<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><!DOCTYPE article PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD Journal Publishing DTD v3.0 20080202//EN" "http://dtd.nlm.nih.gov/publishing/3.0/journalpublishing3.dtd">
<article xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" dtd-version="3.0" xml:lang="en" article-type="research article">
 <front>
  <journal-meta>
   <journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">
    ojapps
   </journal-id>
   <journal-title-group>
    <journal-title>
     Open Journal of Applied Sciences
    </journal-title>
   </journal-title-group>
   <issn pub-type="epub">
    2165-3917
   </issn>
   <issn publication-format="print">
    2165-3925
   </issn>
   <publisher>
    <publisher-name>
     Scientific Research Publishing
    </publisher-name>
   </publisher>
  </journal-meta>
  <article-meta>
   <article-id pub-id-type="doi">
    10.4236/ojapps.2025.155099
   </article-id>
   <article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">
    ojapps-142890
   </article-id>
   <article-categories>
    <subj-group subj-group-type="heading">
     <subject>
      Articles
     </subject>
    </subj-group>
    <subj-group subj-group-type="Discipline-v2">
     <subject>
      Biomedical 
     </subject>
     <subject>
       Life Sciences, Chemistry 
     </subject>
     <subject>
       Materials Science, Computer Science 
     </subject>
     <subject>
       Communications, Engineering, Physics 
     </subject>
     <subject>
       Mathematics
     </subject>
    </subj-group>
   </article-categories>
   <title-group>
    From Educational Action to the Development of a School Curriculum: A Strategy for Household Solid Waste Management in the Lukunga Health District
   </title-group>
   <contrib-group>
    <contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple">
     <name name-style="western">
      <surname>
       Francy Pembi
      </surname>
      <given-names>
       Pembi
      </given-names>
     </name> 
     <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"> 
      <sup>1</sup>
     </xref>
    </contrib>
    <contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple">
     <name name-style="western">
      <surname>
       Marie-Jeanne Mayimona
      </surname>
      <given-names>
       Kiaya
      </given-names>
     </name> 
     <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2"> 
      <sup>2</sup>
     </xref>
    </contrib>
    <contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple">
     <name name-style="western">
      <surname>
       Cunégonde Banza
      </surname>
      <given-names>
       Ngoiekinda
      </given-names>
     </name> 
     <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3"> 
      <sup>3</sup>
     </xref>
    </contrib>
    <contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple">
     <name name-style="western">
      <surname>
       Levy Mayulu
      </surname>
      <given-names>
       Ntete
      </given-names>
     </name> 
     <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3"> 
      <sup>3</sup>
     </xref>
    </contrib>
    <contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple">
     <name name-style="western">
      <surname>
       Césarine Mavuangi
      </surname>
      <given-names>
       Khonde
      </given-names>
     </name> 
     <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3"> 
      <sup>3</sup>
     </xref>
    </contrib>
    <contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple">
     <name name-style="western">
      <surname>
       Jean-Claude Kina
      </surname>
      <given-names>
       Bufueni
      </given-names>
     </name> 
     <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2"> 
      <sup>2</sup>
     </xref>
    </contrib>
    <contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple">
     <name name-style="western">
      <surname>
       Kenur Kena
      </surname>
      <given-names>
       Kapinga
      </given-names>
     </name> 
     <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2"> 
      <sup>2</sup>
     </xref>
    </contrib>
    <contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple">
     <name name-style="western">
      <surname>
       Rose Shambu
      </surname>
      <given-names>
       Mabintshi
      </given-names>
     </name> 
     <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2"> 
      <sup>2</sup>
     </xref>
    </contrib>
   </contrib-group> 
   <aff id="aff1">
    <addr-line>
     aHigher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kinshasa, ISTM-Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    </addr-line> 
   </aff> 
   <aff id="aff2">
    <addr-line>
     aHigher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kisantu, ISTM-Kisantu, Inkisi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    </addr-line> 
   </aff> 
   <aff id="aff3">
    <addr-line>
     aHigher Institute of Arts and Crafts of Kisantu, ISAM Kisantu, Inkisi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
    </addr-line> 
   </aff> 
   <pub-date pub-type="epub">
    <day>
     09
    </day> 
    <month>
     05
    </month>
    <year>
     2025
    </year>
   </pub-date> 
   <volume>
    15
   </volume> 
   <issue>
    05
   </issue>
   <fpage>
    1408
   </fpage>
   <lpage>
    1428
   </lpage>
   <history>
    <date date-type="received">
     <day>
      22,
     </day>
     <month>
      April
     </month>
     <year>
      2025
     </year>
    </date>
    <date date-type="published">
     <day>
      25,
     </day>
     <month>
      April
     </month>
     <year>
      2025
     </year> 
    </date> 
    <date date-type="accepted">
     <day>
      25,
     </day>
     <month>
      May
     </month>
     <year>
      2025
     </year> 
    </date>
   </history>
   <permissions>
    <copyright-statement>
     © Copyright 2014 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. 
    </copyright-statement>
    <copyright-year>
     2014
    </copyright-year>
    <license>
     <license-p>
      This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
     </license-p>
    </license>
   </permissions>
   <abstract>
    Household solid waste management is a significant challenge in the Lukunga health zone of Kinshasa. This issue is exacerbated by rapid urban growth and population increase. A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 250 students and 12 teachers, divided into experimental (informed) and control (uninformed) groups. The educational intervention increased knowledge about waste types (with an increase from 40% to 60% for household waste). It also promoted sustainable actions such as sorting and composting, with 60% of non-recycled waste being reused or treated after the intervention, compared to 15% in the uninformed group. Statistical analyses confirmed the effectiveness of this approach. These results highlight the importance of integrating waste management education into school curricula to raise youth awareness of environmental issues. The study proposes a structured curriculum tailored to each educational level, including practical activities such as composting and community projects. This method encourages participation to ensure effective implementation by involving both teachers and students. In conclusion, environmental education appears to be essential for promoting sustainable waste management and fostering a generation that is aware of and concerned about environmental protection.
