Physical environment and domestic waste management practices in a suburban settlement of Kuching, Sarawak
Abstract
Domestic waste management continues to pose significant environmental and public health challenges in suburban areas of developing regions, including Sarawak, Malaysia. While previous studies have largely focused on policy interventions, institutional capacity and community awareness, limited attention has been given to how the physical environment shapes everyday household waste management practices. Guided by Social Practice Theory, this study examines how the physical characteristics of the suburban environment shape domestic waste management practices in Kampung Sungai Midin, Kuching Sarawak. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews, field observations and document analysis with community members, local leaders and local authority representatives. The findings indicate that perceived settlement patterns, accessibility, housing density, availability of waste management infrastructure and proximity to waste collection facilities as important conditions shaping household waste disposal behaviors. The study further reveals that physical and spatial constraints can hinder the adoption of proper waste management practices despite the presence of residents' awareness of environmental issues. From a Social Practice Theory perspective, these findings demonstrate how the material and spatial conditions of the community interact with everyday waste management practices, influencing how residents perform and sustain particular behaviors. The findings underscore the importance of integrating physical planning, environmental design and community-based governance into development of effective and sustainable waste management systems. By highlighting the role of material and spatial conditions in everyday waste practices, this study contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable waste management and urban development in suburban communities.
Keywords: Domestic waste, Physical environment, suburban settlement, Sustainable waste management
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