Guideline for Hazardous Waste Residues Management from The Establishments or Factory using machinery with a total capacity of less than 50 horsepower of The Local Government Organization

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the management practices and guidelines for hazardous waste residues generated by establishments or factories using machinery with a total capacity of less than 50 horsepower. Data were collected from 259 business establishments (52.4% response rate) and 113 local government organizations (59.8% response rate) through online questionnaires and focus group discussions conducted between June and December 2023. Findings revealed that 56% of establishments produced hazardous waste residues, primarily liquid (64.8%) and solid (35.2%) forms. While 68.3% of establishments collected and stored residues for recycling, 31.7% relied on waste management units for disposal. Adherence to ministerial regulations was low, with 69.9% of establishments failing to comply with toxic waste or community hazardous waste management rules. Similar non-compliance was observed in monitoring collectors (46.3%), controlling waste disposal operators (45.6%), and using waste transport documents (49.7%). Among local government organizations, 69% had issued waste management ordinances, 46% implemented transportation control measures, and 33% conducted document storage for inspection. Focus group discussions led to the development of draft guidelines for hazardous waste management in small-scale establishments. Pilot testing of these guidelines is recommended. Key challenges identified by local governments included inadequate law enforcement, insufficient knowledge, and resource constraints. The study concludes that hazardous waste management practices in both the business and government sectors require improvement to ensure compliance with regulations and effective waste management.