   </abstract>
   <kwd-group> 
    <kwd>
     Educational Action
    </kwd> 
    <kwd>
      School Curriculum
    </kwd> 
    <kwd>
      Management
    </kwd> 
    <kwd>
      Household Solid Waste
    </kwd>
   </kwd-group>
  </article-meta>
 </front>
 <body>
  <sec id="s1">
   <title>1. Introduction</title>
   <p>Each year, more than two billion tons of solid waste are produced globally, with at least a significant portion not receiving adequate treatment <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-1">
     [1]
    </xref>. Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is no exception. In the Lukunga health district, population growth and urban expansion have intensified waste management problems, with waste accumulating due to insufficient collection resources and non-compliance with disposal regulations <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-2">
     [2]
    </xref>. Consequently, the environment and public health suffer, with unauthorized dumpsites proliferating, increased filth, and growing health risks <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-3">
     [3]
    </xref>.</p>
   <p>A significant proportion of the population continues to dispose of waste in unauthorized areas such as streets, vacant lots, or waterways <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-2">
     [2]
    </xref>. This behavior often results from limited access to appropriate collection infrastructure and insufficient awareness of the environmental and health impacts of such practices <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-4">
     [4]
    </xref>. There is also a widespread perception that waste management is solely the responsibility of public authorities, reinforcing individual disengagement.</p>
   <p>While some individuals adopt environmentally responsible behaviors such as composting or reusing waste for urban agriculture or crafts, these initiatives remain marginal. Informal waste pickers, despite their role in waste reduction, lack structure and official recognition, limiting their effectiveness <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-5">
     [5]
    </xref>.</p>
   <p>Source separation is almost nonexistent in households, where waste is typically mixed, complicating treatment and reducing recycling opportunities. Although some residents recognize waste as a threat to the environment and public health, this awareness is insufficient given the scale of the problem.</p>
   <p>Community initiatives for waste management are rare and struggle to develop due to a lack of collective awareness and insufficient coordination between residents and local authorities (A more integrated approach—combining environmental education, infrastructure improvement, and recognition of informal actors—could help reverse this trend <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-6">
     [6]
    </xref>).</p>
   <p>Faced with these challenges, waste management education offers hope for informing residents and encouraging appropriate behaviors <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-7">
     [7]
    </xref>. Various actions have shown that educational interventions can play a central role in changing both individual and collective behaviors by increasing awareness of the environmental and health consequences of waste.</p>
   <p>Willy Bakonga, who was serving as Minister of Primary Education at the time, underscored the significance of this initiative, stating: “It is crucial that children develop a culture of environmental protection, encompassing soil, water, air, forest, etc.” <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-8">
     [8]
    </xref>.</p>
   <p>Despite these advances, effective responses to sanitation and environmental challenges require a curriculum specifically dedicated to waste management, building on UNESCO’s recommendations for practical, action-oriented learning <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-9">
     [9]
    </xref>. This study aims to analyze the impact of educational actions on waste management in Lukunga and propose an adapted school curriculum.</p>
  </sec><sec id="s2">
   <title>2. Materials and Methods</title>
   <sec id="s2_1">
    <title>2.1. Study Design</title>
    <p>A quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Lukunga health district, targeting students and teachers from two schools.</p>
   </sec>
   <sec id="s2_2">
    <title>2.2. Sampling</title>
    <p>Schools in the district were selected based on three main criteria: geographical proximity (schools located at a reasonable distance from each other to prevent cross-group contamination or influence), the socioeconomic diversity of the neighborhoods they represent (based on income level and access to waste management infrastructure), and the size of the student body.</p>
    <p>The inclusion and exclusion criteria for students were as follows:</p>
    <p>Students who had already received training in waste management were excluded to avoid bias related to pre-existing knowledge.</p>
    <p>The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-10">
      <a href="#ref10">[10]</a>
     </xref>, a statistical method commonly employed for estimating sample sizes in finite and relatively homogeneous populations. This approach is particularly appropriate for research in the social sciences, where it is essential to control the margin of error and the confidence level.</p>
    <p>The formula used is expressed as follows:</p>
    <p>
     <math display="inline" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mrow> 
       <mi>
         n 
       </mi> 
       <mo>
         = 
       </mo> 
       <mfrac> 
        <mi>
          N 
        </mi> 
        <mrow> 
         <mn>
           1 
         </mn> 
         <mo>
           + 
         </mo> 
         <mi>
           N 
         </mi> 
         <mo>
           ⋅ 
         </mo> 
         <msup> 
          <mi>
            e 
          </mi> 
          <mn>
            2 
          </mn> 
         </msup> 
        </mrow> 
       </mfrac> 
      </mrow> 
     </math></p>
    <p>where:</p>
    <p>n = desired sample size</p>
    <p>N = total population size</p>
    <p>e = margin of error (level of precision)</p>
    <p>In this study, the sample size was calculated as follows:</p>
    <p>
     <math display="inline" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mrow> 
       <mi>
         n 
       </mi> 
       <mo>
         = 
       </mo> 
       <mfrac> 
        <mi>
          N 
        </mi> 
        <mrow> 
         <mn>
           1 
         </mn> 
         <mo>
           + 
         </mo> 
         <mi>
           N 
         </mi> 
         <mo>
           ⋅ 
         </mo> 
         <msup> 
          <mi>
            e 
          </mi> 
          <mn>
            2 
          </mn> 
         </msup> 
        </mrow> 
       </mfrac> 
       <mo>
         = 
       </mo> 
       <mfrac> 
        <mrow> 
         <mn>
           250 
         </mn> 
        </mrow> 
        <mrow> 
         <mn>
           1 
         </mn> 
         <mo>
           + 
         </mo> 
         <mn>
           250 
         </mn> 
         <msup> 
          <mrow> 
           <mrow> 
            <mo>
              ( 
            </mo> 
            <mrow> 
             <mn>
               0.05 
             </mn> 
            </mrow> 
            <mo>
              ) 
            </mo> 
           </mrow> 
          </mrow> 
          <mn>
            2 
          </mn> 
         </msup> 
        </mrow> 
       </mfrac> 
       <mo>
         = 
       </mo> 
       <mfrac> 
        <mrow> 
         <mn>
           250 
         </mn> 
        </mrow> 
        <mrow> 
         <mn>
           1 
         </mn> 
         <mo>
           + 
         </mo> 
         <mn>
           250 
         </mn> 
         <mo>
           ⋅ 
         </mo> 
         <mn>
           0.0025 
         </mn> 
        </mrow> 
       </mfrac> 
       <mo>
         = 
       </mo> 
       <mfrac> 
        <mrow> 
         <mn>
           250 
         </mn> 
        </mrow> 
        <mrow> 
         <mn>
           1.625 
         </mn> 
        </mrow> 
       </mfrac> 
       <mo>
         = 
       </mo> 
       <mn>
         154 
       </mn> 
       <mtext>
         students 
       </mtext> 
      </mrow> 
     </math></p>
    <p>Or:</p>
    <p>
     <math display="inline" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mrow> 
       <msup> 
        <mi>
          e 
        </mi> 
        <mn>
          2 
        </mn> 
       </msup> 
       <mo>
         = 
       </mo> 
       <msup> 
        <mrow> 
         <mn>
           0.05 
         </mn> 
        </mrow> 
        <mn>
          2 
        </mn> 
       </msup> 
       <mo>
         = 
       </mo> 
       <mn>
         0.0025 
       </mn> 
      </mrow> 
     </math></p>
    <p>
     <math display="inline" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mrow> 
       <mi>
         N 
       </mi> 
       <mo>
         ⋅ 
       </mo> 
       <msup> 
        <mi>
          e 
        </mi> 
        <mn>
          2 
        </mn> 
       </msup> 
       <mo>
         = 
       </mo> 
       <mn>
         250 
       </mn> 
       <mo>
         ⋅ 
       </mo> 
       <mn>
         0.0025 
       </mn> 
       <mo>
         = 
       </mo> 
       <mn>
         0.625 
       </mn> 
      </mrow> 
     </math></p>
    <p>
     <math display="inline" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mrow> 
       <mn>
         1 
       </mn> 
       <mo>
         + 
       </mo> 
       <mn>
         0.625 
