Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on the Levers Influencing Households’ Participation in Recycling Programs in Zambia

This research addresses recycling in developing economies for sustainable waste management and resource utilization. The purpose of the research is to assess the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the levers that influence households' participation in Plastic Solid Wastes (PSWs) recycling programs. A literature review on levers that influence households' participation in recycling programs is conducted. Based on the identified levers, a questionnaire is designed and distributed to 445 households in the city of Ndola Zambia. Factor Analysis is performed on levers that influence households' participation in recycling programs. An independent t-test analysis is conducted on socioeconomic factors and the levers. The results provide important information to plastic manufacturing and/or recycling companies, waste managers and policy makers in developing economies. The information is critical when designing and implementing waste recovery and recycling programs.