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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

The Impact of Recycling Programs Community on Plastic Bottle

Waste Reduction at Purok 11-C Ilaboon Maniki Kapalong
Davao del Norte

Research Paper Presented to the Senior High Faculty of

Kapalong College of Technology Inc.

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for Practical Research II

Real, Erika Isah Marie

Zamora, Samantha

Romia, May Divine

Resma, Ann Reil

Castillo, Raffy

KAPALONG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED

MARCH 2025
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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

ABSTRACT
No matter where its located, plastic waste is always a problem. Communities’

that offer limited waste management services suffer from plastic bottle waste,

especially in regions where the resource is scarce. This study measures the effect of

a community-based recycling program on a specific location in Purok 11-C Ilaboon

Maniki Kapalong Davao del Norte. The research intends to evaluate the program’s

effectiveness in contributing to the reduction of plastic waste in the specific location,

fostering good waste management practices, and increasing community education.

The program provides the residents the necessary information to engage in recycling

with the aim to minimize pollution and promote responsible waste disposal.

The research takes a mixed methods approach employing qualitative and

quantitative methods for surveys, interviews, and analyzing waste volumes. Data

obtained from participants paired with local waste management records point toward

shifts in waste disposal practices and an overall significant drop in plastic waste. The

findings support the hypothesis of increased community participation, input from local

government, and public education campaigns as critical to improving the

environment. After reviewing the outcomes, it is now evident that there has been a

substantial reduction of plastic bottle waste following the recycling initiative. The

residents mentioned that they are better at waste management through segregation

and are more aware of the benefits of recycling. The results suggest that community-

based programs on recycling can solve the issues posed by plastic waste.

Suggestions include that the initiative be extended to adjacent communities.

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DEDICATION

This article is dedicated to the residents of Barangay Mnaiki and Purok 11-C,

Ilaboon Kapalong, whose experiences and insights have greatly contributed to this

study. Their willingness to share their stories and challenges has been invaluable in

understanding the issues that impact their daily lives. This study is a tribute to their

strength and commitment to positive change within their communities.

To our families and loved ones, we express our deepest gratitude for their

unwavering support and encouragement. Their patience, understanding, and belief in

our capabilities have been our source of toughness throughout this journey.

We also dedicate work to our mentors, educators and friends, whose

guidance and wisdom have shaped our perspectives and strengthened our

commitment to academic excellence. Their encouragement has inspired us to think

critically and contribute meaningfully to society. Most importantly, this research is

dedicated to all individuals and organizations advocating sustainable waste

management. May this study contribute to the ongoing efforts to improve community

recycling programs and reduce plastic bottle waste, fostering a cleaner and healthier

environment for future generations.

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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE 1

ABSTRACT 2

DEDICATION 3

Chapter

1. INTRODUCTION

Rationale 6

Research Objectives 8

Research Hypothesis 8

Review of Related Literature 9

Theoretical Framework 17

Conceptual Framework 18

Significance of the Study 21

Definition of Terms 22

2. METHODOLOGY

Research Design 23

Research Locale 24

Population and Sample 26

Research Instrument 27

Data Gathering 28

REFERENCES 31

3. RESULTS

Level of Recycling Program in Terms of Attitude Toward the Behavior 33

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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Level of Recycling Program in Terms of Subjective Norms 33

Level of Recycling Program Terms of Perceive Behavioral Control 34

Summary of Recycling Program 36

Level of Plastic Bottle Reduction in terms of Observation 36

Level of Plastic Bottle Reduction in terms of Imitation 37

Level of Plastic Bottle Reduction in terms of Reinforcement 37

Summary of Plastic Bottle Reduction 39

Significant Relationship between Recycling Program 39

and Plastic Bottle Reduction

Domain of Recycling Program that significantly predicts 40

the Plastic Bottle Reduction

4. DISCUSSION

Discussion 42

Level of Recycling Programs 42

Level of Plastic Bottle Reduction 45

Correlation Between Measures of Recycling Programs 47

and Plastic Bottle Reduction
Domain of Recycling Program that significantly predicts 49
the Plastic Bottle Reduction

Conclusion 50

Recommendation 51
REFERENCES 54
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CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the study's rationale, research objectives, research

hypothesis, review of related literature of the study, theoretical and conceptual

framework, significance of the study, and definition of terms.

Rationale

Plastic bottle waste reduction refers to decreasing the number of plastic

bottles that end up as waste in the environment. As multiple studies over the past ten

years have shown, reducing plastic bottle waste has emerged as a key

environmental concern. The pervasive use of plastic bottles, coupled with their long

decomposition time, has resulted in significant environmental pollution (Geyer et al.,

2019).

As one of the world's leading contributors to plastic pollution, Indonesia has

acknowledged the critical need for effective waste management solutions. Indonesia

is also facing a state of emergency with the large amount of waste found on land and

at sea. Indonesia is the second largest contributor of plastic waste to the ocean with

an annual production of more than 6 million tons of plastic waste but only 10% of

which is sent to recycling centers (Hallee, 2021).

Correspondingly, problems in plastic bottle waste reduction have been seen

in the government of the Philippines. To highlight, in Manila, the lack of recycling

bins and storage space for recyclables are the top barriers to recycling single-use

plastic bottles. Despite efforts to improve waste management, the city of Manila

faces problems like insufficient recycling facilities, not enough public awareness, and

low participation rates in recycling programs. Manila's waste management system

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struggles with inefficiencies in waste collection, segregation, and recycling (Cabico,

2023).

As such, studying managing plastic bottle waste which has a big impact on

the environment makes this study essential. By assessing their effectiveness, identify

the advantages and disadvantages of the current procedures, resulting in waste

management plans that are more successful. Determining the impact of plastic bottle

waste reduction will assist in determining whether these programs help in lowering

pollution and landfill waste. Also, having this study is relevant to the improvement of

the community as this could give valuable improvement in recycling programs that

can lead to cleaner neighborhoods and reduced waste, particularly in the locality

where this study will be conducted. Thus, this study could be used by local

governments to effective recycling programs to reduce municipal waste

management. Additionally, the study can raise public awareness about the

importance of recycling and its role in environmental conservation.

In connection, the researchers have not come across the study of recycling

programs on plastic waste reduction in the local setting. There have been studies

conducted such as the studies of Smith & Johnson (2021), Lee & Patel (2022), and

Carter & Kim (2023 ) which focused on plastic bottle waste reduction but not on the

impact of recycling programs on plastic waste reduction this study aims to evaluate

the impact of recycling programs on the reduction of waste plastic bottle waste.

Compared to other general studies that might focus on waste management in

general or different kinds of waste, this study focuses just on plastic bottles.

Furthermore, it highlights the need for community-driven initiatives, emphasizing a

customized strategy as opposed to broad waste reduction methods.

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Research Objectives

The study will be conducted to look into the relationship between recycling

programs towards plastic bottle waste reduction at Purok 11-C Ilaboon,

Maniki ,Kapalong.

Specifically, it will address the following:

1. To determine the level of recycling programs in the community

1.1 Attitude Toward Behavior;

1.2 Subjective Norms; and

1.3 Perceived Behavioral Control.

2. To determine the level of plastic bottle waste in the community

1.1 Observation;

1.2 Imitation; and

1.3 Reinforcement.

3. To determine the significant relationship between the recycling program and

plastic bottle waste reduction in the community.

4. To determine which domain of recycling programs significantly influences

plastic bottle waste reduction at Purok 11-C Ilaboon, Maniki, Kapalong.

Research Hypothesis

H0: There was no significant relationship between recycling programs

community and plastic bottle waste reduction at Purok 11- C Maniki Kapalong Davao

Del Norte.
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Ha: There was a significant relationship between recycling programs

community and plastic bottle waste reduction at Purok 11- C Maniki Kapalong Davao

Del Norte

Review of Related Literature

In this part, the various readings and research from different books, internet

websites, and scholarly works of authors are presented in this section to give further

reading and elaboration of the focus of this study. By doing so, the researcher aims

to build a strong theoretical framework, to give further reading and elaboration of the

focus of the study, and to identify gaps in the existing studies.

