The impact of socio-economic factors on recycling behavior and waste generation: Insights from a diverse university population in the UAE

The rapid increase in global waste generation, driven by urbanization, industrialization, and population growth, presents pressing environmental challenges. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), rapid economic development has been accompanied by numerous initiatives aimed at addressing sustainability challenges, particularly in waste management. However, existing research often overlooks the socio-economic determinants of recycling behaviors in multicultural populations, particularly in the UAE. Most studies focus on homogeneous communities or broader municipal waste management strategies, leaving a gap in understanding how diverse socio-economic backgrounds influence recycling attitudes and practices. This study addresses this gap by examining the recycling behaviors of the diverse student population at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), which serves as a microcosm of society. To fill this research gap, the study employs survey-based data collection, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). CFA was chosen to validate the measurement model, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of key constructs. SEM was selected for its ability to examine complex relationships among latent variables, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of how factors such as awareness, intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, and perceived barriers influence recycling behaviors. The results reveal that intrinsic motivations, such as environmental awareness and responsibility, exert a stronger influence on recycling behaviors than external incentives like financial rewards. Specifically, SEM results indicate that high awareness levels significantly predict positive recycling attitudes and behaviors (p < 0.001), while barriers such as time constraints, complexity, and lack of infrastructure hinder participation. The findings have important practical implications, suggesting that tailored educational programs, enhanced recycling infrastructure, and targeted incentives can foster sustainable recycling behaviors. By leveraging the unique diversity of AUS students, the study provides actionable recommendations for policymakers and academic institutions. • Explores socio-economic and behavioral factors influencing recycling in diverse settings. • Highlights the role of awareness and attitudes as key drivers of recycling behaviors. • Identifies structural barriers like infrastructure gaps and logistical challenges. • Leverages UAE's multicultural context to provide globally relevant recycling insights. • Proposes inclusive, targeted strategies to enhance sustainable recycling practices.