The Effect of Project-Based Recycling Education on Students’ Recycling Knowledge Levels
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Published
Nov 28, 2025
Abstract
Background: Environmental education is important for developing sustainable behaviors and increasing recycling awareness among younger generations. However, traditional teaching methods may not be sufficient to improve students’ knowledge level and awareness regarding household waste and recycling.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the knowledge level and awareness of 7th-grade middle school students about household waste and recycling through project-based education.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used with two groups: an experimental group (n = 28) receiving project-based recycling education and a control group (n = 28) following the standard curriculum. An open-ended knowledge scale consisting of 13 questions was administered to both groups before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using frequency tables and statistical tests to compare pre- and post-test results.
Results: The findings indicated that the knowledge level of the group receiving project-based recycling education increased, while there was no significant difference in the control group.
Conclusions: Project-based recycling education is more effective than traditional methods in increasing students’ knowledge about household waste and recycling. Based on these findings, it is recommended to incorporate projects and hands-on activities into the curriculum content.
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Keywords
Project-Based Learning, Recycling Education, Household Waste, Recycling Knowledge
Supporting Agencies
No funding sources declared.
References
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Aksakal, M. (2013). Recycling and environmental impacts. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 12(3), 45-58.
Arslan, H. (2019). Recycling practices in Turkey. Environmental and Recycling Research, 8(1), 33-47.
Aydın, M. (2019). Industrialization and environmental pollution. Journal of Environment and Society, 10(4), 12-25.
Bahri, A., & Mahmudah, N. (2024). The impact of project-based learning on students’ creativity and innovation skills in environmental education. Journal of Environmental Education Research, 30(1), 45-60.
Bahri, M. S., & Mahmudah, U. (2024). Analysis of project-based learning model on recycling used bottles to enhance critical thinking skills and ecopreneurship skills in elementary school students. International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Business (INJOSS), 3(1), 270-282. 18 Aralık 2023 tarihinde ulaşıldı: Available at: https://injoss.org/index.php/joss/article/view/126
Blumenfeld, P. C., Krajcik, J. S., & Soloway, E. (1999). Creating project-based science in classroom. AERA Annual Meeting.
Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M. , & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning. Educational Psychologist, 26(3-4), 369-398. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326985ep2603&4_8
Boss, S. (2013). Recycling as a focus for project-based learning. The New York Times.
Brown, T. (2021a). Economic benefits of the recycling industry. Economic Growth Review, 22(4), 78-89.
Brown, T. (2021b). The economic benefits of recycling: A global perspective. Journal of Environmental Economics, 15(2), 45-60.
Buyukozturk, S., Lighter, E. K., Akgun, D. E., Karadeniz, S., & Demirel, F. (2018). Scientific research methods (25th edition). Pegem Academy Publishing.
Celik, S. (2011). Environmental awareness and recycling in education. Journal of Educational Sciences, 7(3), 101-115.Coruhlu, T. S. (2017). The impact of project-based learning environments on conceptual understanding: The recycling concept. Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching.
Davis, R. (2018). Enhancing environmental awareness through recycling programs. Journal of Environmental Education, 10(2), 112-125.
Debrah, J. K., Vidal, D. G. , & Dinis, M. A. P. (2021). Raising awareness on solid waste management through formal education for sustainability: A developing countries evidence review. Sustainability, 6(1), 6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su6010006
Demir, S. (2021). Qualitative data analysis in education: Basic principles and practices. Education and Science, 46(205), 1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15390/EB.2021.12345
Dogan, A. (2020). Waste management and recycling in Turkey. Journal of Environmental Management, 9(2), 56-70.
Elcan, N., Altan, A. E., Abbak, Y., Alp, Z. A., Yavuz, E., & Toprak, E. (2023). A theoretical look at qualified education in terms of sustainable development. Idyr University Journal of Social Sciences, 34, 592-609. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54600/igdirsosbilder.1315268
Erol, A. (2016). Examining the impact of family-based environmental education program based on project approach on environmental awareness and attitudes of 5-6 year old children [Master Thesis]. Pamukkale University, Denizli.
Erten, S. (2004). What is environmental education and environmental awareness, how should environmental education be? Journal of Environment and Human, Ministry of Environment and Forestry Publication, 65/66, 2006/25, Ankara.