Recycling Programs

This study was anchored on the theory of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)

by Icek Ajzen (1985). The indicators are attitude toward behavior, subjective

norms, and perceived behavioral control. These factors play a major role in recycling

programs in the community.

Recycling programs have been widely recognized as a crucial strategy for

reducing plastic waste, particularly plastic bottles. According to Schlossberg describe

in the article, “A Steep for Bottled Water” (2016) how a Doctor by the name of

Jambeck estimates that nearly half of the plastic wastes come from Asia. The article

focuses attention on a critical need for improved waste management techniques and

an increased understanding of how plastic use affects the environment. It is hoped

that by solving these problems, the amount of plastic waste especially from plastic

bottled water can be greatly decreased, there is a little less than a third of plastic is

collected for recycling, although plastic waste is one of the easiest and the most

efficient solid to recycle (Schlossberg, 2016).

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Similarly, according to an article published by Khurram, Burney, Morrisey, and

Jacobs “Bottles to trees” (2017), beverage bottles could be a great alternative as a

nursery growing container for reforestation. The study offers instances of this

project's implementation from throughout the globe, showing its adaptability and

effectiveness.

Thousands of trees have been planted and plastic waste has been decreased in

some areas as a result of the campaign. The authors also go over a few difficulties,

such as the necessity of continuous support and the value of sustaining community

interest over time. They are yet joyful about the project's ability to bring about long-

lasting (Khurram et al.,2017).

In an article published by Instablogs (“Seven Innovative plans to reduce

plastic waste,” 2011). The article talks about the importance of education in reducing

plastic waste. We can have an important influence by informing people about the

risks posed by plastic pollution and providing them with ways to reduce it. Raising

awareness can be facilitated by communities, schools, and even social media efforts

Instablogs (2011).

Attitude Toward the Behavior

In the Theory of Planned Behavior Ajzen (1985) refers to an individual's

overall evaluation of the behavior in question, whether it is favorable or unfavorable.

This attitude is shaped by the beliefs about the consequences of performing the

behavior and the value placed on these outcomes recycling behavior consistently

shows that attitudes toward recycling significantly influence participation in recycling

programs. For instance, in the context of recycling, if people believe that recycling

has significant positive impacts on the environment, such as reducing pollution and

conserving resources, they are likely to develop a positive attitude toward recycling.
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Studies indicate that despite positive attitudes towards recycling and

environmental awareness, actual participation may be low due to obstacles like lack

of recycling bins or inconvenient locations. This positive attitude increases the

likelihood that they will engage in the behavior. Conversely, if they perceive recycling

as time-consuming, inconvenient, or ineffective, they may develop a negative

attitude, reducing their willingness to participate. The social context, and effortless

access to

recycling programs, are crucial in translating environmental attitudes into recycling

behavior. Additionally, factors such as effect, past behavior, and subjective norms

contribute to explaining recycling behaviors. Thus, attitude toward the behavior is

crucial in determining whether individuals are inclined to engage in recycling

activities. Programs that aim to improve attitudes toward recycling by educating

people about its benefits and addressing misconceptions can significantly enhance

participation rates (Bendak & Ab, 2021).

Subjective Norms

Subjective norms, personal norms, and descriptive norms all play significant

roles in influencing recycling intentions and behaviors, social pressures or influences

that shape an individual's decision to engage in a particular behavior. Subjective

norms involve the expectations and behaviors of others, such as family, friends,

neighbors, or community leaders, which impact whether a person chooses to

participate in recycling activities. If an individual perceives that important people in

their lives value and practice recycling, they are more likely to feel compelled to

recycle themselves, even if they might not have a strong personal conviction about it

(Fornara et al., 2021)

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Descriptive norms, both subjective and local, are particularly powerful

predictors of recycling behavior. These norms reflect the actual behaviors of others

within a community and can strongly influence an individual’s recycling practices

Personal norms, which include an individual’s values and attitudes, directly affect

their recycling intentions. While descriptive norms can act as initial triggers for

recycling behavior norms are more immediate predictors of an individual willingness

to recycle and reuse (Shah & Yang, 2023).

Over time, these social expectations can create a sense of obligation or

motivation to conform to what is considered socially acceptable or desirable within a

community. Therefore, when recycling is widely supported and practiced within a

community, subjective norms can significantly boost participation in recycling

programs. Individuals tend to become more similar to their group members in

attitudes and behavior regarding recycling. Attitudes consistently emerge as strong

predictors of recycling behavior across studies (Park & Ha, 2014; Schwab et al.,

2014).

Perceived Behavioral Control

This encompasses how capable people feel about participating in recycling

activities. If individuals believe that recycling is straightforward, with accessible

facilities and clear instructions, they are more likely to engage in it. Studies have

found that attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) are

significant predictors of recycling intentions. However, the role of PBC in predicting

actual behavior is inconsistent. Conversely, if they perceive obstacles, such as a lack

of nearby recycling bins or confusion about what can be recycled, they may feel

discouraged and less inclined to participate. Self-identity as a recycler has emerged

as an important factor influencing recycling intentions. Combining TPB with other

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models, such as the Norm Activation Model, can provide a more comprehensive

understanding of recycling behavior. Religious institutions have been found to

effectively promote pro-environmental behavior among ethnic minorities by

influencing attitudes, moral norms, and perceived behavioral control (Lakhan, 2018).

Essentially, the stronger the perceived control, the more likely people are to

take part in recycling, as they feel confident that their efforts will be successful.

Therefore, effective recycling programs should aim to enhance perceived behavioral

control by reducing barriers and making the recycling process as simple and

convenient as possible for the community (Santos et al., 2021).

Plastic Bottle Reduction

This study was anchored on the Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura

(1977). The indicators are observation, imitation, and reinforcement. According to

Bandura’s SLT, we learn from interacting with others in a social context. We observe,

assimilate, and imitate others’ behavior when witnessing positive or rewarding

experiences. These factors play a major role in plastic bottle reduction in the

community (Nabavi, 2019).

To lessen the environmental impact of single-use plastics, municipalities are

implementing and improving recycling programs in response to the pressing need to

handle plastic bottle waste amid growing environmental concerns. According to the

article “Plastic Bottle closed-loop Recycling in the USA PET Market. The article

states governments and businesses have been motivated to create strategies and

regulations that promote or mandate more recycling and resource efficiency by the

Circular Economy concept. Governments could pass regulations encouraging

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recycling, for instance, and businesses may develop action plans to use resources

more wisely or develop easily recyclable items (Lonca, et al.,2020).

Furthermore, in another article about the influence of material properties and

product design for plastic recycling, the quality of the recycled materials has a major

impact on how effective this method is. Recycled materials may not be as strong,

long-lasting, or appropriate for particular uses as they were when they were first

produced. This is because the quality of recycled materials could decrease with time.

Establishing a fully circular plastic economy may be limited by the recycling systems'

inability to maintain materials in continuous use and properly close the loop due to

this quality loss (Eriksen, et al., 2019).

Observation

When individuals see others engaging in recycling practices, such as properly

disposing of plastic bottles or actively participating in community recycling programs,

they are more likely to adopt these behaviors themselves. Bandura’s social learning

theory provides a helpful framework for understanding how an individual learns via

observation and modeling. For instance, if a person observes their friends, family

members, or neighbors consistently recycling plastic bottles and receiving positive

reinforcement for their actions, such as community recognition or cleaner

surroundings, they may feel encouraged to emulate these practices. Cognitive

processes are central, as learners must make sense of and internalize what they see

to reproduce the behavior. Psychological processing is required to match cognition

and behavior between the observation and the performance. The visibility of these

behaviors creates a model for others to follow, demonstrating the ease and benefits

of recycling. Interestingly, plastic bottles can also serve as educational tools, as

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evidenced by a study where they were used to reduce maladaptive behaviors (Putri,

2020).

Furthermore, community-driven recycling initiatives can foster a sense of

collective responsibility, strengthening social cohesion and environmental awareness.

