Pollution Research Paper

Vol 39, Issue 3, 2020; Page No.(618-625 )

ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS OF RECYCLING AT HIGHER EDUCATIONAL LEVEL: YARMOUK UNIVERSITY/JORDAN AS A CASE STUDY

SANA’A ODAT AND MUHEEB AWAWDEH

Abstract

Sustainability and restoration of the natural conditions always have been a major concern of the decision makers. The main objective of this study is to assess the environmental awareness of students in regard to recycling. To collect data, the researcher used a questionnaire administrated on 1151 students from Yarmouk University in Jordan. The questionnaire was designed initially to measure the level of awareness and sources of knowledge about solid waste recycling. It’s also was designed to identify the willingness of students for joining future recycling projects. Results of the study indicated that students have basic knowledge about recycling but, what, how or where to recycle is still immature. This weakness is due to the non-existence of effective recycling programs in Jordan yet and the limited exposure of students to recycling programs in the region. The study indicates also that students have positive attitude toward participation, contribution and attending different programs deal with recycling, where 88.6% of students show an interest to participate and about 72% agree to attend. Total means for “Measuring individuals” attitudes toward environmental issues reached (3.74 out of 5) which is considered as a high agreement degree, whereas, the total means for “Measuring behaviors toward environment and its issues” reached to (2.72 out of 5) which in turn is a medium agreement. This study suggested that Yarmouk university could organize campaigns, seminars and workshops to increase the level of awareness of the students and to motive them to recycle.