Pollution Emissions from the Kaeng Sian Landfill: Assessment and Sustainable Waste Management for Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to assess the types and quantities of pollution generated from landfills and propose waste management approaches consistent with sustainable development and the circular economy. The research presented the composition of solid waste and the GHG emissions estimated at the landfill site. The highest component of municipal solid waste (MSW) is plastic, at 30.39%, followed by food waste at 27.75%. The lowest MSW composition is hazardous waste at 0.23%. The total volume of solid waste in the landfill area is 736,492.12 ± 8,326.36 m³. The GHG emissions from the landfill site were CH4, totaling 8,815.79 t CO2 eq. The suggestion of waste management strategy was concluded from the data of results, which follows measures: 1) Emergency Measures, 2) Intermediate Actions, 3) Long-term Measures, 4) Community Engagement, and 5) Technology and data. Therefore, landfill site pollution data in this study may be useful for the strategy for Kanchanaburi province to mitigate climate change. Finally, this research can contribute to addressing municipal solid waste management (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13), which aim to: support climate change adaptation, integrate climate change measures into national policies, and raise awareness about climate change.