Municipal Solid Waste Recycling Behavior and Its Association with Socio-demographics at Low-cost Apartments in Klang, Selangor, Malaysia

• Published in: Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
• Main Author: Azmin M.T.; Yatim S.R.M.; Ishak A.R.; Zaki M.A.; Samah M.A.A.; Rasdi N.W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Putra Malaysia Press 2022
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85134373767&doi=10.47836%2fmjmhs18.8.33&partnerID=40&md5=16631c3378adefff5bddc5b7b2221a20

Introduction: The knowledge, attitudes, and practice of householders regarding municipal waste disposal are essential to achieving effective waste management. Thus, this study was conducted to determine residents' recycling awareness and behaviour at a low-cost apartment in Klang. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among residents of a low-cost apartment in Klang. The sample size was calculated by using the Krejcie and Morgan table. A total of 234 respondents were randomly selected to participate in this study. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and analysed with SPSS. Results: The results found that education level had a significant relationship with knowledge (p = 0.019) at a significance level of 0.05. Additionally, three socio-demographic variables had a significant relationship with practicing recycling with regards to gender (p = 0.003) and education level (p = 0.041). However, there was no significant relationship between attitude and socio-demographics with a p-value of more than 0.05. Therefore, respondents with better socio-demographics such as high education levels and high incomes had good recycling practices. The results of Pearson correlation showed a significant association between knowledge and attitude (p = 0.000), and a positive significant correlation coefficient with Pearson’s correlation results (r = 0.301). Conclusion: According to the findings, education, raising individual awareness, providing sufficient facilities, and implementing coordinated cohesive recycling programs by the authorities play critical roles in solid waste management. Therefore, it is possible to improve citizens' practises by improving their knowledge while taking practical steps to promote this environmental activity. © 2022 UPM Press. All rights reserved.