Studies suggest that when communities implement structured recycling programs,

such as designated collection points and incentive-based systems, participation rates

increase significantly. This communal approach aligns with Vygotsky’s sociocultural

theory, which emphasizes learning as a social process where individuals develop

behaviors through interaction with their environment and peers. By incorporating

educational campaigns and workshops, local governments and organizations can

reinforce the importance of recycling, making sustainable practices more accessible

and appealing to a broader audience (Jones & Smith, 2019)

Additionally, environmental psychology highlights the role of norms and

attitudes in shaping sustainable behaviors. Individuals are more likely to recycle

when they perceive it as a social norm within their community. This aligns with the

concept of descriptive norms, which suggest that people conform to behaviors they

believe are widely practiced by others. When communities actively promote and

normalize recycling through public policies, media campaigns, and social initiatives,

they create an ecosystem where sustainable actions become habitual rather than

optional. This shift is essential for long-term environmental sustainability, as it

ensures that recycling is not just an individual choice, but a collective commitment

(Chen et al., 2021).

Imitation

This process of imitation is driven by the human tendency to conform to social

norms and behaviors modeled by those around us. Following the observation, we
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assimilate and imitate the observed behavior, the social cognitive theory framework

demonstrates a reciprocal relationship between personal values, environmental

factors, and consumer behavior regarding single-use plastics. When positive

recycling behaviors are visible and rewarded, such as through improved community

cleanliness or recognition from peers, the likelihood of others adopting similar

practices increases. Despite its prevalence, there has been little effort to think about

imitation’s forms or even sort out what imitation is and isn’t. For more than a century,

psychology has honed imitation through distinctions that expose forms of behavioral

copying that look like imitation but aren’t. Thorndike’s classic definition of imitation as

“learning to do an act from seeing it done” made imitative skill transfer turn on

observation (Fischbach & Yauney, 2023).

When individuals observe others engaging in recycling practices, they are

more likely to replicate those behaviors themselves. “Response facilitation” tagged

behaviors that were hardwired in individuals and required only activation, because

such behavior wasn’t new to the individual, it couldn’t be imitative learning sensu

stricto. “Emulation” distinguished cases where one copied the ends, the

environmental result of action of perceived goal (Whiten & Ham, 2020).

Reinforcement

Communities might implement reward programs where residents receive

points or small financial rewards for recycling plastic bottles, thereby making the

effort more rewarding. It is intended to encourage a desired behavior by introducing

rewards shortly after the occurrence and therefore increasing the likelihood of

repetition. Positive reinforcement also includes social acknowledgment, such as

public recognition or praise from peers and community leaders, which can boost

individuals' motivation to recycle consistently. highlighting the immediate and tangible

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rewards of recycling, reinforcement helps to strengthen the behavior, making it more

likely that individuals will continue to engage in waste reduction practices and

contribute to a cleaner environment (McLeod, 2018).

Research has shown that such incentives can significantly increase recycling

rates. For example, in some programs, individuals who regularly recycle are entered

into a lottery or receive small financial rewards. These incentives make the act of

recycling more appealing and reinforce the behavior by linking it to positive outcomes

The effectiveness of reinforcement strategies in reducing plastic bottle waste largely

depends on their design and implementation. Positive reinforcement needs to be

immediate and meaningful to ensure that individuals associate the recycling behavior

with the rewards. On the other hand, negative reinforcement must be substantial

enough to deter improper disposal and encourage recycling (Newell 2020).

Communities that use reinforcement strategies often see a shift towards more

environmentally friendly habits over time. Research shows that combining rewards,

like money or prizes, with educational programs can lead to lasting changes in

behavior. For example, offering incentives alongside sessions about the harmful

effects of plastic waste helps people see the bigger picture and understand why

recycling is important. This combined approach encourages people to recycle right

away and inspires them to care more about reducing waste in the long term. By using

both rewards and education, communities can create a sense of responsibility and

work towards a cleaner, healthier environment (Johnson & Smith, 2019).

Theoretical Framework

The independent variable was anchored in recycling programs that could

incorporate the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by Icek Ajzen (1985). which states
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that we can apply TPB to individual behavior, such as recycling programs, which are

influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. It takes a

long period to master these individual behaviors. However, the point is that recycling

programs are an important factor that can affect in community.

Moreover, the dependent variable was based on the Social Learning Theory

by Albert Bandura(1997) states that there are three factors which are observation,

imitation, and reinforcement posits that people learn behaviors through observation

and imitation of others. These components play a vital role in terms of plastic bottle

waste reduction in the community. Together, these theories can explain how

community recycling programs shape attitudes towards recycling, foster social norms

around waste reduction, and provide practical support to enhance recycling

behaviors, ultimately leading to a reduction in plastic bottle waste.

According to the idea, recycling can only be introduced into a community if

the residents are eager to recycle their waste or if it is usual for them to recycle

garbage that is left lying around in designated areas. This theory, however, is invalid

if the individuals in question were unwilling to separate their own waste.

Either their character dictates this, or they are simply being swayed by others

who share their belief that they should follow in others' footsteps. TPB offers an

outline for examining how attitudes, social pressures, and perceived control may

affect how well a community recycling program works to cut down on the trash

generated by plastic bottles.

The combine application of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Social

Learning Theory offers a clear and practical way to understand how community

recycling programs influence the reduction of plastic bottle waste. TPB focuses on
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the psychological factors that drive individual behaviors, such as personal attitudes,

social expectations, and a sense of control over one’s actions, which are key to

encouraging recycling habits. On the other hand, Social Learning Theory highlights

how people learn through observing others, imitating positive behaviors, and

receiving encouragement or reinforcement. By combining these approaches, we can

see how personal motivation and social influence work together to promote recycling.

When communities create a supportive environment where recycling is both taught

and modeled, they can build a culture that treats waste reduction as a normal,

everyday practice, leading to meaningful and sustainable changes.

Conceptual Framework

The independent variable was anchored in recycling programs that could

incorporate the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by Icek Ajzen (1985). Explains

that behavior is driven by intentions, which are influenced by three factors, attitude is

person's positive or negative evaluation of the behavior, subjective norms are the

perceived social pressure to perform or not perform the behavior, Perceived

Behavioral Control is the perceived ease or difficulty of performing the behavior,

which reflects past experiences and anticipated obstacles.

Nevertheless, the study of the Social Learning Theory by Albert

Bandura(1997) that people learn behaviors, norms, and values through observing

others, especially within social contexts. If individuals see their peers or community

members engaging in positive behaviors like recycling plastic bottles, they are more

likely to adopt similar behaviors. As the dependent variable with three indicators,

observation is learning by watching the actions of others, imitation is reproducing the

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observed behavior, reinforcement of positive outcomes or rewards for the behavior

encourages its repetition

Conceptual Paradigm
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Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Attitude Toward Behavior Observation

Subjective Norms Imitation

Perceived Behavioral Control Reinforcement

[Link] of the Study

Definition of Terms

[Link] Recycling Programs

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Recycling is the most effective method to keep our earth's environment

secure. By simply reusing the materials instead of discarding them, we can reduce

the number of waste materials and conserve future natural resources. In this way,

landfill trash will be reduced to save water and air from pollution. Solid waste

recycling provides adequate benefits to the environment and health, apart from

generating economic benefits (Asanousi Osama et al..,2021).

Conserving resources and reducing the volume of garbage that must be

incinerated or stored in landfills through recycling has become a major priority for

many communities. Educational campaigns are often used to inform the public and

induce recycling behavior. However, research evaluating the success of these

campaigns has focused primarily on recycling behavior and not on cognitive factors

such as awareness or motivation which may precede or accompany the behavior

(Joanne Vining et al.., 2022)

[Link] Bottle Waste Reduction

The massive consumption of a wide range plastic products has generated a

huge amount of plastic waste. There is a need to provide awareness of their uses

and routine management as a part of our lifestyle. Nowadays, plastics are

increasingly being used in our daily life activities, including the packaging in different

food and brewing companies, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and other production

sectors need to pack their end products for efficient and safer product's delivery to

the community (Niyitanga Evode et al..,2023)

Significance of the Study

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The significance of this study is to give insights, address the gaps in past

research studies, and provide an intervention for the impact of community recycling

programs on plastic bottle waste reduction at Purok 11-C Ilaboon, Maniki, Kapalong.

