MASS FLOW ANALYSIS AND FACTOR INFLUENCING HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE GENERATION IN BANGKOK

Abstract

An increase in the amount of household hazardous waste (HHW) is one of the waste management problems in Bangkok. Currently there is no specific policy to address this concern. The amount and characteristic as well as understanding the overview for current management flow of household hazardous waste are fundamental data required planning an effective waste management strategy. The objective of this study is to develop mass flow analysis (MFA) of household hazardous waste management in Bangkok, to investigate whether income, residential type and education level have any influence to amount of household hazardous waste generation rate and to suggest recommendation for future improvement. Research methodology for this research used questionnaires and interviews those involved in waste management systems. From questionnaire analysis indicated that in 2013 approximately 0.26% of total waste stream consists of HHW. The total amount of household hazardous waste generated was 9,374.88 tons or 1.033±0.82 Kg/capita/year. Fraction composition of household hazardous waste was classified in seven different categories. Percentage of each fraction is following; chemical container (25.8%), self-care product (29.83%), light bulb (29.21%), and battery (10.48%), expired cosmetic (1.63%), expired medicine (0.71%), and office supplies (2.34%). From the MFA diagram total amount of household hazardous waste generation is about 584 tons (6.23%) of household hazardous waste was sent to incineration and recycle while, other 8,790.88 tons (93.77%) still mixed together with municipal solid waste to landfill. The weak point of management system is waste segregation. The result of analyzed the influence of HHW generation rate found that different income range give an influence to generation rate. High income range is the largest generator per capita. Different type of residential is influence to amount of household hazardous waste generation rate while, level of education do not have effects. The results obtained from this research can be used as a policy analyst in the appropriate household hazardous waste management in the future. Improving HHW segregation behavior should be prioritized as first concern. Environmental program should be established in school to enhance children awareness about environmental problem including waste management problem preparing for changes HHW management system in the future. Drop off center should be provided for every community. HHW separated bin should be provided in other area outside community. The collection process should be done once a week. HHW should be keeping in storage building in transfer station before sending of proper treatment.