Effectiveness of Masjid Lestari Program on Recycling Practices among Bandar Baru Bangi and Semenyih Residents

The government of Malaysia has implemented various measures to reduce disposal of daily solid waste to landfills including recycling. Based on the issue, the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia took the initiative to organise “Program Masjid Lestari” targeting to enhance recycling practices among the community. The objectives of this study are to identify factors that influence the behaviour of recycling practices in the community and to assess the effectiveness of the awareness programme, “Program Masjid Lestari.” “Program Masjid Lestari” focused on recycling practices among Bandar Baru Bangi and Semenyih residents took place in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The study applies survey instrument and also weight of recyclable items collected during the program. The questionnaires were distributed to the residents who had attended the event at Section 3 and Section 4, Bandar Baru Bangi and also Bandar Rinching, Semenyih. The survey data was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Based on the findings, the total recyclable items collected during the program were 800 kg in 2016 and 878 kg in 2017 for Bandar Rinching, Semenyih. Most of the respondents have good knowledge, awareness and attitude towards recycling. However, the involvement of community in recycling practices is still low due to lack of facilities, time and cost constraints. In general, awareness campaigns are able to increase community involvement to recycle. A good advertising and promotion, appropriate time, location and improvement of facilities are the important factors to ensure a successful awareness program that could make an impact on the recycling practice.