Single-use plastic waste generation and management in AIT campus during Coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19) pandemic | |
| Author | Zwe Yin Phyu |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.MPA-21-37 |
| Subject(s) | Plastic scrap--Management--Thailand--Asian Institute of Technology Plastic scrap--Environmental aspects--Thailand--Asian Institute of Technology COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020--Health aspects--Thailand--Asian Institute of Technology |
| Note | A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Marine Plastics Abatement |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The world has been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (WHO,2019) since December 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the consumption of single-use plastic has increased significantly in different sectors in Thailand. Thus, proper waste management of the wastes from hospitals, quarantine facilities, restaurants, universities and households are necessary. In this study, the solid waste composition focusing on single-use plastic waste and behavior of people on the consumption of single-use plastic in Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) campus during the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated. In AIT, the proportion of food waste to total waste was the highest, followed by plastic waste in all three areas (residential, commercial and academic areas) in AIT. Although the three different colors of bins were provided in the campus for different types of waste, there was still lack of waste segregation awareness. Single-use plastic waste was accounted for 27.8%, 32.7% and 23% of total wastes in residential, academic and commercial areas, respectively. Although the classes were changed into the online mode and work from home period, the plastic waste generation rate in this study was higher compared to 2018 due to higher consumption of single-use plastic per person during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the results of the behavior toward single use plastic consumption survey, people use more single-use plastics especially food container because they ordered more food delivery and took away food more often. Moreover, people felt that single-use plastic was more hygiene and safe during the COVID 19 pandemic. Disposal masks were found abundantly in every bin, and there was no separated bins for biohazardous wastes, such as masks, gloves, face shields. There was no additional safety regulations and practices for waste collectors during the pandemic at AIT. This study however shows that the single-use plastic waste rate has increased in AIT campus during the pandemic compared to the study in 2018, and proper waste management is needed during the pandemic. Moreover, waste segregation awareness and 3R practices are needed. |
| Year | 2021 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Energy and Climate Change (Former title: Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change (DEECC)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Marine Plastic Abatement (MPA) |
| Chairperson(s) | Ekbordin Winijkul |
| Examination Committee(s) | Chongrak Polprasert;Shipin, Oleg |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Government of Japan |
| Degree | Research studies project report (M.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2021 |