An investigation of community receptiveness to current recycling Initiatives: the case of the Westcliff (Chatsworth) District in the eThekwini Municipality.

Abstract

The increase in urbanization and unabated rise in consumption of goods has created a similar rise in the quantity of waste that is generated, thus waste management has become one of the challenges facing the global society. Currently, waste has been projected to astronomical figures in years to come. For this reason, a keen interest has developed in understanding integrated waste management systems such as recycling waste. This dissertation investigates the receptiveness of Westcliff residents to participate in waste recycling initiatives that have been provided by the municipality and businesses. To analyse this, residents’ recycling behaviours, attitudes and beliefs were studied. Additionally, the external stakeholders that provide these services were also examined due to the interconnectedness of waste management. The study used the Theory of Planned Behaviour as its conceptual framework to assess the various areas of an individual’s planned or physical behaviour. It was found that investigating the factors that influence recycling behaviour could lead to more successful and efficient community recycling programmes, in conjunction with reducing the waste pressure on landfills and preventing environmental degradation. A mixed methodology was followed through a case study and descriptive research design. The quantitative and qualitative tools used to gather the data were surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and visits to the site. Key findings in the research were that residents were willing to use recycling initiatives but lacked knowledge of recycling on multiple levels. It was established that the method of dissemination of recycling information was ineffective, as the method chosen had limited penetration with the residents. Moreover, residents found that their curbside recycling was unreliable and felt a lack of motivation to then support this initiative with any conviction. Residents show interest in initiatives such as the reverse vending machine but still voiced that curbside pickup would be the best solution. Participants showed a willingness to utilise these avenues of recycling and the concept of being rewarded was further motivation. Information from the key informants was invaluable but one notion stood out, while every household should recycle for the betterment of the environment, a societal shift is needed from a linear economy to a circular economy, because if every household did recycle, there will be pressure in the production line if the recycled material is not fed back into the production line. The study recommends further studies (perception and experimental) with the full range of stakeholders in recycling, to monitor barriers and changes at community levels.