Reducing energy consumption in waste management: a study on the recyclable waste bank approach

Purpose This study aims to examine how a recyclable waste bank (RWB) model, integrated with a community business mechanism (CBM), can strengthen source-separated waste management in Thailand. Although community-based approaches are widely encouraged, limited empirical evidence exists on how volunteer-led RWBs operate or how variations in community participation influence sustainability. This study addresses this gap by analyzing why RWBs are used and how two operational models function under real municipal conditions. Design/methodology/approach Participatory action research and a comparative case study design were applied in two villages. Data were collected through account-book records, observations and semistructured interviews. Within-case analyses assessed each RWB’s performance, while a cross-case analysis identified shared challenges, enabling factors and implications for municipal adoption. Findings Volunteer commitment, transparent financial structures and clearly defined committee roles were central to RWB’s effectiveness. However, limited staffing, irregular participation and workload burdens constrained operations and led to differing outcomes between the two cases. The RWBs also demonstrated potential to reduce the recyclable fraction sent to incinerators. Research limitations/implications This study highlights the need for municipalities to institutionalize support mechanisms for RWBs, including structured training, operational resources and clear coordination systems to reduce reliance on volunteer labor. Integrating RWBs into municipal waste governance can enhance source separation and reduce recyclables sent to incinerators. The findings also suggest that national policies should formalize funding and monitoring frameworks to improve continuity and scalability. Future research could examine long-term behavioral change and governance arrangements across different municipal contexts. Practical implications The results provide guidance for municipalities seeking to expand RWB initiatives, emphasizing the need for structured support, adequate staffing and ongoing monitoring. Social implications This research follows three main stages: planning, implementation and evaluation, all of which require active stakeholder engagement. Community-based waste management addresses local needs through collaborative efforts in every phase. Participatory action research on RWBs further strengthened community empowerment. The study generated notable social impacts: (1) Economic – providing additional income through recyclable waste sales and social welfare from profit-sharing; (2) Social – promoting harmony and enhancing community empowerment; and (3) Environmental –reducing harm from incineration and conserving energy. These outcomes demonstrate the potential of RWBs as effective tools for sustainable waste management and community development. Originality/value This study contributes new empirical evidence to the limited literature on community-based waste management by comparing two operational RWB models and identifying factors that support or hinder municipal implementation.