To the Participants, this study aims to encourage waste reduction by

promoting the principles of "reduce, reuse, and recycle.”. To Locality, this study is

they provides convenient avenues for residents to dispose of recyclable materials,

ensuring that valuable resources are recovered and reused. Next is the Institution,

they facilitate partnerships with local governments, non-profits, and community

organizations, ensuring that the research is grounded in real-world contexts and

practical needs it helps a lot to address. Furthermore, to Future researchers, it

serves as a reference for them to fill up the shortages of this study and to deepen

and broaden the understanding of plastic bottle waste reduction and lastly the

Researcher might fill up the gaps that have been left unanswered by the past

research articles.
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CHAPTER 2

METHODOLOGY

This chapter addresses the present methods that the researcher will use to

gather information from the corresponding respondents. It also discusses the process

of choosing participants, and collecting and analyzing data.

Research Design

This study will employ a quantitative descriptive correlational research design

to assess the impact of community recycling programs on plastic bottle waste

reduction in Purok 11-C, Ilaboon, Maniki, Kapalong, and Davao del Norte. A survey

will be administered to a sample of community residents to gather data on their

recycling behaviors, awareness of recycling program initiatives, and frequency of

plastic bottle disposal and recycling. Additionally, quantitative data on plastic bottle

waste volumes before and after the implementation of the recycling programs will be

collected from local waste management records to measure the change in plastic

waste output over time (Bhimani et al. 2018).

This study is quantitative research design since the structured approach

involves collecting and analyzing numerical data to understand relationships,

differences, or trends within a population. It is used in this study because it allows the

researcher to measure the extent of plastic bottle waste reduction objectively by

using statistical tools. By applying quantitative methods, the study can quantify the

change in waste volumes and determine if the recycling program has a statistically

significant impact. This approach also enables comparisons over time, examining

whether waste reduction correlates with program implementation. It is suitable for

capturing the specific impact on a large group, such as a community, through surveys

and records. Correlational research design was used in this study, since its aim was

to find out if there is a relationship between the independent and dependent variable

of this study
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Furthermore, the use of questionnaires helped the researcher analyze the

relationship between the study's variables.

Research Locale

Figure 2 presents the regional map of the study area, located at Purok 11-C,

Ilaboon, in Barangay Maniki, within the municipality of Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

Purok 11-C, Ilaboon has a population of 521 as of 2024. Barangay Maniki, recorded

at 21,327 residents in the 2020 census, is one of the 14 barangays within Kapalong,

a first-class municipality situated in the northwestern part of Davao del Norte. The

geographical coordinates for Maniki are approximately 7.5848° N, 125.7062° E,

positioning it about 100 miles (or 200 kilometers) from Davao City. The area sits at an

elevation of 24.1 meters (79.1 feet) above sea level.

Kapalong, with postal code 8113, lies 72 kilometers from Davao City,

accessible via a 1.5-hour drive by private vehicle or around 2 hours by public

transportation through Tagum City. The research locale covers a total area of 320.47

square meters, with all activities and observations carried out in this specified region.
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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

(Figure 2: Regional Map Highlighting the Research Locale)

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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Population and Sample

The respondents of this study were residents of Purok 11-C Ilaboon Maniki in

Kapalong Davao Del Norte among 521 people of its population and they were the

primary subject of this study. The researcher only chose 300 participants to answer

the following questionnaires.

Simple random sampling is advantageous in populations that are uniformly

selected and homogenous. This approach ensures that each individual has an equal

chance of participating in the study, with selection being determined purely by chance

(Smith 2021).

TABLE 1

DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS

GRADE LEVEL POPULATION SAMPLE PERCENTAGE

Resident 521 222 42.6%

TOTAL 521 222 42.6%

Research Instrument
 28
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

For the researcher to gather information to address the mentioned issues

within the study, the researcher used researcher-made questionnaires for the

Recycling Programs Community on Plastic Waste Reduction. To measure the

Recycling Programs Community on Plastic Waste Reduction of the residents of

Purok 11-C Ilaboon Maniki, Kapalong Davao Del Norte the researcher used the

Likert Scale. The following rating scales are used to analyze, interpret, and provide

implications for the study’s findings. They are displayed in:

TABLE 2

RANGE OF MEANS DESCRIPTIVE DESCRIPTION

EQUIVALENT

The measure described in

4.30-5.00 Very High the recycling programs is
always observed.

The measure described in

3.50-4.20 High the recycling bottle is mostly
observed.

The measure described in

2.70-3.40 Moderate the recycling bottle is
occasionally observed.

The measure described in

1.90-2.60 Low the recycling program is
seldom observed.

The measure described in

1.00-1.80 Very low the recycling program is
rarely observed.
 29
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

RANGE OF MEANS DESCRIPTIVE DESCPRIPTION

EQUIVALENT

The measure described in the

4.30-5.00 Very high plastic bottle reduction is

always observed.

The measure described in the

3.50-4.20 High plastic bottle reduction is

mostly observed.

The measure described in the

2.70-3.40 Moderate plastic bottle reduction is

occasionally observed.

The measure described in the

1.90-2.60 Low plastic bottle reduction is

seldom observed.

The measure described in the

1.00-1.80 Very low plastic bottle reduction is

rarely observed.

Data Collection

Ask permission to conduct the study. The researcher will ask permission

from the respondents to grant permission to conduct the study and gather

informations from the chosen respondents.

Gather Data. The researcher will conduct a study by gathering data from

selected respondents. A questionnaire will be provided to each respondent, ensuring

proper data collection through their collaboration.

 30
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Analyze and Interpret data. After data collection, the researcher will analyze

and interpret the findings to categorize and summarize information, thereby achieving

the study’s objectives.

Review the analyzed Data. When the researcher has already finished in

analyzing and interpreting data, the researcher needs to review the said data to avoid

mistakes and misinterpretations during the tally of the data.

Collate the data. The researcher will collate critically and carefully the results

to ensure their reliability.

Draw conclusions. After the researcher filtered out the results. It can

proceed to draw conclusions based on the given results.

Ethical consideration

In this study, ethical considerations will be prioritized to ensure the protection

of participants' rights and well-being. Participants will have the option to withdraw

from the study at any time without any negative consequences. To safeguard privacy,

data will be anonymized, and all identifying information will be kept confidential.

These ethical considerations came from (Babbie, 2018).

Informed Consent- all participants will be fully informed about the study's

objectives, the nature of their participation, and any potential risks. Consent will be

obtained prior to participation, ensuring that individuals are making an informed

decision to take part (Babbie, 2018).

Confidentiality and Anonymity- participants’ identities will be kept

confidential, and data will be anonymized to prevent any identification. The data will

be securely stored and only used for the research purpose, following ethical

guidelines regarding privacy (Babbie, 2018).

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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Voluntary Participation and Right to Withdraw- Participation in the study

will be completely voluntary, with participants given the right to withdraw at any point

without facing any consequences or affecting their involvement in the community

recycling program (Babbie, 2018).

