Abstract

The purpose of this study was to make a first approach toward understanding solid waste management at the new Ongkarak Campus of Srinakharinwirot University, in rural Nakorn Nayok Province, Thailand. The study consisted of two parts. The first part examined quantities and composition of solid waste and its existing management while the second part studied comprehension, attitude, and behaviour of students, officers, and traders on the campus. The data were collected in the summer of 2005 and in the first semester of 2006. The results showed that solid waste was produced at the rate of about 1.3 kilograms/person/day when classes were in session, a total about 6 times the summer time quantity. Food waste was the largest component. The next four components in order were plastic, paper, foam, and textile. The present waste management system provides separate bins for wet waste and dry waste. Waste was collected by trucks and was transported to Ongkarak’s public landfill. The second part of the study showed that it is necessary to create right and good attitudes in order to bring about good waste management behaviour on the Ongkarak campus.