Abstract
This study investigated recycling behaviour in the smallests, but most populous province in South Africa. Only 10% of total waste is recycled in South Africa and landfills in Gauteng is running out of airspace. There is a scarcity of land for waste disposal in the province and it has become imperative to find ways to divert waste from landfills. Knowing the recycling behaviour and measurements to increase participation in recycling, the objectives of this study, provide information to develop waste management systems that would increase recycling rates. This study employed a mixed-methods research design, utilising a questionnaire survey. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis.The results revealed a notable discrepancy between respondents’ positive attitudes toward recycling and their actual practices. Despite high levels of agreement regarding the benefits of recycling, only 10.1% of respondents could be classified as committed recyclers. The primary barriers to participation identified were lack of time (32.1%) and insufficient space (25.8%). Respondents proposed various strategies to enhance recycling participation, with the majority (64.6%) emphasising the need for increased education and knowledge regarding recycling. A factor analysis conducted to explore the underlying knowledge dimensions of the perceived benefits of recycling yielded two components. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed that three socio-demographic variables—age, employment status, and education level—had a statistically significant influence on recycling participation. This studies provides a better understanding of recycling practices in South Africa and how participation can be increased.