REFERENCES
 32
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Akers, R. L., & Jensen, G. F. (2006). The empirical status of social learning theory of crime
and deviance: The past, present, and future. In F. T. Cullen, J. P. Wright, & K. R.
Blevins (Eds.), Advances in criminological theory: Vol. 15. Taking stock: The status
of criminologicaltheory(pp.37-76).Transaction. [Link]
id=10.1257/aer.101.3.65
Babbie, E. (2018). The practice of social research (14th ed.). CENGAGE Learning Custom
[Link]://[Link]/c/the-practice-of-social-research-14e-babbie/
9781305104945/
Chen, X., Li, Y., & Zhang, H. (2021). The influence of social norms on recycling behavior: A
meta-analysis of environmental psychology studies. Environmental Research, 195,
110825. [Link]
Eriksen, M. K., Christiansen, J. D., Daugaard, A. E., & Astrup, T. F. (2019). Closing the loop
for PET, PE and PP waste from households: Influence of material properties and
product design for plastic recycling. Waste Management, 96,75-85.
[Link]
Helena J Kristina1, Agustina Christianit and Eric Jobiliong1 Published under license by IOP
Publishing Ltd IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental2cun Sevel, vent
20185, The 2015-0 Setret 2018, Alam Surera Tangerang, Indonesia.
[Link]
_and_Environmental_Science
Jones, R., & Smith, L. (2019). Community-based recycling programs and their impact on
waste management efficiency. Journal of Environmental Studies, 45(2), 134-152.
[Link]
Kegin Zhang, Jonathan Y.S. Leung, Chuanghong Su, Jinyan Liu, Jiufeng Li, Yinghua Chen,
Jingchun Shi, and Ming Hung [Link]: Environmental Research, 2024, Volume
262,[Link].1016/[Link].2024.119804.
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Lau, W. W. Y. et al. Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution. Science
[Link] (2020).
Lonca, G., Lesage, P., Majeau-Bettez, G., Bernard, S., & Margni, M. (2020). Assessing
scaling effects of circular economy strategies: A case study on plastic bottle closed-
loop recycling in the USA PET market. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 162,
105013. [Link]
Muyen, Z., Barna, T., & Hoque, M. (2016). Strength properties of plastic bottle bricks and
their suitability as construction materials in Bangladesh. Progressive Agriculture,
27(3), 362-368. [Link]
Putri, N. (2020). Using plastic bottles as an educational tool to reduce maladaptive behaviors
in children. International Journal of Behavioral Studies, 12(3), 67-79.
[Link]
Schultz, P. W., & Oskamp, S. (1996). Effort as a Moderator of the Attitude-Behavior
Relationship: General Environmental Concern and Recycling. Social Psychology
Quarterly, 59(4), 375-383. [Link]
Schwab, N., Harton, H. C., & Cullum, J. G. (2014). The Effects of Emergent Norms and
Attitudes on Recycling Behavior. Environment and Behavior, 46(4), 403-
[Link]://[Link]/10.1177/0013916512466093
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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Tournier, V. et al. An engineered PET depolymerase to break down and recycle plastic keep
bottles. Nature 580, 216-219 (2020). [Link]
Vincent Linderhof, Frans H. Oosterhuis, Pieter J.H. van Beukering, Heleen Bartelings, Bapple
Effectiveness of deposit-refund systems for household waste in the Netherlands:
Applying a partial equilibrium model, Journal of Environmental Management,
Volume232,2019, Pages 842-850, ISSN 0301-4797.
[Link]
White, K. M., & Hyde, M. K. (2012). The Role of Self-Perceptions in the Prediction of
Household Recycling Behavior in Australia. Environment and Behavior, 44(6),785-
799. [Link]
Whiten A, Ham R. 1992. On the nature and evolution of imitation in the animal kingdom:
reappraisal of a century of research. In Advances in the Study of Behaviour, Vol. 21,
ed. PJB Slater, JS Rosenblatt, C Beer, M Milinski, pp. 239-83. New York:
[Link]
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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

CHAPTER 3

RESULT

The following section discusses the data collected from the study in Ilaboon,

Purok 11-C, Maniki Kapalong, Davao Del Norte. It includes the resident's feedback

on

recycling programs and plastic bottle reduction are attached.

The Level of Recycling Program Terms of Attitude Toward the Behavior

The results of the recycling program in terms of attitude toward the behavior

are shown in Table 1. The highest mean of 4.33 belongs to the first query, which

states “I separate plastic bottles from other waste before disposal ”. Contrariwise, the

lowest mean belongs to the fifth query with the result of 3.56, which states that “I

properly dispose of plastic bottles in designated recycling bins or facilities”. This

independent variable has achieved a mean of 3.90. This implies that attitude toward

the behavior is mostly observed.

TABLE 1

ATTITUDE TOWARD BEHAVIOR MEAN DESCRIPTION

1. I separate plastic bottles from other waste before disposal. 4.33 VERY HIGH
2. I actively participate in community recycling programs or 3.91 HIGH
initiatives.
3. I encourage others in my household or community to 4.04 HIGH
recycle plastic bottles.
4. I reuse plastic bottles instead of throwing them away. 3.65 HIGH
5. I properly dispose of plastic bottles in designated recycling 3.56 HIGH
bins or facilities.
Overall Mean 3.90 HIGH

The Level of Recycling Program Terms of Subjective Norms

It is clearly shown in Table 2 that the highest mean has been achieved by the

first query with a mean of 4.06, this question states “I feel encouraged by my family

to
 35
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

participate in community recycling programs”. The lowest mean was achieved by the

fourth question which states “I believe people in my community value reducing

plastic bottle waste”, with a score of 3.54. Finally, the total score of subjective norms

was 3.76 which was mostly observed by the residents.

TABLE 2

SUBJECTIVE NORMS MEAN DESCRIPTION

1. I feel encouraged by my family to participate in 4.06 HIGH

community recycling programs.
2. I see my neighbors actively engaging in plastic bottle 3.64 HIGH
recycling efforts.
3. I think my peers expect me to contribute to recycling 3.82 HIGH
initiatives in our community.
4. I believe people in my community value reducing plastic 3.75 HIGH
bottle waste.
5. I am influenced by local leaders or organizations to join 3.54 HIGH
recycling activities.
Overall Mean 3.76 HIGH

The Level of Recycling Program Terms of Perceive Behavioral Control

It is explicitly mentioned in Table 3 below that question number one attained

the highest mean of 4.15, which naturally states “I find it easy to locate recycling bins

in my community”. On the other hand, the fourth query obtained the lowest mean with

a score of 3.76 which affirms “I have access to information about how to properly

recycle plastic bottles.”. To generalize, the overall score of this indicator was 3.92

which was under the category of mostly.

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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

TABLE 3

PERCEIVE BEHAVIORAL CONTROL MEAN DESCRIPTION

1. I find it easy to locate recycling bins in my 4.15 HIGH
community.
2. I try to sort plastic bottles before disposal. 3.95 HIGH
3. I feel confident that my participation in recycling 3.97 HIGH
programs makes a difference in reducing plastic
waste.
4. I have access to information about how to 3.76 HIGH
properly recycle plastic bottles.
5. I actively encourage others to recycle plastic 3.78 HIGH
bottles in my community.
Overall Mean 3.92 HIGH

The results in Table 4 indicate that recycling programs have a significant

impact on community members, as evidenced by their general attitude toward the

behavior, reflected in the high mean score of 3.90. This suggests that they recognize

the benefits of recycling and are likely to engage in such programs willingly.

Additionally, the high subjective norms score 3.76 implies that social influences, such

as family, peers, or community leaders, play a significant role in shaping individuals'

participation in recycling efforts. When people perceive that their social environment

values recycling, they are more inclined to adopt and sustain the behavior.

The perceived behavioral control score of 3.92, the highest among the three

factors, highlights that individuals feel confident in their ability to participate in

recycling programs. This could indicate that the necessary resources, knowledge, or

infrastructure are readily available, making recycling a more practical practice. The

overall mean of 3.86 reinforces that the community holds a strong desire toward

recycling, driven by personal attitudes, social expectations, and a sense of control

over their actions. This positive outlook suggests that recycling programs have the

potential for long-term success, provided they continue to receive support and

reinforcement.
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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Summary on the Level of Recycling Program among the Residents of

Ilaboon Prk 11-C Maniki Kapalong Davao Del Norte.

TABLE 4

RECYCLING PROGRAMS MEAN DESCRIPTION

Attitude toward the behavior 3.90 HIGH

Subjective Norms 3.76 HIGH

Perceive Behavioral Control 3.92 HIGH

Overall Mean 3.86 HIGH

The Level of Plastic Bottle Reduction in terms of Observation

Table 5 shows the results with the highest mean of 3.96, this score can be

found in the first query; “I bring reusable bottles or containers instead of buying

plastic bottled drinks”. However, the fourth query achieved the lowest mean with a

score of 3.46; “I repurpose plastic bottles for other uses instead of throwing them

away”. Lastly, the overall mean score was 3.72 which is certainly mostly observed by

the residents.

