Residents Perception of and Participation in Solid Waste Recycling in Langkawi

Abstract

Success of waste separation at source depends on the willingness of, and good practices among residents. Local authority is turning towards recycling, which is an effective tool for solid waste management. Thus, there is an urgency to foster waste separation practice beginning from the household. This research seeks to understand the residents’ perception of, and participation in recycling activities in Langkawi to achieve environmental conservation in the context of island tourism. The Separation at Source Initiative (SSI) became effective on September 2015 with mandatory requirement for residents to separate waste in their dwelling. A multiple acceptance dimension was discussed thoroughly in the context of island tourism to explain resistance from household towards SSI. The study involves a quantitative survey to understand the residents’ perception and participation landscape, and also factors affecting recycling behaviors and attitudes of residents in Langkawi. In measuring residents’ perception towards the recycling program, quantitative results from survey responses were used to create civic engagement, a recycling satisfaction, and a behavior score. The study strongly suggests that local authority further develop an aggressive educational policy through program and activities, incentive policies, and craft a Master Plan to encourage a more robust public participation in continuous environmental conservation.