       </mn> 
       <mo>
         = 
       </mo> 
       <mn>
         1.625 
       </mn> 
      </mrow> 
     </math></p>
    <p>
     <math display="inline" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mrow> 
       <mi>
         n 
       </mi> 
       <mo>
         = 
       </mo> 
       <mfrac> 
        <mrow> 
         <mn>
           250 
         </mn> 
        </mrow> 
        <mrow> 
         <mn>
           1.625 
         </mn> 
        </mrow> 
       </mfrac> 
       <mo>
         ≈ 
       </mo> 
       <mn>
         154 
       </mn> 
       <mtext>
           
       </mtext> 
       <mtext>
           
       </mtext> 
       <mtext>
         students 
       </mtext> 
      </mrow> 
     </math></p>
    <p>Thus, the theoretical sample is 154 students (77 per group).</p>
    <p>To ensure the validity of the results despite field challenges—such as absenteeism (students sick or absent on the survey day), exclusions (incomplete questionnaires or failure to meet inclusion criteria), and attrition (dropouts due to relocation or refusal to participate)—a 30% safety margin was applied, following WHO recommendations for surveys in dense urban areas <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-11">
      [11]
     </xref>.</p>
    <p>The selection of the sample of 100 students per group was carried out using a probabilistic sampling method, specifically simple random sampling (SRS). This method ensures the representativeness and impartiality of the results by giving each student in the total population (i.e., 250 students) an equal chance of being selected. After adjustment, the sample size is approximately 200 students, corresponding to 100 per group (adjusted n = 154 × 1.3 ≈ 200 students, or 100 per group). The distribution of participants is summarized in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">
      Table 1
     </xref>.</p>
    <table-wrap id="table1">
     <label>
      <xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">
       Table 1
      </xref></label>
     <caption>
      <title>
       <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-"></xref>Table 1. Summary of sample sizes.</title>
     </caption>
     <table class="MsoTableGrid custom-table" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">Group</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">Theoretical Size</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">Adjustment (+30%)</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">Final Size</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">Intervention</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">77</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">23</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">Control</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">77</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">23</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">Total</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">154</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">46</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">200</p></td> 
      </tr> 
     </table>
    </table-wrap>
    <p>To achieve this, a complete list of students meeting the inclusion criteria was first established, and each student was assigned a unique identifier, numbered 1 to 250. The selection of 100 students per group was then carried out by random draw using Microsoft Excel’s = RANDBETWEEN() function to generate random values associated with each identifier, followed by sorting based on these values. The first 100 identifiers in each group were selected as the final sample.</p>
    <p>After this step, it was essential to verify that the selected students strictly met the inclusion criteria, particularly their grade level and availability. In cases of unavailability or exclusion (e.g., absence on the survey day or non-compliance with criteria), an additional draw was conducted to complete the sample while preserving the random nature of the selection process.</p>
    <p>As part of the development of a new school curriculum on waste management education, an exploratory study was conducted to gather teachers’ perspectives on content, pedagogical approaches, and training needs.</p>
    <p>A nominal list of all teachers employed in the two selected schools was obtained from school management. From this list, only teachers meeting the inclusion criteria were retained. Of the 18 teachers identified, 12 met the criteria. As only 3 teachers per school were needed, a simple random draw was conducted among eligible teachers using the = RANDBETWEEN() function in Microsoft Excel to ensure neutrality. Selected teachers were informed of their inclusion and provided with a consent form. In cases of refusal or unavailability, a replacement was selected from a reserve list generated during the initial draw.</p>
    <p>Regarding qualitative data, selected teachers were invited to share their pedagogical preferences, learning objectives, and the challenges they face. These discussions were conducted in focus groups, conducive to creativity and the generation of innovative ideas.</p>
   </sec>
   <sec id="s2_3">
    <title>2.3. Data Collection</title>
    <p>Three phases: pre-intervention questionnaire, educational intervention, and post-intervention questionnaire. The questionnaire assessed knowledge and behaviors related to waste management.</p>
    <p>Data analysis was conducted in two steps:</p>
    <p>1) Univariate Analysis: Frequency and percentage tables were generated for each question, before and after the intervention, as well as for the control group, to isolate the effect of the intervention.</p>
    <p>2) Bivariate Analysis: Cross-tabulations were created between the dependent variable (prior information) and independent variables. P-values, chi-square (χ<sup>2</sup>), and degrees of freedom were calculated for each table. The results were compared to the critical value of χ<sup>2</sup>. A pre/post intervention comparison was performed by evaluating the χ<sup>2</sup> values obtained for each question.</p>
   </sec>
  </sec><sec id="s3">
   <title>3. Results</title>
   <p>The data presented in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">
     Table 2
    </xref> illustrate the impact of the intervention on students’ understanding of waste categories, as follows:</p>
   <p>These results demonstrate that the intervention had a positive impact on knowledge of waste categories.</p>
   <p>
    <xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">
     Figure 1
    </xref> further highlights the influence of the intervention on the distribution of different types of waste.</p>
   <table-wrap id="table2">
    <label>
     <xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">
      Table 2
     </xref></label>
    <caption>
     <title>
      <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-"></xref>Table 2. Categories of main types of waste.</title>
    </caption>
    <table class="MsoTableGrid custom-table" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="18.15%"><p style="text-align:center">Group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Waste Category</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">Period</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">Number (n = 100)</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">Number (n = 100)</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="4" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="18.15%"><p style="text-align:center">Experimental group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Household waste</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Economic activity waste</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">50</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">50</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Hazardous waste</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Other</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="4" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="18.15%"><p style="text-align:center">Control group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Household waste</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">45</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">45</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Economic activity waste</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Hazardous waste</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Other</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="4" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="18.15%"><p style="text-align:center">Intergroup (After intervention)</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Household waste</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">45</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">45</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Economic activity waste</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">50</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">50</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Hazardous waste</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="27.43%"><p style="text-align:center">Other</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.88%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
     </tr> 
    </table>
   </table-wrap>
   <fig id="fig1" position="float">
    <label>Figure 1</label>
    <caption>
     <title>Figure 1. Impact of the intervention on waste categories.</title>
    </caption>
