The Impact of a Rural School-Based Solid Waste Management Project on Learners’ Perceptions, Attitudes and Understanding of Recycling

Abstract

Continued environmental degradation necessitates innovative strategies to improve society’s attitude towards and understanding of recycling solid waste. Previous research has shown that school-based projects integrated into the school curriculum could effectively enhance learners’ knowledge of recycling and attitudes towards recycling. However, not much is known about the impact of such projects if they are driven by learners, particularly in under-resourced rural schools. Therefore, in the current research, we aimed to determine the impact of a school-based recycling project, integrated as practical work, on learners’ understanding of recycling, their attitude towards recycling, and the perceived impact of the project on the school environment, in an under-resourced rural school. Our findings showed that participating in a rural school-based recycling project may not enhance Grade 7 Natural Sciences learners’ perceptions of, attitudes towards, and understanding of recycling. We posit that various factors may affect the effectiveness of a recycling project. Further research is required to explore these factors further.