Promoting Waste Sorting Behavior: A Case Study on Awareness Campaigns in Egypt

Developing countries still lack the technical and financial resources to manage household waste. Although Egypt is considered one of the countries that have taken numerous actions regarding waste separation, recycling rates remain low. The methods for disposing of solid waste are distributed as follows: 81% of Egyptians dispose of the waste they generate in local garbage bins, and only 12% attempt to recycle (Ministry of Environment, 2023). Therefore, individual responsibility for waste separation must be cultivated to facilitate cooperation and coordination. In this context, the aim of this study is to raise awareness about waste sorting at home and the role of individuals in protecting the environment.
This study aims to highlight the importance of waste separation and the negative effects of not sorting waste on society. Two data collection tools were used: first, a survey conducted on a sample of 1,000 youth and adolescents aged 13-35, and second, in-depth interviews with experts in the fields of media and recycling.
The results revealed significant participation in waste sorting practices among respondents, with 75.4% sorting waste at home or school. Motivations for sorting waste are primarily materialistic, as 66.7% of respondents cited reduced electricity bills as the main motivator. However, there are still barriers, including unclear recycling signs, time constraints, and insufficient infrastructure, which hinder broader participation in waste separation.