TABLE 5
OBSERVATION MEAN DESCRIPTION
1. I bring reusable bottles or containers instead of 3.96 HIGH
buying plastic bottled drinks.
2. I segregate plastic bottles from other household 3.79 HIGH
waste for recycling
3. I participate in community programs focused on 3.78 HIGH
reducing plastic bottle waste.
4. I educate others about the importance of 3.61 HIGH
minimizing plastic bottle use.
5. I repurpose plastic bottles for other uses instead of 3.46 HIGH
throwing them away
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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Overall Mean 3.72 HIGH

The Level of Plastic Bottle Reduction in terms of Imitation

In Table 6, it is clearly stated below that the first question obtained the highest

mean with a score of 3.88 which declares “I tell others in my community to recycle

plastic bottles”. Contrarily, 3.44, which is the lowest score was acquired by the fourth

query; “I follow the rules for reducing plastic bottle waste when I see others doing it.”.

With a total mean score of 3.68, which is mostly observed by the residents.

TABLE 6

IMITATION MEAN DESCRIPTION

1. I tell others in my community to recycle plastic 3.88 HIGH

bottles
2. I copy how others recycle when I see them sorting 3.72 HIGH
their trash.
3. I join recycling activities because others in my 3.69 HIGH
community do it too.
4. I follow the rules for reducing plastic bottle waste 3.44 HIGH
when I see others doing it.
5. I show my family and friends how to reduce plastic 3.66 HIGH
waste by setting an example.
Overall Mean 3.68 HIGH

The Level of Plastic Bottle Reduction in terms of Reinforcement

Table 7 consists of the respondents’ answers in terms of reinforcement, as

the illustration has shown the answers below it can be seen that the score of 3.88

has been obtained by the first query; “ I encourage my family and neighbors to

separate plastic bottles for recycling regularly.”. Otherwise, the fourth query is

considered as the least due to the fact that it only has a 3.51 mean score; “I promote

the use of reusable containers over single-use plastic bottles among others.”. The
 39
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

least among all scores. Moreover, the general mean score of this indicator was 3.68

which would be categorized as mostly observed.

TABLE 7

REINFORCEMENT MEAN DESCRIPTION

1. I encourage my family and neighbors to separate 3.88 HIGH
plastic bottles for recycling regularly.
2. I actively engage in community recycling activities or 3.71 HIGH
initiatives to reduce plastic waste.
3. I consistently bring plastic bottles to the 3.64 HIGH
community's designated recycling or collection points
4. I promote the use of reusable containers over 3.51 HIGH
single-use plastic bottles among others.
5. I participate in seminars or events that raise 3.63 HIGH
awareness about reducing plastic bottle waste.
Overall Mean 3.68 HIGH

The data indicates that the community's engagement in plastic bottle

reduction is significantly high, with an overall mean of 3.70. Among the specific

factors assessed, observation received the highest mean score 3.72, suggesting that

individuals are highly influenced by seeing others participate in recycling initiatives.

This aligns with social learning theory, where people tend to adopt behaviors, they

frequently observe in their surroundings. Additionally, both imitation and

reinforcement scored equally 3.68, further emphasizing the role of modeled

behaviors and external encouragement in sustaining plastic waste reduction efforts.

These findings suggest that community-driven efforts, such as visible

recycling practices and positive reinforcement, effectively promote plastic bottle

reduction. The high scores across all factors highlight a strong culture of

environmental responsibility, where individuals not only observe but also replicate

and maintain sustainable waste management behaviors. This implies that reinforcing
 40
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

these strategies through educational campaigns, incentives, or community-led

recycling programs can further strengthen long-term participation and impact in

reducing plastic waste.

Summary on the Level of Plastic Bottle Reduction among the Residents of

Ilaboon Prk 11-C Maniki Kapalong Davao Del Norte.

TABLE 8

PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION MEAN DESCRIPTION

Observation 3.72 HIGH

Imitation 3.68 HIGH

Reinforcement 3.68 HIGH

Overall Mean 3.70 HIGH

Significant Relationship between Recycling Program and Plastic Bottle Reduction

Table 9 illustrates the statistical analysis of the relationship between recycling

programs and plastic bottle reduction. The recycling programs recorded a mean of

3.86, while plastic bottle reduction had a mean of 3.70. The analysis revealed an r-

value of 0.669 and a p-value of <0.001, which is below the established significance

level of 0.05. As a result, the null hypothesis is rejected. This implies a significant

relationship between recycling program and plastic bottle reduction.

Table 9
Significant Relationship Between Recycling Program and Plastic Bottle Reduction
 41
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Variable Correlated Mean R p-value Decision

Recycling Program 3.86 .

Ho is
Plastic Bottle Reduction 3.70 669 .001 Rejected

Domain of Recycling Program that significantly predicts the Plastic Bottle

Reduction

Presented in Table 10 is the significant influence of recycling program

domains on plastic bottle reduction. The results indicate that attitude toward behavior,

a key domain of recycling programs, is a statistically significant predictor of plastic

bottle reduction (β = 0.620, p < .001). At the 0.05 significance level, the null

hypothesis is rejected. Therefore, the beta value suggests that for every unit increase

in attitude toward behavior, the level of plastic bottle reduction increases by 0.620

units.

Moreover, the results showed that subjective norms, a domain of recycling

programs, appear to be a statistically significant predictor of the level of plastic bottle

reduction, (β=1.048, p<.001). At a 0.05 level of significance, the null hypothesis is not

accepted. Consequently, the beta value (β=1.048) indicates that for every unit

increase in subjective norms, the level of plastic bottle reduction will also increase by

1.048 units. Therefore, this leads to the rejection of the second null hypothesis states

that there are domains of recycling programs that can significantly influence the

plastic bottle reduction of the respondents.

Table 10
Significant Influence Between Recycling Programs and Plastic Bottle Reduction
Independent Variable Understa- Standard Standa- T-Value p-value
ndarized Error Dized
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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Recycling Programs Beta Beta

(Constant)

AttitudeToward Behavior 0.620 0.183 0.225 3.395 < .001

Subjective Norms 1.048 0.191 0.383 5.496 <.001

Perceive Behavioral Control 0.513 0.207 0.192 2.477 <.0.014

Dependent Variable:

Plastic Bottle
Reduction
Note. R=0.704 R2= 0.496 F=71.560 P= < .001

In contrast, the P-values for the remaining one domain, perceive behavioral

control (β=0.513, p=.014). At a 0.05 level of significance, the p-values of the one

domain are less than 0.05. This suggests that the domain which is perceived

behavioral control has a significant influence on plastic bottle reduction. Considering

the beta value (β=0.513) indicates that for every unit increase of perceived

behavioral control, the level of plastic bottle reduction will also increase by 0.513

units. Therefore, this leads to the rejection of the null hypothesis states that there is a

domain of recycling program that can significantly influence plastic bottle reduction.

Moreover, recycling programs explained a significant proportion of variance

in plastic bottle reduction, R^2= 0.496, F= 71.560, p<.001. The R^2 of 0.496 shows

that the model predicts that 49.6% of plastic bottle reduction is attributed to the

influence of recycling programs, while the remaining 50.4% is due to unaccounted

variables outside the study's scope. Consequently, the null hypothesis is not

accepted.
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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

CHAPTER 4
DISCUSSION
The given data on the recycling program and plastic bottle reduction of the

residents in the Ilaboon Prk 11-C Maniki Kapalong Davao Del Norte were shown in

this chapter, and the discussions will be based on the results. The result presents the

level of recycling program, and plastic bottle reduction observed among community

residents, their relationships and correlations, and the significant effect of recycling

program and plastic bottle reduction.