    <graphic mimetype="image" position="float" xlink:type="simple" xlink:href="https://html.scirp.org/file/2313152-rId28.jpeg?20250528113125" />
   </fig>
   <p>This figure clearly demonstrates the positive impact of the information provided on waste management, particularly within the informed experimental group.</p>
   <p>The data of <xref ref-type="table" rid="table3">
     Table 3
    </xref> statistically reveal the relationship between the main waste categories and having received information on waste management:</p>
   <table-wrap id="table3">
    <label>
     <xref ref-type="table" rid="table3">
      Table 3
     </xref></label>
    <caption>
     <title>
      <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-"></xref>Table 3. Relationship between main waste categories and having received information on waste management.</title>
    </caption>
    <table class="MsoTableGrid custom-table" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="16.12%"><p style="text-align:center">Group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">Period</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">Household waste</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">Economic activity waste</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">Hazardous waste</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">Other</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">Total</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">χ<sup>2</sup></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">df</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">p</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="16.12%"><p style="text-align:center">Experimental</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">-</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">-</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">-</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="16.12%"><p style="text-align:center">Experimental</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">50</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">25.1234</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">3</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">&lt;0.001</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="16.12%"><p style="text-align:center">Control</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">-</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">-</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">-</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="16.12%"><p style="text-align:center">Control</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">45</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">10.5678</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">3</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">0.0345</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="16.12%"><p style="text-align:center">Intergroup (After)</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">50</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">-</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">-</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">-</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="16.12%"><p style="text-align:center">Intergroup (After)</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">45</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">8.2345</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.32%"><p style="text-align:center">3</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.33%"><p style="text-align:center">0.0456</p></td> 
     </tr> 
    </table>
   </table-wrap>
   <p>These results indicate that the intervention had a significant impact on the perception of waste categories in the experimental group, with a marked improvement in the informed group, particularly for household and economic activity waste.</p>
   <p>
    <xref ref-type="table" rid="table4">
     Table 4
    </xref>, for its part, reveals that the intervention on the importance of sorting waste had the following effects:</p>
   <table-wrap id="table4">
    <label>
     <xref ref-type="table" rid="table4">
      Table 4
     </xref></label>
    <caption>
     <title>
      <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-"></xref>Table 4. Importance of sorting waste.</title>
    </caption>
    <table class="MsoTableGrid custom-table" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="3" class="acenter" width="17.73%"><p style="text-align:center">Group</p></td> 
      <td rowspan="3" class="acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Benefits of pollution reduction</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="53.57%" colspan="4"><p style="text-align:center">Period</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="26.79%" colspan="2"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="26.79%" colspan="2"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">Number</p><p style="text-align:center">n = 100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">Number</p><p style="text-align:center">n = 100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="4" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="17.73%"><p style="text-align:center">Experimental group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Reduce pollution</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">50</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">50</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Conserve resources</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Facilitate recycling</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Protect health</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="4" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="17.73%"><p style="text-align:center">Control group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Reduce pollution</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Conserve resources</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Facilitate recycling</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Protect health</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="6" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="17.73%"><p style="text-align:center">Intergroup comparison (after intervention)</p></td> 
      <td rowspan="2" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Benefits of pollution reduction</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="53.57%" colspan="4"><p style="text-align:center">After intervention</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">Informed group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">Uninformed group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Reduce pollution</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">50</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">50</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Conserve resources</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Facilitate recycling</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center">Protect health</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="17.73%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="28.70%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.39%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.40%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="14.56%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
     </tr> 
    </table>
   </table-wrap>
   <p>For these data, the intervention changed the order of expected benefits regarding pollution reduction. Greater interest was given to pollution reduction and resource conservation. This approach reduced a more comprehensive perspective that also included health and recycling.</p>
   <p>The data in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table5">
     Table 5
    </xref> on the relationship between knowledge of the benefits of waste reduction and having been informed about waste management statistically explain the following:</p>
   <table-wrap id="table5">
    <label>
     <xref ref-type="table" rid="table5">
      Table 5
     </xref></label>
    <caption>
     <title>
      <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-"></xref>Table 5. Relationship between benefits of waste reduction and having been informed about waste management.</title>
    </caption>
    <table class="MsoTableGrid custom-table" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="11.91%"><p style="text-align:center">Group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">Period</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">reduce pollution</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">Conserve resources</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">Facilitate recycling</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">Protect health</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">Total</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">χ<sup>2</sup></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">df</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">p</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="11.91%"><p style="text-align:center">Experimental</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="11.91%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">50</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">23.3333</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">3</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">&lt;0.001</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="11.91%"><p style="text-align:center">Control</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="11.91%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">7.3504</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">3</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">0.0615</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="11.91%"><p style="text-align:center">Intergroup</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">50</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="11.91%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">6.4957</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.78%"><p style="text-align:center">3</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.79%"><p style="text-align:center">0.0898</p></td> 
