| Author | Keokhamphoui Somvath |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.UE-08-05 |
| Subject(s) | Recycling (Waste, etc.)--Laos--Vientiane
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| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Urban Environmental Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | Banking and trading modes are two common mechanisms for managing recyclable waste materials (RWM). They can contribute substantially towards minimizing the volume of waste to be disposed at landfill sites. In addition, they also can contribute to create income earning opportunities for the poor. Some development projects, established community-based waste banks in Vientiane, Lao PDR targeting multiple benefits such as environmental quality improvement, awareness building, resource recycling and income generation. However, it is noted that the most waste banks could not achieve those benefits. The main objective of this study is to identify ways to strengthen banking and trading modes to supplement municipal solid waste management and livelihoods of urban poor. Based on a questionnaire survey involving households and primary school students, the study attempted to identify relative strengths and weaknesses of the two R WM management modes. Moreover, interviews were conducted with mobile traders, waste bank operators as well as some officials of village administration, Participatory Development Training Center (PADETC), Lao Chareon Recycling Company (LCRC) and relevant government agencies in order to find the operation mechanism of the two modes. The study finds that the two modes are functioning in a similar way despite waste banks were established for a multitude of purposes. Although local people have positive perception about banking mode since it brought more environmental, economic and social benefits they prefer the trading mode which brings them quicker financial return. The failure of the banks to function as envisaged is attributed to the limited catchment area, rigid attachment to the village administration and small economy of scale. In the light of these findings the study proposes privatization of the banks and establishes a network of banks as a way forward for the banking mode. The trading mode to be regulated by local authority to eliminate some negative externalities associated with that mode. |
| Year | 2008 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development (SERD) |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Urban Environmental and Management (UE) |
| Chairperson(s) | Perera, Ranjith; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Sajor, Edsel;Doney, Philipe; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Canada (Cida); |
| Degree | Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2008 |