Level of Recycling Programs

The respondents' level of recycling programs was mostly observed by the

residents, reflecting varying degrees of community participation and government

support. These initiatives encouraged residents to actively recycle plastic bottles,

paper, and other recyclable materials. The effectiveness of these initiatives largely

depended on factors such as government policies, community engagement, and the

availability of proper infrastructure.

This is like the study of Schlossberg (2020), recycling programs are widely

recognized as a crucial strategy for mitigating plastic bottle waste. However, their

effectiveness strongly matches continuous improvements, the adoption of advanced

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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

techniques, and a deeper understanding of how plastic bottle consumption impacts

the environment. This study aimed to explore whether recycling programs could be

effectively linked to educational initiatives to enhance waste reduction efforts.

Moreover, this finding is also adhering to the results of the study of Mcdonald

(2019) recycling programs have been proven to significantly reduce waste and

encourage sustainable behavior within communities. Effective community-based

recycling programs can lead to a reduction in household waste, which greatly

contributes to environmental preservation and resource conservation. McDonald

highlights that when individuals understand the environmental benefits of recycling,

they are more likely to participate in these programs, thereby fostering a culture of

sustainability.

In addition, the result determined the level of recycling program in terms of

attitude toward behavior is high. This revealed that the level of recycling programs in

terms of attitude toward behavior is mostly manifested. This shortfall may be

attributed to obstacles such as a lack of recycling bins or inconvenient bin locations,

as indicated by the data. These findings suggest that the current strategy may

require adjustments to effectively address plastic bottle waste. Additionally, this aligns

with previous research, which suggests that if individuals perceive recycling as time-

consuming, inconvenient, or ineffective, they may develop negative attitudes that

hinder their willingness to participate.

This finding aligns with a study conducted by Bendak and Ab (2021), the

social context and ease of access to recycling programs play a critical role in

transforming environmental attitudes into consistent recycling behavior. Furthermore,

they suggested that community involvement and local support networks significantly

reinforce the habit of recycling, making it more sustainable over time. The
 45
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

accessibility of convenient recycling facilities also reduces barriers for individuals,

enabling them to actively participate without inconvenience. As a result, when

communities prioritize and normalize recycling, they create an environment that

encourages long-term commitment to sustainable practices.

This is parallel to the research conducted by Haldeman and Turner (2019),

community recycling programs have shown significant potential for increasing

recycling behavior and promoting sustainable development. It indicates that face-to-

face contact, distribution of recycling containers, and securing commitments can lead

to substantial and partially sustainable increases in recycling rates.

Moreover, the results indicate that the level of recycling program, particularly

in relation to subjective norms is described as high. This observation aligns with

existing literature, which emphasizes the importance of subjective norms in

influencing recycling behavior. When recycling is widely supported and practiced

within a community, these norms reflect the collective behavior and attitudes of

others, serving as a powerful motivator for individual participation. Subjective norms

play a role in shaping an individual’s decision to engage in specific behaviors, as they

are influenced by social expectations and the perceived approval of others.

This result aligns with the study conducted by Park and Ha (2024), which

found that the integration of norm activation theory and the theory of planned

behavior demonstrates how personal norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral

control directly influence recycling intentions. Additionally, subjective norms exert an

indirect effect on these intentions through the mediation of the aforementioned

factors.
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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Additionally, it also affirms the study of Fornara et al., (2021), subjective

norms involve the expectations and behaviors of others, such as family, friends,

neighbors, or community leaders, which impact whether a person chooses to

participate in recycling activities. If an individual perceives that important people in

their lives value and practice recycling, they are more likely to feel compelled to

recycle themselves, even if they might not have a strong personal conviction about it.

Also, the result determined that the level of recycling programs in terms of

perceived behavioral control is high, suggesting that individuals feel confident in their

ability to participate in recycling initiatives. This may be due to the accessibility and

convenience of recycling facilities, as well as the presence of clear instructions and

support within the community. Such factors contribute to a stronger sense of personal

control, making people more likely to engage in recycling behaviors consistently. The

high level of perceived behavioral control is an important predictor for fostering long-

term participation in recycling programs.

This result corresponds with the study carried out by Santos et al., (2021),

conversely, it meets the standard for addressing fluency issues, as this strategy

emphasizes enhancing the effectiveness of recycling programs by reducing barriers

and simplifying the recycling process. Locals are encouraged to view recycling as a

convenient and accessible practice tailored to the community’s needs. Consequently,

this strategy proves to be well-suited for improving recycling programs.

Consequently, the result also corresponds with the study carried out by

Conner & Armitage (2019). Research on perceived behavioral control in recycling

programs reveals its complex role in predicting intentions and behavior. that

individuals are more likely to engage in behaviors if they perceive that they have

control over the execution of these actions, influences various behaviors, from
 47
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

health-related decisions to environmental actions, as it shapes one's confidence in

overcoming barriers and achieving goals.

Level of Plastic Bottle Reduction

The respondents' level of plastic bottle reduction is generally at a high level,

as mostly evident by the respondents. Their consistent participation in recycling

programs and waste segregation efforts has significantly contributed to this outcome.

Additionally, awareness campaigns and community-led initiatives have reinforced

responsible plastic disposal habits, further sustaining this high level of reduction.

This is like the study of Lonca, et al., (2020), plastic bottle reduction

governments and businesses have been motivated to create strategies and

regulations that promote or mandate more recycling and resource efficiency by the

circular economy concept. Governments could pass regulations encouraging

recycling.

In a study of Solaja et al. (2020) explored the innovative use of plastic bottles

reduction in constructing affordable and eco-friendly homes. The research

highlighted that the success of such sustainable housing initiatives largely depends

on factors such as observation, effective communication channels, time, and the

structure of the social system. The study emphasized the importance of community

awareness and participation in adopting plastic bottle reduction construction

methods.

In addition, the result determining the level of plastic bottle reduction in terms

of observation is high. Residents are more likely to follow recycling practices

themselves when they witness others doing so, such as properly disposing of plastic
 48
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

bottles or actively participating in community recycling programs. In intimate

societies, where one person's behavior can set a powerful example for others, this

tendency is especially noticeable. Others are motivated to adopt sustainable

behaviors because of some members' obvious dedication to doing.

According to reviews of the research by Putri (2018), psychological

processing is required to match cognition and behavior between the observation and

the performance. The visibility of these behaviors creates a model for others to

follow, demonstrating the ease and benefits of recycling. Interestingly, plastic bottles

can also serve as educational tools, as evidenced by a study where they were used

to reduce maladaptive behaviors.

Moreover, the result determining the level of plastic bottle reduction in terms

of imitate is high. This response facilitation refers to behaviors that are already

ingrained

in individuals, needing only a trigger to activate them. Since these behaviors are not

new to the person, they don’t involve learning from scratch. Instead, imitation occurs

when individuals copy the actions that lead to a desired environmental result. In this

way, people often follow others because they perceive the positive outcome of their

actions, making recycling a natural choice.

This is similar to the study of White & Ham (2020) When individuals imitate

others engaging in recycling practices, they are more likely to replicate those

behaviors themselves. Response facilitation tagged behaviors that were hardwired in

individuals and required only activation, because such behavior wasn’t new to the

individual, it couldn’t be imitative learning sensu stricto. Emulation distinguished

cases where one copied the ends, the environmental result of action of perceived

goal.
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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Finally, the reinforcement has achieved the score is high observed. It was

clearly stated in the previous chapter that plastic bottle reduction can be learned with

others in a social context. In addition, the “Encourage my family and neighbors to

separate plastic bottles for recycling regularly” query is often observed which means,

motivating or inspiring the people you live with and those in your neighborhood your

neighbors) to consistently sort out plastic bottles from other waste and set them aside

for recycling. The goal is to make this a regular habit, helping to reduce bottle waste

and contribute to environmental sustainability (McLeod, 2018).

Correlation Between Measures of Recycling Programs and Plastic Bottle

Reduction
The given data between the independent variable and the dependent variable

uncovers that there is a moderate correlation between them. The results have shown

that one out of three indicators under plastic bottle reduction, chiefly perceived

behavioral control, influenced the observation since it rejected the null hypothesis.

