Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Waste Management

Abstract

Garbage has become a growing global concern, particularly in developing countries like the Philippines, where waste generation continues to rise. Effective Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) is vital for maintaining public health and environmental sustainability, yet its success depends largely on community participation. This study assessed the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) on waste management among residents of the Municipality of Pavia, Iloilo. Using a descriptive quantitative design, data were collected from 300 respondents (150 males and 150 females) through a researcher-made Likert scale questionnaire and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that residents exhibited an excellent level of knowledge, a highly positive attitude, and a very high level of practice toward waste management. Higher educational attainment and older age correlated with slightly higher KAP levels, while females showed marginally higher scores than males. The results underscore the importance of education in promoting environmental awareness and responsible waste behavior. It is recommended that local governments strengthen information campaigns and partnerships with community organizations to enhance waste management engagement and sustainability.