Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Potential from Decentralized Community-Based Solid Waste Management: A Case Study in Ban Non Sung, Sisaket, Thailand

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) significantly contribute to climate change, particularly through methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from landfills. This study evaluates the potential for GHG emissions reduction through improved solid waste management practices in Ban Non Sung, Khun Han district, Sisaket province, Thailand. Data was collected for 1 fiscal year, covering 1,586 residents across 340 households. Waste segregation at source included composting, bio-fermentation, animal feed conversion, and recycling. GHG emissions reductions were calculated based on national methodologies. Results showed that 69.27% of sorted waste was organic, with per capita sorted waste generation of 0.07 kg/day. The total estimated GHG emissions reduction was 41,111.78 kg CO₂eq/year (0.96 kg CO₂eq per kg sorted waste). Animal feed conversion was the most effective method, contributing 40.89% of the total reduction, primarily due to the dual benefit of methane avoidance and commercial feed displacement. Additionally, secondary national data from the Pollution Control Department (PCD) for 2020–2023 indicated a steady increase in source-sorted waste and corresponding GHG reductions, emphasizing the role of community-based waste initiatives in meeting national climate goals. The findings support the integration of sustainable waste practices to significantly mitigate GHG emissions in large communities.