Socio-economic factors affecting household participation in curb-side recycling programmes: Evidence from drakenstein municipality, South Africa

Abstract

Household curb-side recycling programmes have the potential to reduce waste that end up in landfills. However, participation in these programmes is low. The aim of this study is to investigate the socioeconomic factors that impact households‘ participation in the curb-side recycling (CSR) programme in one municipality. Based on a convenience sample, quantitative data were collected from 247 households using a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed with a binary Probit regression model. The findings suggest that the education levels of household member(s) responsible for household waste management activities, length of time households have lived in their dwelling, size of the household, access to free recycling bags, presence of school-going children in the household, and sufficient information on the CSR programme and process had a statistically significant positive impact on participation. Knowledge of these factors can assist policy makers in identifying ways to encourage household participation and, in so doing, contribute to more efficient CSR programmes.