average weight of waste generated was 181. 0 0 ± 7. 15 kilograms/day. The vast majority (84.23%) of the waste generated was organic waste, about 152.46 ± 7.15 kilograms/day, while the resalable waste and non-resalable waste were found in small amounts, which about 15.66 ± 0. 65 and 12. 88 ± 0. 29 kilograms/ day, respectively. It was also revealed that significant differences (95% confidence level, p<0.05) in waste composition were found in different types of hawkers, and during the long holiday periods. These findings highlighted that the study area needed more appropriate and effective waste management, consisting of (1) waste minimization and separation, (2) waste collection improvement and waste utilization according to the circular economy model, and (3) public-private-people participation. These results could be used for hawker waste management by the responsible agency, and be applied in similar areas to enhance sustainable tourism, along with eco-friendly development and growth.