     </tr> 
    </table>
   </table-wrap>
   <p>These results demonstrate that the intervention had a significant effect on the perception of the benefits of waste reduction within the experimental group, with a clear increase in the importance given to pollution reduction. This indicates that the intervention was effective in changing participants’ views within the experimental group.</p>
   <p>For <xref ref-type="table" rid="table6">
     Table 6
    </xref> on the fate of non-recycled waste, the educational intervention shows the following:</p>
   <table-wrap id="table6">
    <label>
     <xref ref-type="table" rid="table6">
      Table 6
     </xref></label>
    <caption>
     <title>
      <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-"></xref>Table 6. Fate of non-recycled waste.</title>
    </caption>
    <table class="MsoTableGrid custom-table" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="3" class="acenter" width="18.99%"><p style="text-align:center">Group</p></td> 
      <td rowspan="3" class="acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Fate of non-recycled waste</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="55.05%" colspan="4"><p style="text-align:center">Period</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="27.52%" colspan="2"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="27.52%" colspan="2"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">Number</p><p style="text-align:center">n = 100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">Number</p><p style="text-align:center">n = 100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="4" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="18.99%"><p style="text-align:center">Experimental group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Landfilled</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Incinerated</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Dumped in nature</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Reused or treated</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="4" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="18.99%"><p style="text-align:center">Control group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Landfilled</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">45</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">45</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Incinerated</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Dumped in nature</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Reused or treated</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="6" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="18.99%"><p style="text-align:center">Intergroup comparison (after intervention)</p></td> 
      <td rowspan="2" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Fate of non-recycled waste</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="55.05%" colspan="4"><p style="text-align:center">After intervention</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">Informed group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">Uninformed group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Landfilled</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Incinerated</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Dumped in nature</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center">Reused or treated</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="18.99%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="25.96%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="13.76%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.30%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.22%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
     </tr> 
    </table>
   </table-wrap>
   <p>The data reveal that information on waste management has a significant impact, with a marked shift toward more sustainable practices in the experimental group.</p>
   <p>The results of <xref ref-type="table" rid="table7">
     Table 7
    </xref> demonstrate the relationship between the fate of non-recycled waste and having been informed about waste management as follows:</p>
   <table-wrap id="table7">
    <label>
     <xref ref-type="table" rid="table7">
      Table 7
     </xref></label>
    <caption>
     <title>
      <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-"></xref>Table 7. Relationship between fate of non-recycled waste and having been informed about waste management.</title>
    </caption>
    <table class="MsoTableGrid custom-table" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.20%"><p style="text-align:center">Group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">Period</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">Landfilled</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">Incinerated</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">Dumped in nature</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">Reused or treated</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">Total</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">χ<sup>2</sup></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">df</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">p</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.20%"><p style="text-align:center">Experimental</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.20%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">35.6789</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">3</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">&lt;0.001</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.20%"><p style="text-align:center">Control</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">45</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.20%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">8.2345</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">3</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">0.0412</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.20%"><p style="text-align:center">Intergroup</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.20%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">18.4567</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.75%"><p style="text-align:center">3</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.76%"><p style="text-align:center">&lt;0.001</p></td> 
     </tr> 
    </table>
   </table-wrap>
   <p>These results clearly indicate that information on waste management has a significant impact on the fate of non-recycled waste, with a marked shift toward more sustainable practices in the informed experimental group.</p>
   <p>
    <xref ref-type="table" rid="table8">
     Table 8
    </xref> shows the impact of the intervention on students’ knowledge of the consequences of non-recycled waste as follows:</p>
   <p>These results show that the intervention had a significant effect on the perception of the consequences of non-recycled waste in the experimental group. A strong increase in the perception of waste accumulation was observed. This suggests that the intervention was effective in changing the participants’ views within the experimental group.</p>
   <p>The results of <xref ref-type="table" rid="table9">
     Table 9
    </xref> highlight the statistical relationship between the consequences of non-recycled waste and having been informed about waste management as follows:</p>
   <table-wrap id="table8">
    <label>
     <xref ref-type="table" rid="table8">
      Table 8
     </xref></label>
    <caption>
     <title>
      <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-"></xref>Table 8. Consequences of non-recycled waste.</title>
    </caption>
    <table class="MsoTableGrid custom-table" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="3" class="acenter" width="16.66%"><p style="text-align:center">Group</p></td> 
      <td rowspan="3" class="acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Consequence of non-recycled waste</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="49.77%" colspan="4"><p style="text-align:center">Period</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="23.85%" colspan="2"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="25.93%" colspan="2"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">Number</p><p style="text-align:center">n = 100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">Number</p><p style="text-align:center">n = 100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="4" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="16.66%"><p style="text-align:center">Experimental group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Landfill congestion</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">55</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">55</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Increase in greenhouse gases</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Ocean pollution</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Health risks</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="4" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="16.66%"><p style="text-align:center">Control group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Landfill congestion</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Increase in greenhouse gases</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Ocean pollution</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Health risks</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td rowspan="6" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="16.66%"><p style="text-align:center">Intergroup Comparison (After Intervention)</p></td> 
