SUSTAINABLE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES AMONG RURAL COMMUNITY IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the current knowledge and practices of sustainable solid waste management among the rural community in Malaysia. It is becoming a significant concern to promote sustainable practices to the rural community, given that the facilities of solid waste disposal are noticeably lacking in the rural area. Data was gathered through a survey questionnaire in two phases. The first phase of the survey examines the community’s current solid waste practices and their knowledge about solid waste management. The second phase gathered the community’s level of knowledge about sustainable solid waste management after a briefing and demonstration about composting.  A total of 55 respondents from a rural community in northern Malaysia were selected via a convenience sampling method for the purpose of this study.  Empirical results show that while the existing knowledge and practices of sustainable solid waste are low among the rural community, their knowledge about sustainable practices improves significantly after the briefing and practical activity. The study conveys some practical implications to the need for environmental awareness and education to promote sustainable practices in managing waste in the rural areas.