Assessment of factors affecting source recycling among metropolitan Johannesburg residents

Abstract

Waste recycling, in particular source separation contribute significantly to the extension of landfill life and the evolution of green communities. Factors that affect participation in source waste separation amongst Metropolitans Johannesburg residents was investigated by social survey using field questionnaire data to assess socio-demographic factors and was analysed by statistical tools and behavioural constructs i.e. attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, intentions, and situational factors. The results revealed that for graduates, source separation was driven by social responsibilities and family size while council awareness campaign, financial incentives and provision of recycling facilities are the driving force for source separation amongst respondents with matric and lower formal education. Family size and level of education are correlated to attitude with low correlations. The weak correlation was due to the perception of quality of services provided by the council. Incentives are moderators of intention of source separation but distances to buyback centre have to be carefully selected in order not to be a deterrent. Waste management agencies should accommodate the level of formal education and different family size in the formulation of source separation program.

Keywords: Buy back centres; Municipal waste; Separation at source; Statistical analysis; Theory of planned behaviour.