Jurnal Tataloka
Vol 17, No 2 (2015): Volume 17 Number 2, May 2015

HOUSEHOLD PARTICIPATION IN RECYCLING PROGRAMS: A CASE STUDY FROM MALAYSIA

Azilah M Akil (Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia)
Foziah Johar (Centre for Innovative Planning and Development (CiPD), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru, Malaysia)
Ho Chin Siong (Department of Urban & Regional Planning, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 May 2015

Abstract

The increase in per capita income and rapid urbanization, have contributed significantly to changes in consumption behaviour leading to increased waste generation.  Waste disposed to landfill sites is fast becoming unfeasible thus requiring a more effective management of waste material involving waste reduction, reuse and recycling. The success of recycling program, however, is largely dependent on household participation activities which are essentially behaviour driven. The recycling performance of Malaysian households is still low as it stands at 5.5% compared to Singapore and Vietnam which are 56% and 22% respectively. This study examines recycling behaviour among households and the influence of socioeconomic, demographic and behavioural characteristics on households’ participation in recycling program in Malaysia.  A sample of 300 randomly selected household were surveyed.  The findings revealed that most of the households (70%) claim that they are practicing recycling particularly types of paper and old clothes. The factors of participation in recycling show equal results both for environmental concerns and economic benefits. Those who did not participate in recycling, listed household issues or behaviour, namely lack of time and materials to recycle, inconvenient, lack of space, lack of facilities and information as well as laziness, as barriers. The paper finally highlights the factors which can encourage household to be involved in recycling and give recommendations to the authorities in terms of facilities and infrastructures to facilitate the program.

Copyrights © 2015






Journal Info

Abbrev

tataloka

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture

Description

Jurnal Tataloka is a peer reviewed journal publishing scientific articles, focusing mainly on research and studies in the field of urban and regional planning. TATALOKA Journal is published quarterly by Biro Penerbit Planologi (Planologi Publishing), Diponegoro University every February, May, ...