Recycling behavior among urban South Africans: the role of race and social status

Abstract

Of continuing interest to social scientists and waste management officials are factors influencing household recycling behavior, one of which is the social context in which this activity occurs. Provision in South African constitution of the right to a safe environment, extensive legislation to implement this right and the transition to a multi-racial society underway there provide a special setting in which to examine the effect of race, socio-economic status and demographic factors on recycling by urban South African households. Observed differences in recycling among these households suggest that the lower tendency of African households to recycle has a basis in the continuing effects of experiences of Africans under apartheid.