VICTOR I.EDOGIAWERIE

The increasing concern over environmental sustainability has highlighted the need to understand and promote effective recycling behaviors among university students. This study, titled “Factors Influencing Recycling Behavior among Students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN)”, investigated the determinants of recycling practices, with particular attention to the persistent gap between awareness and actual participation despite institutional sustainability initiatives.Anchored in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the study examined how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence students’ recycling intentions and actions. The research also explored the role of demographic variables—age, sex, and religious affiliation—in shaping these behaviors. A sample size of 250 students was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through a self- structured questionnaire administered to undergraduate, part-time, and postgraduate students at UNIBEN. Section A captured demographic information, Section B explored factors influencing recycling behavior, and Section C assessed the moderating effect of demographic variables on these behaviors. Hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 significance level. xii Findings revealed that 67.1% of the respondents demonstrated positive recycling behavior and acknowledged some social expectations to participate, their actual engagement was significantly constrained by perceived behavioral control challenges, including limited recycling bins, unclear waste segregation procedures, and irregular collection services while 32.9% exhibited negative or inconsistent recycling behavior. The study shows that while students generally display positive recycling behavior, structural and institutional barriers limit full participation. Recommendations include expanding recycling infrastructure, integrating environmental education into the curriculum, engaging student cultural and religious groups, and establishing a formal campus environmental policy. By implementing these strategies, the University of Benin can transform positive attitudes into meaningful recycling action and serve as a model for sustainable waste management in nigeria