      <td rowspan="2" class="custom-top-td acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Consequence of non-recycled waste</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="49.77%" colspan="4"><p style="text-align:center">After intervention</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">Informed group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">Uninformed group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">%</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Landfill congestion</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Increase in greenhouse gases</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">15</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Ocean pollution</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center">Health risks</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">60</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="aleft" width="16.66%"><p style="text-align:left"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="33.57%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.44%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="11.41%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="15.60%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="10.33%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
     </tr> 
    </table>
   </table-wrap>
   <table-wrap id="table9">
    <label>
     <xref ref-type="table" rid="table9">
      Table 9
     </xref></label>
    <caption>
     <title>
      <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-"></xref>Table 9. Relationship between consequences of non-recycling and having been informed about waste management.</title>
    </caption>
    <table class="MsoTableGrid custom-table" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.78%"><p style="text-align:center">Group</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Period</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Landfill congestion</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Increase in greenhouse gases</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Ocean pollution</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Health risks</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Total</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">χ<sup>2</sup></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">df</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.70%"><p style="text-align:center">p</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.78%"><p style="text-align:center">Experimental</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.70%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.78%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">55</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">34.4444</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">3</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.70%"><p style="text-align:center">&lt;0.001</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.78%"><p style="text-align:center">Control</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Before</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">25</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.70%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.78%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">7.3504</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">3</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="9.70%"><p style="text-align:center">0.0615</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.78%"><p style="text-align:center">Intergroup</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">55</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">35</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">5</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="9.70%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="12.78%"><p style="text-align:center"></p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">After</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">40</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">30</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">20</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">10</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">100</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">9.4957</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.69%"><p style="text-align:center">3</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="9.70%"><p style="text-align:center">0.0235</p></td> 
     </tr> 
    </table>
   </table-wrap>
   <p>These results show that the intervention had a significant effect on the perception of the consequences of non-recycled waste in the experimental group. A strong increase in the perception of waste accumulation was observed. This suggests that the intervention was effective in changing the participants’ views within the experimental group.</p>
   <p>
    <xref ref-type="table" rid="table10">
     Table 10
    </xref> indicates that half of the participants (45%) already had some knowledge about waste management before the intervention, while the other half (55%) had not received any information. The fact that more than half of the participants had not been informed suggests that there is a significant need for education and awareness on waste management in this population. However, the intervention could have a significant impact on participants who had not been informed previously, by increasing their level of knowledge and potentially changing their behaviors.</p>
   <table-wrap id="table10">
    <label>
     <xref ref-type="table" rid="table10">
      Table 10
     </xref></label>
    <caption>
     <title>
      <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-"></xref>Table 10. Having already been informed about waste management before this intervention.</title>
    </caption>
    <table class="MsoTableGrid custom-table" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">Response</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">Frequency</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">Percentage (%)</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">Yes</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">45</p></td> 
      <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">45.0</p></td> 
     </tr> 
     <tr> 
      <td class="acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">No</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">55</p></td> 
      <td class="acenter" width="17.09%"><p style="text-align:center">55.0</p></td> 
     </tr> 
    </table>
   </table-wrap>
   <p>Given the observed effectiveness of this educational intervention, we now propose a structured school curriculum to promote sustainable management of household solid waste in the Lukunga health district, Kinshasa.</p>
  </sec><sec id="s4">
   <title>4. Proposal for a School Curriculum</title>
   <p>To develop this curriculum effectively, we adopted a participatory approach <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-12">
     [12]
    </xref>, actively involving teachers through various consultation methods. This process aimed to design a program tailored to the actual needs of the educational system, while ensuring the commitment of key stakeholders engaged in waste management practices.</p>
   <p>Step 1: Consultation with Teachers in Pilot Schools</p>
   <p>We began by selecting five pilot schools and requested permission to meet with a carefully chosen sample of teachers. These teachers were invited to share their pedagogical preferences, learning objectives, and the challenges they face. These discussions took place in the form of focus groups, conducive to creativity and the generation of innovative ideas.</p>
   <p>Step 2: Collaboration with Education Researchers</p>
   <p>Education researchers were informally integrated into the design process, focusing on the development of tools for rigorous evaluation of the program’s effectiveness. Their expertise was invaluable in ensuring the pedagogical relevance and coherence of the content developed.</p>
   <p>Step 3: Creation of a Collaborative Environment</p>
   <p>To foster an atmosphere of collaboration and engagement, we ensured to:</p>
   <p>1) Clearly communicate our objectives: From the outset, we presented the framework of our approach and the expectations regarding participants’ contributions.</p>
   <p>2) Include all voices: Particular attention was paid to considering the opinions of traditionally underrepresented groups, thereby ensuring an inclusive approach.</p>
   <p>3) Organize iterative meetings: Each teacher participated in at least two sessions, allowing for deeper exchanges and refinement of proposals.</p>
   <p>4) This proactive collaboration laid the foundation for an innovative and adapted program, supported by strong buy-in from teachers and other stakeholders.</p>
