Paper Title
Duties of Individuals in Waste Sorting Prior to Disposal: A Comparison of Thai and Foreign Laws

Abstract
Thailand currently places insufficient emphasis on waste sorting prior to disposal, leading to issues such as overflowing waste and pollution caused by improper waste management. This study aims to achieve three objectives: (1) to examine the fundamental concepts regarding the duties of individuals in sorting waste before disposal, (2) to analyze Thai and foreign laws on assigning responsibilities for waste sorting, and (3) to propose recommendations for improving Thai laws by mandating waste sorting responsibilities. The findings reveal that, while Thailand has laws such as the Act on the Maintenance of the Cleanliness and Orderliness of the Country B.E. 2535 (A.D. 1992), Chapter 3, prohibiting the disposal of waste in public spaces, the Public Health Act B.E. 2535 (A.D. 1992), Chapter 3, on waste management, and the Penal Code Sections 380 and 396 addressing pollution in public water sources and improper disposal of animal carcasses, these laws do not mandate waste sorting duties for individuals nor include penalties for failing to do so. Consequently, individuals lack awareness of the importance of waste sorting, which negatively impacts the country socially and environmentally. The authors propose amending the Act on the Maintenance of the Cleanliness and Orderliness of the Country B.E. 2535 (1992) by adding Section 34/1 to mandate that individuals sort waste before disposal. Furthermore, they recommend including Section 52/1 to impose penalties, stipulating that anyone violating Section 34/1 would face a fine not exceeding 1,000 Baht. Keywords - Duties of Individuals, Waste, Waste Disposal, Waste Sorting