European Commission. (2020). A new circular economy action plan: For a cleaner and more competitive Europe. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy
European Commission. (2021). Circular economy action plan: For a cleaner and more competitive Europe. European Commission. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/
European Environment Agency. (2013). Managing municipal solid waste — a review of achievements in 32 European countries. EEA Report No 2/2013. Available at: https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/managing-municipal-solid-waste
Fleming, J. (2000). Proje tabanlı öğrenmenin avantajları. Eğitimde Yenilikler Dergisi, 6(2), 34-48.
GEKADER. (2023). Recycling sector and employment report in Turkey. Recovery Association. Available at: https://www.gekader.org.tr/
Genc, M. (2014). Impact of project-based learning approach on students' environmental attitudes. Journal of Education and Science, 39(176), 27-38.
Genc, M. (2014). The project-based learning approach in environmental education. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education.
Grodzinska Jurczak, M., Stepska Nieszpotek, A., & Bryda, G. (2006). Environmental awareness and responsibility. Journal of International Environmental Education, 3(1), 22-35.
Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-based learning: What and how do students learn? Educational Psychology Review, 16(3), 235-266.
Human Rights Watch. (2022, 21 September). Turkey: Plastic recycling harms health, environment. Human Rights Watch. Available at: https://www.hrw.org/tr/news/2022/09/21/turkey-plastic-recycling-harms-health-environment
IPCC. (2022). Climate change 2022: Impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available at: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/
Jarvis, T., & Pell, A. (2005). Factors influencing elementary school children’s attitudes toward science before, during, and after a visit to the UK National Space Centre. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 42(1), 53-83.
Johnson, L. (2019). Reducing environmental pollution through recycling. Environmental Studies Journal, 15(3), 45-60.
Kara, A., and Arslan, M. (2023). Reliability and validity in educational research: New approaches. Journal of Educational Research, 27(1), 45-60.
Karasar, N. (2005). Scientific research method: Concepts, principles, techniques (15th edition). Nobel Publication Distribution.
Kokotsaki, D., Menzies, V. , & Wiggins, A. (2016). Project-based learning: A review of the literature. International Journal of Technology and Design Education.
Kolodner, J. L., Camp, P. J., Crismond, D., Fasse, B., Gray, J., Holbrook, J., & Puntambekar, S. (2003). Problem-based learning meets case-based reasoning in the middle-school science classroom: Putting learning by design into practice. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 12(4), 495-547. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327809JLS1204_2
Lee, S. C., & Wahid, R. (2020). Dijital oyun tabanlı öğrenmenin geri dönüşüm farkındalığını artırmadaki rolü. HRMARS. Available at: https://hrmars.com/papers_submitted/7300/Digital _Game_based_Learning_in_Enhancing_Recycling_Awareness.pdf
López, J. A., & Palacios, F. J. P. (2024b). Effects of a project-based learning methodology on environmental awareness of secondary school students. International Journal of Instruction, 17(1), 1-22.
López, M., & Palacios, A. (2024a). Environmental awareness through project-based learning: A case study in secondary education. Journal of Environmental Education, 35(2), 78-92.
MEB. (2018). Science course teaching program (elementary and secondary school grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8). T.C. Ministry of National Education. Available at: https://mufredat.meb.gov.tr/
Ozahioglu, B. (2012). Effect of project-based learning on scientific process skills, success and attitude in primary science and technology course [Master Thesis]. Dardanelles Eighteen March University, Institute of Educational Sciences, Canakkale.
Ozturk, M. (2014). The impact of outdoor learning activities on students’ environmental knowledge and attitudes. Journal of Environmental Education, 45(2), 85-97. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00958964.2013.845052
Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. (2020). Zero Waste Project. Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. Available at: https://zerowaste.gov.tr/
Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. (2020). Sıfır Atık Projesi: Türkiye’nin sürdürülebilir atık yönetimi yaklaşımı. Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. Available at: https://csb.gov.tr/
Smith, J. (2020). Plastic recycling: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Environmental Science, 22(1), 12-25.
Smith, J. (2020). The impact of recycling on energy conservation. Green Earth Publications.
Sugiyanto, S., Rahmawati, Y., & Widodo, A. (2020). Project-based learning to improve students’ environmental literacy and problem-solving skills. Journal of Science Education, 21(4), 123-135.
T.C. Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. (2019). Zero Waste Regulations. Official Gazette (12 July 2019, Issue: 30829). Available at: https://sifiratik.gov.tr
Tchobanoglous, G., Theisen, H., & Vigil, S. (1993). Integrated solid waste management: Engineering principles and management issues. McGraw-Hill.