   <sec id="s4_1">
    <title>4.1. Curriculum Design</title>
    <p>Definition of Educational Objectives</p>
    <p>We established key competencies to be acquired in waste management and aligned the objectives with national educational standards <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-13">
      [13]
     </xref> <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-14">
      [14]
     </xref>.</p>
    <p>Content Development</p>
    <p>Modules adapted to different school levels were developed, as well as practical and interactive activities. Essential knowledge and skills to be imparted to students were identified:</p>
    <p>These competencies are part of an education for sustainable development approach, aiming to train citizens who are aware and committed to environmental preservation. The co-constructed model allows students to actively and participatively acquire these skills by directly involving them in the design and implementation of waste management solutions adapted to their local context. <xref ref-type="table" rid="table11">
      Table 11
     </xref> shows different educational modules <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-14">
      [14]
     </xref>.</p>
    <table-wrap id="table11">
     <label>
      <xref ref-type="table" rid="table11">
       Table 11
      </xref></label>
     <caption>
      <title>
       <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-"></xref>Table 11. Design of learning modules.</title>
     </caption>
     <table class="MsoTableGrid custom-table" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="20.19%"><p style="text-align:center">Level</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="39.90%"><p style="text-align:center">Educational objectives</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="39.91%"><p style="text-align:center">Activities</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="20.19%"><p style="text-align:center">Primary </p><p style="text-align:center">(Grades 1 - 6)</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td aleft pli" width="39.90%"><p style="text-align:left">Raise awareness of waste sorting</p><p style="text-align:left">Understand the environmental impact of waste</p><p style="text-align:left">Learn basic waste reduction practices</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td aleft pli" width="39.91%"><p style="text-align:left">Waste sorting games using images or objects</p><p style="text-align:left">Making objects from recycled materials (musical instruments, pencil holders, etc.)</p><p style="text-align:left">Visit to a sorting center or waste facility</p><p style="text-align:left">Creation of posters on proper sorting practices for the school</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td acenter" width="20.19%"><p style="text-align:center">Middle School (Grades 8 - 9)</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td aleft pli" width="39.90%"><p style="text-align:left">Deepen knowledge of the waste life cycle</p><p style="text-align:left">Understand the issues of recycling and the circular economy</p><p style="text-align:left">Develop critical thinking about consumer society</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td custom-top-td aleft pli" width="39.91%"><p style="text-align:left">Survey on household/school waste production over a week</p><p style="text-align:left">Debate on packaging reduction</p><p style="text-align:left">Composting workshop</p><p style="text-align:left">Project to create a mini recycling business</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="20.19%"><p style="text-align:center">High School (Grades 10 - 13)</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-top-td aleft pli" width="39.90%"><p style="text-align:left">Analyze the environmental, social, and economic impacts of waste management</p><p style="text-align:left">Understand public policies and regulations related to waste</p><p style="text-align:left">Reflect on technological and social innovations for improved management</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-top-td aleft pli" width="39.91%"><p style="text-align:left">Case study on waste management in different countries</p><p style="text-align:left">Calculation of the ecological footprint related to waste</p><p style="text-align:left">Debate on ethical issues in the international waste trade</p><p style="text-align:left">Community awareness project</p></td> 
      </tr> 
     </table>
    </table-wrap>
    <p>For all levels, it is crucial to adopt an active and participatory pedagogy, involving students in concrete projects. The objective is to develop their skills and empower them as agents of change in their environment.</p>
    <p>Suggestions for incorporating practical activities and community projects related to waste management into the school curriculum include:</p>
    <p>These practical activities and community projects will help students develop concrete waste management skills, raise awareness of environmental protection, and strengthen civic engagement.</p>
    <p>For the implementation of this educational program, five schools—one per health zone (Mongafula I, Makala, Ngaba, Matete, Kalamu I)—were selected as a representative sample of the Lukunga health district. The school administrations are expected to collaborate with us.</p>
    <p>Multiple methods were considered to assess knowledge acquisition, including:</p>
    <p>Combining these methods provides a comprehensive and reliable evaluation of both knowledge acquisition and tangible behavioral changes.</p>
    <p>1) Pilot test: Implementation of the program in a selected sample of schools.</p>
    <p>2) Evaluation and feedback: Collection and analysis of feedback from teachers, students, and parents.</p>
    <p>3) Model optimization: Adjustment of the management model and pedagogical framework based on pilot test results.</p>
   </sec>
   <sec id="s4_2">
    <title>4.2. Long-Term Monitoring to Assess the Sustainability of Intervention Effects</title>
    <p>To ensure the durability of the outcomes observed following the educational intervention, it is essential to implement a long-term monitoring system that combines both quantitative and qualitative indicators over several years. This monitoring relies, in particular, on the regular measurement of individual and collective behaviors (such as selective sorting rates, the percentage of waste reused or composted, and initiatives led by students), annual assessments of knowledge and attitudes using standardized questionnaires, as well as the tracking of measurable environmental impacts (including the quantity of waste generated, the reduction rate of waste sent to landfill, and the volume of compost produced).</p>
    <p>Complementary tools, such as direct behavioral observations, individual portfolios documenting student actions, and surveys conducted with families, will help to evaluate the persistence of these practices over time, including after students leave the school system. Ideally, monitoring should occur annually over a period of three to five years, with intermediate evaluation points, to facilitate program adjustment and maintain community engagement.</p>
    <table-wrap id="table12">
     <label>
      <xref ref-type="table" rid="table12">
       Table 12
      </xref></label>
     <caption>
      <title>
       <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-"></xref>Table 12. Key indicators for monitoring the impact of the education programs.</title>
     </caption>
     <table class="MsoTableGrid custom-table" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="35.73%"><p style="text-align:center">Indicator</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="12.06%"><p style="text-align:center">Frequency</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="16.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Source(s)</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-bottom-td acenter" width="35.52%"><p style="text-align:center">Objective</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="35.73%"><p style="text-align:center">Rate of integration of health education into school curricula</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="12.06%"><p style="text-align:center">Annual</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="16.69%"><p style="text-align:center">School reports, inspections</p></td> 
