Assessing Students’ Municipal Solid Waste Recycling Behavior in Putrajaya Malaysia

Abstract

It is necessary to instill concern about the environment, particularly the management of solid waste among youngsters as habits are easily inculcated at a young age. This study assesses municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling behavior among students in Putrajaya, Malaysia. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analyses. There is a moderate positive correlation between the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Other Determinant Factor (ODF) with students’ recycling behavior, r=.638. The findings indicate that attitude and subjective norms of the TPB influenced student recycling behavior. In addition, awareness, recycling practices, and situational factors of the ODF influenced students’ recycling behavior. In conclusion, formal education and outsource programs could educate students concerning environmental issues.

To Recycle or Not to Recycle? Factors Affecting Malaysian Residents’ Intention for Recycling E-Waste

“…In comparison, a study by Janmaimool and Khajohnmanee (2019) and Izhar et al (2022) found that environmental education programs can increase awareness and knowledge of environmental sustainability. Efforts to increase community awareness are a possible way to overcome environmental problems.…”

“…Environmental attitude plays a vital role in influencing and motivating human behavior towards the environment (Ajzen, 1991;Otto et al, 2019). Individuals with a positive attitude toward the environment will apply that attitude daily (Ajzen, 1991;Izhar et al, 2022). Liu, Teng, and Han (2020) define environmental attitude as the value of individual judgment to environmental protection.…”

“…For example, when individuals feel worried about environmental issues due to pollution that will affect their family, health, and quality of life, they will feel anxious and insecure. Some studies found a positive relationship between attitude and environmental behavior (Liu, Teng, & Han, 2020), while others infer a moderate or weak relationship (Izhar et al, 2022). Jayaraman et al (2019) stated that the degree of consistency between individual environmental attitudes and behaviors is influenced by knowledge and awareness, commitment, and a sense of responsibility.…”