Attitudes and Practices of State University Students on Solid Waste  Management: Basis for an Action Plan

Arnel S. Miraflor; Noel B. Merin

doi:10.11594/assrj.01.03.02

Authors

Arnel S. Miraflor President Ramon Magsaysay State University, Philippines
Noel B. Merin President Ramon Magsaysay State University, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11594/assrj.01.03.02

Keywords:

Attitude-behavior gap, solid waste, Higher education sustainability, KAP model, Environmental literacy, Institutional infrastructure

Abstract

The study examines institutional and behavioral dynamics of higher education for environmental sustainability against the backdrop of growing solid waste globally and locally. This study aimed to determine the demographics, environmental attitudes, and solid waste management practices of the students of President Ramon Magsaysay State University in the second semester of 2024-2025. Quantitative data were acquired from 389 randomly selected respondents using an embedded mixed-method study design based on the KAP Model, while qualitative insights were gathered through thematic interview matrices. Quantitative investigation revealed that students possess a proactive environmental value system (M=3.49, “Strongly Agree”) but lag in behavioural execution (M=3.12, “Sometimes”), especially in specialized areas such as e-waste disposal and organic composting. Importantly, Spearman Rho tests showed no statistically significant association (p=0.144) between positive mindsets and physical compliance, suggesting a huge “attitude-behaviour gap” caused by structural friction, extreme time poverty and unlabelled sorting facilities. The student population is varied, with a strong female upperclassman population in education majors. College students share the personal responsibility to protect the ecosystem and have a high cognition about environmental issues; surprisingly, their basic attitude toward campus sustainability is positive. Unpredictable behaviours. The extent of students’ practice is also inconsistent (“Sometimes”), indicating that environmental literacy does not always translate into regular practice, especially for specialized duties such as composting or e-waste sorting. Demographic differences matter a lot for students’ views. It means students hold varied opinions on rubbish on campus. To relieve the operational burden of complex disposal techniques, the school should create dedicated Campus Recycling Centres for e-waste and a campus-wide composting system.

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