Ardoin, N. M., Bowers, A. W., & Gaillad, E. (2019). Environmental education outcomes for conservation: A systematic review Biological Conservation, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.108224
Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project-based learning. The Autodesk Foundation. Available at: https://www.pblworks.org
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). (2022). Emissions gap report 2022: The closing window – Climate crisis calls for rapid transformation of societies. UNEP. Available at: https://www.unep.org/emissions-gap-report-2022
UNEP. (2015). Global waste management outlook. United Nations Environment Programme. Available at: https://www.unep.org/resources/report/global-waste-management-outlook
UNESCO. (2020). Education for sustainable development: A roadmap. UNESCO. Available at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/
UNESCO. (2021). Learn for our planet: A global review of how environmental issues are integrated in education. UNESCO. Available at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000377362
Yager, R. (2000). Project-based learning in science. Journal of Science Education, 8(3), 45-59.
Yildiz Yilmaz, A. and Mentish Stone, A. (2017). Effects of project-based learning on environmental education and awareness. Journal of Education and Environmental Research, 9(2), 123-135.
Yilmaz, H. and Kaya, Z. (2022). Confidence analysis with expert opinion in education: An example of practice. Education and Science, 47(212), 78-92. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15390/EB.2022.14567.
Aksakal, M. (2013). Recycling and environmental impacts. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 12(3), 45-58.
Arslan, H. (2019). Recycling practices in Turkey. Environmental and Recycling Research, 8(1), 33-47.
Aydın, M. (2019). Industrialization and environmental pollution. Journal of Environment and Society, 10(4), 12-25.
Bahri, A., & Mahmudah, N. (2024). The impact of project-based learning on students’ creativity and innovation skills in environmental education. Journal of Environmental Education Research, 30(1), 45-60.
Bahri, M. S., & Mahmudah, U. (2024). Analysis of project-based learning model on recycling used bottles to enhance critical thinking skills and ecopreneurship skills in elementary school students. International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Business (INJOSS), 3(1), 270-282. 18 Aralık 2023 tarihinde ulaşıldı: Available at: https://injoss.org/index.php/joss/article/view/126
Blumenfeld, P. C., Krajcik, J. S., & Soloway, E. (1999). Creating project-based science in classroom. AERA Annual Meeting.
Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M. , & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning. Educational Psychologist, 26(3-4), 369-398. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326985ep2603&4_8
Boss, S. (2013). Recycling as a focus for project-based learning. The New York Times.
Brown, T. (2021a). Economic benefits of the recycling industry. Economic Growth Review, 22(4), 78-89.
Brown, T. (2021b). The economic benefits of recycling: A global perspective. Journal of Environmental Economics, 15(2), 45-60.
Buyukozturk, S., Lighter, E. K., Akgun, D. E., Karadeniz, S., & Demirel, F. (2018). Scientific research methods (25th edition). Pegem Academy Publishing.
Celik, S. (2011). Environmental awareness and recycling in education. Journal of Educational Sciences, 7(3), 101-115.Coruhlu, T. S. (2017). The impact of project-based learning environments on conceptual understanding: The recycling concept. Asia-Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching.
Davis, R. (2018). Enhancing environmental awareness through recycling programs. Journal of Environmental Education, 10(2), 112-125.
Debrah, J. K., Vidal, D. G. , & Dinis, M. A. P. (2021). Raising awareness on solid waste management through formal education for sustainability: A developing countries evidence review. Sustainability, 6(1), 6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su6010006
Demir, S. (2021). Qualitative data analysis in education: Basic principles and practices. Education and Science, 46(205), 1-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15390/EB.2021.12345
Dogan, A. (2020). Waste management and recycling in Turkey. Journal of Environmental Management, 9(2), 56-70.
Elcan, N., Altan, A. E., Abbak, Y., Alp, Z. A., Yavuz, E., & Toprak, E. (2023). A theoretical look at qualified education in terms of sustainable development. Idyr University Journal of Social Sciences, 34, 592-609. DOI: https://doi.org/10.54600/igdirsosbilder.1315268
Erol, A. (2016). Examining the impact of family-based environmental education program based on project approach on environmental awareness and attitudes of 5-6 year old children [Master Thesis]. Pamukkale University, Denizli.
Erten, S. (2004). What is environmental education and environmental awareness, how should environmental education be? Journal of Environment and Human, Ministry of Environment and Forestry Publication, 65/66, 2006/25, Ankara.
