Abstract:
The objectives of this research were to study the opinions of local peoples in the communities
and factors affecting their opinions on waste management as well as investigate problems, obstacles
and follow the locals recommendations in waste management at Amphawa Floating Market. The
combination of survey and qualitative research was conducted, using the in-depth interview
among the targeted population. Research samples were 250 head of households who had been
living in the area longer than a year, over 18 years old. This research employed the questionnaire
and analyzed data with the computerized program SPSS. Statistical methods used Percentage,
Mean and Standard Deviation, t-test and One way Analysis of Variance.
The findings suggest that local peoples expressed their opinions on community waste
management moderately. Factors affecting the opinion were knowledge on waste management,
having statistical significance 0.001 followed by gender, age, occupation, with statistical
significance 0.01. As for numbers of household members, and perceived own health conditions,
the findings indicate their influences on the opinions, having statistical significance 0.05.
The concerned problems and obstacles involved with not thoroughly understanding of problems
and impacts from improperly managing wastes, lacking knowledge and not knowing how to
manage waste properly, unable to deal with large numbers of tourists each week, as well as
shortages of garbage bins and manpower. Furthermore, both local merchants and visitors were
without environmental conscious such as, not throwing garbage in the prepared garbage bin and
relaxed municipal rules with soft fines. The problems with the government agencies stemmed
from insufficient and limited budget which resulted in shortages of manpower and equipment.
Because of water surrounding Amphawa Floating Market, collecting wastes was rather difficult
and the locals and operators refused to cooperate.
This study recommends Raising Awareness Campaign through the meeting , training,
seminars and setting the broadcast tower along the floating market area to inform the locals,
vendors and tourists on waste problems, including set up activities on regular basis to raise public
awareness and responsibility so the environment could remain healthy. The Municipality should
focus on solving immediate problems, and enforce the laws with heavy fines on violators