The attitude toward the behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control

in the

independent variable, along with observation, imitation, and reinforcement in the

dependent variable, accepted the null hypothesis. These factors have been the

primary contributors to why this study reveals a very weak correlation between the

variables. Previous studies suggest that while behavioral factors like attitudes and

social norms do influence actions, their strength is often contingent on various

contextual and individual factors (Ajzen, 1991). In this study, these factors appeared

insufficient in predicting a substantial relationship between the two variables.

Moreover, the limited impact of subjective norms and attitudes on plastic

bottle reduction suggests that social and personal beliefs may not be the driving force

behind behavioral change in this context. Similarly, Abdulghaffar and Bakr (2024)
 50
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

examined the role of attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and

environmental knowledge on householders' behavioral intentions toward participating

in solid waste management in Jeddah. Their study found that while individual

attitudes and perceived behavioral control positively influence intentions, these

intentions may not always translate into actual participation in solid waste

management activities. External factors, such as environmental knowledge and

awareness levels, significantly impact the translation of intentions into behavior.

Furthermore, the findings of this study the importance of perceived behavioral

control in determining the success of environmental initiatives. The rejection of the

null hypothesis in this area points to the potential for perceived barriers or facilitators

influencing plastic bottle reduction efforts. According to Bandura's (1997) Social

Cognitive Theory, individuals' perceptions of control over their actions significantly

shape their behavior. This suggests that when individuals perceive themselves as

having the ability to engage in recycling behaviors, they are more likely to do so.

However, the lack of a strong relationship between the other variables may indicate

that perceptions of control alone are not enough to drive large-scale changes in

behavior, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to fostering recycling

habits.

Domain of Recycling Program that significantly predicts the Plastic Bottle Reduction

Recycling programs are crucial in mitigating environmental pollution,

particularly in reducing plastic bottle waste. According to the study results, attitude

toward the behavior is a statistically significant predictor of plastic bottle reduction,

indicating that individuals' positive perceptions and commitment toward recycling

strongly influence their actual behavior. This finding aligns with Ajzen’s Theory of
 51
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Planned Behavior (TPB), which suggests that attitudes play a pivotal role in shaping

pro-environmental actions (Ajzen, 1991).

Prior research also supports this notion, highlighting that when people hold

favorable attitudes toward recycling, they are more likely to engage in sustainable

waste management practices (Zhao et al., 2021).

On the other hand, subjective norms, which refer to social pressures from

peers, family, or society to recycle, did not significantly influence plastic bottle

reduction. While some studies suggest that social norms are essential in fostering

pro-environmental behaviors (Schultz et al., 2018), the results indicate that in this

specific case, external social expectations may not strongly drive individuals’

recycling habits. This could be due to a lack of strong enforcement mechanisms,

weak community engagement, or cultural factors that make personal attitude a more

dominant predictor. Similar findings have been observed in research where personal

motivations outweigh societal influences in predicting waste reduction behavior (Steg

& Vlek, 2019).

Similarly, perceived behavioral control (PBC), which refers to individuals'

belief in their ability to engage in recycling, was not a significant factor in predicting

plastic bottle reduction. This is somewhat unexpected, as several studies suggest

that when

individuals feel they have the resources, time, and infrastructure to recycle, they are

more likely to do so (Hagger et al., 2022). However, the findings suggest that even if

people feel capable of recycling, their behavior may still be primarily driven by

intrinsic attitudes rather than perceived ease of action. This could be attributed to

external barriers, such as inconvenient collection systems or inadequate facilities,

which limit the practical application of PBC (Wan et al., 2018).

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RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

These findings emphasize the importance of targeting attitudinal change in

recycling programs to maximize plastic bottle reduction. Policymakers and

environmental organizations should focus on awareness campaigns that foster a

strong pro-recycling mindset, emphasizing personal responsibility and the long-term

benefits of reducing plastic waste. Studies have shown that interventions such as

educational workshops, media campaigns, and incentives can significantly improve

attitudes toward recycling (Barr et al., 2021). Moreover, integrating behavioral

science techniques like nudging and reinforcement strategies can further strengthen

individuals' commitment to sustainable waste management (Thaler & Sunstein,

2018).

CONCLUSION

Based on the data provided, the indicators of perceived behavioral control

and observation align with each other. However, the remaining independent variable

indicators show a contradiction with the dependent variable indicators. The overall

result indicates a moderate positive, significant, relationship between the recycling

programs and the reduction of plastic bottle waste by residents in Ilaboon Purok 11-

C, Ilaboon Maniki, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Henceforth, it implies that attitude

toward behavior, subjective norms, perceive behavioral control are not connected to

and do not influence observation, imitation, and reinforcement.

Moreover, the results of this study confirm the importance of implementing

recycling programs, as the researcher highlighted in the previous chapter. The

findings reinforce the claim that such programs can play a significant role in

encourage environmental responsibility within communities. By promoting recycling,

these initiatives not only contribute to waste reduction but also create a positive
 53
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

impact on the local environment. As the study suggests, well-executed recycling

programs can encourage sustainable practices among residents, leading to a cleaner

and more eco-friendly community. The overall impact of these programs extends

beyond waste management, helping to raise awareness, build a sense of shared

responsibility, and ultimately improve the quality of life for all community members.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The findings of this study suggest that recycling program, it is recommended

community organizations strengthen existing recycling programs by increasing

awareness campaigns and providing accessible collection points for plastic waste.

Collaboration with schools, businesses, and households can enhance participation,

while incentives such as rewards for recyclers may encourage sustained

engagement. Furthermore, policies should be developed to ensure the proper

segregation and processing of recyclable materials, ultimately contributing to

environmental sustainability and waste reduction

Moreover, the result revealed, that plastic bottle reduction can be further

achieved by promoting sustainable alternatives, such as reusable water bottles and

biodegradable packaging, within the community. Educational initiatives should

emphasize the long-term benefits of reducing plastic waste, overall environmental

health. Encouraging businesses to adopt eco-friendly packaging and implementing

stricter regulations on single-use plastics will also be crucial in minimizing plastic

bottle

consumption. Community-wide efforts, including partnerships with environmental

organizations, can further reinforce responsible plastic usage and waste

management practices.
 54
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

Additionally, the findings of this study suggest that the relationship between

recycling programs and plastic bottle moderate positive significant. Therefore, it is

recommended it is recommended that local government units (LGUs) in Maniki,

Kapalong, expand and strengthen their recycling initiatives. Increased public

awareness campaigns, proper waste segregation enforcement, and incentives for

recycling participation can significantly enhance the program’s effectiveness.

Additionally, collaboration with barangay officials and environmental organizations

can further encourage community engagement and ensure sustainable waste

management practices.

For institutions such as (KCTI), this research provides an opportunity to

incorporate environmental sustainability into its academic and community

engagement programs. KCTI can organize awareness campaigns, workshops, and

student-led initiatives focused on plastic waste management. Furthermore,

integrating recycling education into the curriculum can help foster a culture of

environmental responsibility among students, equipping them with the knowledge

and skills to lead future sustainability projects.

Moreover, future researchers explore alternative strategies to address plastic

waste effectively. One approach is to enhance community awareness by

implementing extensive educational campaigns. These campaigns should emphasize

the environmental consequences of plastic waste and promote proper recycling

habits. Workshops, seminars, and social media campaigns can be utilized to reach a

broader audience and instill a culture of sustainability among residents.

Inconclusion, continuous monitoring and evaluation of recycling initiatives

should be implemented to assess their effectiveness. Regular feedback mechanisms,

such as surveys and community meetings, can help identify challenges and areas for
 55
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND PLASTIC BOTTLE REDUCTION

improvement. Establishing partnerships with local organizations and research

institutions can also provide valuable insights into more efficient waste management

strategies. The community can strive toward long-term success in reducing the waste

from plastic bottles waste reduction by establishing a culture of shared responsibility

and continuous evaluation.

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