Cultural and demographic influences on household waste management in ethnic minority communities of Thailand

Effective waste management is essential for sustainable development, particularly in regions where traditional practices and socio-environmental factors play a significant role in community life. This research aims to assess the factors influencing household solid waste management among ethnic minorities in Nan Province, Thailand. This study employed a cross-sectional survey to gather data from 420 respondents from six ethnic groups residing in Song Khwae District, Nan Province. The data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of five sections. Analysis involved calculating frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA) was utilized to explore the influence of independent variables on dependent variables, with statistical significance at the 0.05 level. The results show that various demographic factors and prior participation in waste management programs significantly influence community waste management behaviors. Female respondents, older age groups (especially those aged 51 and above), individuals with higher education levels (bachelor’s degree or higher), newer residents in the community, larger households, and those from the Kao ethnic group were all associated with higher engagement in waste management practices. Additionally, prior participation in waste management programs was linked to more positive behaviors. The analysis demonstrates that ethnic group, educational level, and participation in waste management programs are the primary determinants of waste management behaviors, even when adjusting for other demographic factors. Although age, duration of residence, and household size also play roles, their influence is relatively minor. Gender has the least impact on waste management behaviors. These results suggest that cultural background, educational attainment, and previous experience are essential in shaping effective waste management practices within the community. Also, these insights support culturally responsive strategies and advance Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).