Empowering Sustainable Practices: The Impact of Community Education on Recycling and Waste Disposal in Barangay Nuro Poblacion, Upi, Maguindanao del Norte

This study examined how community education influences recycling and sustainable waste management behaviors in Barangay Nuro Poblacion, a rural locality facing resource and infrastructure constraints. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, the research integrated quantitative and qualitative data gathered from structured surveys and interviews to assess how different educational strategies shape residents’ disposal practices. Descriptive analysis mapped current waste practices, while inferential methods, including correlation and regression, explored connections between educational initiatives and participation in sustainable behaviors. The sample comprised 186 residents drawn to capture diverse demographic perspectives, including age, gender, and socio-economic status. Results indicated that content quality and relevance, delivery methods, frequency and duration, and accessibility and inclusivity significantly influence behavior adoption, with content quality and relevance showing the strongest association. Demographic factors, particularly education and occupation, moderated recycling and waste-disposal practices, suggesting that higher educational attainment and formal employment correlate with greater engagement in waste reduction strategies and attitudinal shifts toward sustainability. Accessibility and inclusivity emerged as a critical driver of participation, highlighting the need for multimodal delivery (face-to-face, print, and digital formats) and accommodations for diverse literacy levels. Correlation analyses revealed robust positive relationships between education components and recycling, waste segregation, and composting adoption, underscoring the role of inclusive, culturally resonant content in mobilizing rural communities. The study concludes that sustained, community-driven education—supported by local governance and tailored content—can cultivate lasting environmental stewardship and more effective waste management in resource-limited settings. Recommendations address content tailoring, inclusive delivery, and policy-practice linkages to enhance program impact.