Community awareness in Ben Luc town of municipal solid waste management

Abstract

This study examines community awareness and perceptions of municipal solid waste
(MSW) management in Bến Lức Town, Bến Lức District, formerly within Long An
Province, Vietnam. Adopting a qualitative research approach with integration of in-depth
interviews with key stakeholder groups and an analysis of secondary data, the findings
indicate that while most residents demonstrate a basic understanding of waste segregation
principles, their actual waste-handling practices remain fragmented and inconsistent.
Key barriers identified include insufficient infrastructure, suboptimal waste collection
systems, entrenched household habits, and the absence of targeted policy support.
Drawing on social cognitive theory, the study elucidates the dynamic interrelationships
between awareness, behavioral patterns, and the socio-environmental context in MSW  management. Based on these insights, the paper proposes a set of context-sensitive
interventions, including intensified public education campaigns, clear community-based
guidelines, pilot projects for waste separation at source, synchronized collection systems,
and the implementation of balanced incentive–penalty mechanisms. The findings offer
actionable implications for policymakers and practitioners seeking to design locally
appropriate waste management strategies and environmental communication programs.