Waste Education and Awareness Strategy: Towards Solid Waste Management (SWM) Program at UKM

Most of the environmental problems could be caused by manmade pollution which not only damage natural resources, but also its effect is also dangerous. In order to encourage waste minimisation, re-use, recycling, and reduce, have been introduced in UKM. Critical to the success of these programs are fullfill by participation and commitment by the members of UKM. The aim of this study was to assess the assess the attitudes and behaviour concerning SWM among first year students (n= 591) using questionnaire survey. It was determined that 60% of the students had positive attitude towards this program. Results also indicated that all of the students showed high levels of practices and responsibility regarding SWM. However, there is still the need for the university to encourage through education and awareness on managing solid waste in the campus among the first year students. To ensure compliance with SWM program, UKM must make sure participation in the program it introduces remains high. This can be done by raising the students’ education and awareness level of waste. To achieve this, a carefully thought-out waste education and awareness strategy must be developed in order to change students’ habits and behaviour and traditions.