The Effectiveness of the 3Rs Concept in Reducing Waste Quantity Among Residents in Mueang Narathiwat District, Narathiwat Province

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) evaluate the effectiveness of applying the 3Rs concept, 2) examine the level of awareness and understanding of residents in Mueang Narathiwat District, Narathiwat Province, regarding the 3Rs concept, 3) analyze the factors affecting the application of the 3Rs concept among residence, and 4) propose guidelines and recommendations for developing the implementation of the 3Rs concept. This mixed-methods study collected quantitative data from 399 residents in Mueang Narathiwat District, with the sample size determined using the Taro Yamane formula and selected through multistage sampling, and qualitative data from in-depth interviews with 7 local government administrators. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis.

The findings revealed that, from the perspective of local government administrators, the implementation of the 3Rs concept demonstrated a good level of effectiveness, although this varied according to the specific context of each area. Some areas achieved a concrete waste reduction of up to 50-60%. The determining factors for success were the level of community participation and the continuity of monitoring and evaluation. Residents' overall level of awareness and understanding of the 3Rs concept was high, and factors affecting the application of the 3Rs concept were also rated at a high level overall, with local regulations and measures exerting the strongest influence. In addition, local government administrators proposed four key development guidelines: 1) continuous education, particularly on recycling; 2) individual-level behavior change; 3) raising awareness and personal responsibility for one's own waste; and 4) expanding collaborative learning activities with other agencies or model communities. In conclusion, the 3Rs concept was effective in reducing waste quantity generated by residents in the study area. This success did not depend solely on residents' knowledge and understanding but was the result of a combination of structural factors, area-specific context, and continuity of monitoring and evaluation.