Agricultural and Biological Research

Students’ waste management practices, perceived impact and behavior: Mediation of initiatives, programs and challenges

Gloria L. Unito*

The study explored the mediation effect of the initiatives, programs, and challenges on the relationship between the waste management practices, impact, and behaviors of 500 high school and college students of selected educational institutions in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur, during the school year 2025-2026. Most students preferred disposing of plastic and paper waste rather than burning it, recognizing the high impact of waste management on mitigating climate change. They viewed the issue as a shared responsibility among students, schools, and the community. Their waste management behaviors stemmed from personal motivation, and community initiatives had positive effects by informing the residents of viable waste management options. However, college students faced challenges such as inadequate facilities, insufficient information, and lack of resources, viewing inadequate infrastructure as a significant barrier to effective waste management in schools. The initiatives and programs only partially mediated the relationship between waste management practices and student behavior. Students’ involvement in community initiatives did not significantly affect their perceived impact of waste management on climate change or the behaviors influencing that perception. Furthermore, challenges faced by students in waste management did not significantly mediate the relationship between their waste management practices and influencing behaviors or their perceived impact on climate change.