       <td class="custom-top-td acenter" width="35.52%"><p style="text-align:center">Evaluate the dissemination and sustainability of health-related educational content within curricula.</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="acenter" width="35.73%"><p style="text-align:center">Percentage of students adopting healthy behaviors (hygiene, nutrition)</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="12.06%"><p style="text-align:center">Semiannual</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="16.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Student surveys, direct observation</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="35.52%"><p style="text-align:center">Assess the impact of educational initiatives on students’ lifestyle choices and habits.</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="acenter" width="35.73%"><p style="text-align:center">Number of environmental health awareness initiatives conducted by the school</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="12.06%"><p style="text-align:center">Quarterly</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="16.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Activity reports, documentation</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="35.52%"><p style="text-align:center">Quantify the school’s commitment to promoting environmental health through various initiatives.</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="acenter" width="35.73%"><p style="text-align:center">Level of student knowledge about the links between environment and health</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="12.06%"><p style="text-align:center">Annual</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="16.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Standardized questionnaires</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="35.52%"><p style="text-align:center">Monitor the progress in students’ educational achievements and their understanding of environmental health issues.</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="acenter" width="35.73%"><p style="text-align:center">Rate of parental and community participation in awareness activities</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="12.06%"><p style="text-align:center">Semiannual</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="16.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Attendance records, family questionnaires</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="35.52%"><p style="text-align:center">Evaluate the program’s influence on family engagement and the broader community dynamics.</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="acenter" width="35.73%"><p style="text-align:center">Percentage reduction in risky behaviors related to health or the environment</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="12.06%"><p style="text-align:center">Annual</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="16.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Audits, surveys, observations</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="35.52%"><p style="text-align:center">Measure the effectiveness of educational programs aimed at disease prevention and promoting sustainability.</p></td> 
      </tr> 
      <tr> 
       <td class="acenter" width="35.73%"><p style="text-align:center">Number of intersectoral partnerships (health, education, environment) developed</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="12.06%"><p style="text-align:center">Annual</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="16.69%"><p style="text-align:center">Institutional reports, partnership agreements</p></td> 
       <td class="acenter" width="35.52%"><p style="text-align:center">Showcase the collaboration between sectors to enhance public health initiatives and their impact.</p></td> 
      </tr> 
     </table>
    </table-wrap>
    <p>Finally, the attainment of environmental labels and participation in collective certification processes will serve as performance indicators, highlighting the progress made and encouraging the continued adoption of responsible behaviors within the educational community.</p>
    <p>
     <xref ref-type="table" rid="table12">
      Table 12
     </xref> summarizes the main recommended indicators for monitoring the sustainability of educational changes in waste management, drawing on approaches from international environmental education guidelines <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-13">
      [13]
     </xref> <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-15">
      [15]
     </xref>.</p>
    <p>This table facilitates a systematic observation of how educational initiatives and awareness-raising efforts influence health and the environment. It employs measurable indicators alongside a variety of sources and well-defined objectives to support this analysis.</p>
   </sec>
   <sec id="s4_3">
    <title>4.3. Potential Implementation Challenges</title>
    <p>Possible solutions include seeking funding from international organizations (UNESCO, AFD, private companies), organizing targeted educational campaigns, implementing specialized waste management training programs; etc. <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-1">
      [1]
     </xref> <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-14">
      [14]
     </xref>.</p>
   </sec>
  </sec><sec id="s5">
   <title>5. Discussion</title>
   <p>The results of this study highlight the significant influence of targeted educational action on secondary students’ knowledge and behaviors regarding household solid waste management. The observed progress in the test group, such as increased knowledge of household waste sorting (from 40% to 60%) and the adoption of stable actions like sorting and composting, supports the effectiveness of dynamic and adapted education. These findings are consistent with previous research <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-6">
     [6]
    </xref> <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-16">
     [16]
    </xref>, which demonstrated that contextually adapted educational campaigns significantly increase engagement in selective sorting.</p>
   <p>This study proposed a structured curriculum integrating waste management at all school levels, in line with UNESCO recommendations for education for sustainable development <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-13">
     [13]
    </xref> <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-14">
     [14]
    </xref>. The program emphasizes experiential and participatory learning, aligning with international educational standards. However, as highlighted by McCracken and Phillips, systematic integration of waste management education is still hindered by a lack of dedicated time and insufficient teacher training <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-17">
     [17]
    </xref>. Immersive initiatives, such as visits to sorting centers or ecoparks, are also essential for linking theory and practice and enhancing understanding of sustainable waste management processes <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.142890-14">
     [14]
    </xref>.</p>
   <p>Ultimately, this study shows that contextualized and participatory environmental education is a key lever for promoting responsible waste management behaviors. It also underscores the need for an integrated approach combining active pedagogy, community involvement, and appropriate infrastructure to ensure the sustainability of ecological practices among younger generations.</p>
  </sec><sec id="s6">
   <title>6. Conclusions</title>
   <p>This study highlights the central role of environmental education in promoting responsible behaviors in household solid waste management. The results demonstrate that targeted educational interventions, combining theoretical learning and practical activities, can significantly improve knowledge and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices such as selective sorting and composting. The participatory approach involving teachers and students ensures better ownership of environmental issues and fosters local anchoring of proposed solutions.</p>
   <p>The proposal of a structured curriculum, adapted to each school level, represents significant progress for the sustainable integration of waste management into educational practices. Enriched by community projects and immersive activities, this program offers a unique opportunity to connect theory and practice while raising awareness among younger generations about environmental challenges.</p>
   <p>However, to maximize the impact of these initiatives, it is essential to ensure long-term monitoring, strengthen teacher training, and develop appropriate infrastructure in schools. Ultimately, this study demonstrates that contextualized and participatory environmental education is a powerful lever for building a society that is aware of ecological issues and capable of adopting sustainable solutions to global environmental challenges.</p>
  </sec><sec id="s7">
   <title>7. Recommendations</title>
   <p>1) Institutionalization: Officially integrate the proposed curriculum into school programs; systematically include waste management topics in curricula in a transversal and interdisciplinary manner from primary school onward.</p>
   <p>2) Continuing education: Strengthen teachers’ capacities to ensure effective program implementation.</p>
   <p>3) Monitoring and evaluation: Establish a regular evaluation system to measure the program’s impact on students’ knowledge and behaviors.</p>
   <p>4) Extension: Gradually extend the program to other schools to amplify its impact.</p>
   <p>5) Local partnerships: Involve local authorities, NGOs, and recycling sector companies to create synergies and strengthen the impact of school initiatives in the territory.</p>
  </sec><sec id="s8">
   <title>8. Research Perspectives</title>
   <p>This study opens several avenues for research. It would be relevant to evaluate the long-term effects of this type of educational intervention on students’ environmental behaviors, particularly after they leave the school system. A longitudinal analysis would determine whether the knowledge and practices acquired persist over time and influence adult life. Comparative studies between different regions or countries would help identify contextual factors affecting the effectiveness of environmental education programs. Finally, analyzing the socio-economic impacts of quality environmental education on local communities would be a promising research field, in line with sustainable development goals.</p>
  </sec>
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