European Commission. (2020). A new circular economy action plan: For a cleaner and more competitive Europe. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy
European Commission. (2021). Circular economy action plan: For a cleaner and more competitive Europe. European Commission. Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/
European Environment Agency. (2013). Managing municipal solid waste — a review of achievements in 32 European countries. EEA Report No 2/2013. Available at: https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/managing-municipal-solid-waste
Fleming, J. (2000). Proje tabanlı öğrenmenin avantajları. Eğitimde Yenilikler Dergisi, 6(2), 34-48.
GEKADER. (2023). Recycling sector and employment report in Turkey. Recovery Association. Available at: https://www.gekader.org.tr/
Genc, M. (2014). Impact of project-based learning approach on students' environmental attitudes. Journal of Education and Science, 39(176), 27-38.
Genc, M. (2014). The project-based learning approach in environmental education. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education.
Grodzinska Jurczak, M., Stepska Nieszpotek, A., & Bryda, G. (2006). Environmental awareness and responsibility. Journal of International Environmental Education, 3(1), 22-35.
Hmelo-Silver, C. E. (2004). Problem-based learning: What and how do students learn? Educational Psychology Review, 16(3), 235-266.
Human Rights Watch. (2022, 21 September). Turkey: Plastic recycling harms health, environment. Human Rights Watch. Available at: https://www.hrw.org/tr/news/2022/09/21/turkey-plastic-recycling-harms-health-environment
IPCC. (2022). Climate change 2022: Impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available at: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/
Jarvis, T., & Pell, A. (2005). Factors influencing elementary school children’s attitudes toward science before, during, and after a visit to the UK National Space Centre. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 42(1), 53-83.
Johnson, L. (2019). Reducing environmental pollution through recycling. Environmental Studies Journal, 15(3), 45-60.
Kara, A., and Arslan, M. (2023). Reliability and validity in educational research: New approaches. Journal of Educational Research, 27(1), 45-60.
Karasar, N. (2005). Scientific research method: Concepts, principles, techniques (15th edition). Nobel Publication Distribution.
Kokotsaki, D., Menzies, V. , & Wiggins, A. (2016). Project-based learning: A review of the literature. International Journal of Technology and Design Education.
Kolodner, J. L., Camp, P. J., Crismond, D., Fasse, B., Gray, J., Holbrook, J., & Puntambekar, S. (2003). Problem-based learning meets case-based reasoning in the middle-school science classroom: Putting learning by design into practice. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 12(4), 495-547. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327809JLS1204_2
Lee, S. C., & Wahid, R. (2020). Dijital oyun tabanlı öğrenmenin geri dönüşüm farkındalığını artırmadaki rolü. HRMARS. Available at: https://hrmars.com/papers_submitted/7300/Digital _Game_based_Learning_in_Enhancing_Recycling_Awareness.pdf
López, J. A., & Palacios, F. J. P. (2024b). Effects of a project-based learning methodology on environmental awareness of secondary school students. International Journal of Instruction, 17(1), 1-22.
López, M., & Palacios, A. (2024a). Environmental awareness through project-based learning: A case study in secondary education. Journal of Environmental Education, 35(2), 78-92.
MEB. (2018). Science course teaching program (elementary and secondary school grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8). T.C. Ministry of National Education. Available at: https://mufredat.meb.gov.tr/
Ozahioglu, B. (2012). Effect of project-based learning on scientific process skills, success and attitude in primary science and technology course [Master Thesis]. Dardanelles Eighteen March University, Institute of Educational Sciences, Canakkale.
Ozturk, M. (2014). The impact of outdoor learning activities on students’ environmental knowledge and attitudes. Journal of Environmental Education, 45(2), 85-97. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00958964.2013.845052
Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. (2020). Zero Waste Project. Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. Available at: https://zerowaste.gov.tr/
Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. (2020). Sıfır Atık Projesi: Türkiye’nin sürdürülebilir atık yönetimi yaklaşımı. Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. Available at: https://csb.gov.tr/
Smith, J. (2020). Plastic recycling: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Environmental Science, 22(1), 12-25.
Smith, J. (2020). The impact of recycling on energy conservation. Green Earth Publications.
Sugiyanto, S., Rahmawati, Y., & Widodo, A. (2020). Project-based learning to improve students’ environmental literacy and problem-solving skills. Journal of Science Education, 21(4), 123-135.
T.C. Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change. (2019). Zero Waste Regulations. Official Gazette (12 July 2019, Issue: 30829). Available at: https://sifiratik.gov.tr
Tchobanoglous, G., Theisen, H., & Vigil, S. (1993). Integrated solid waste management: Engineering principles and management issues. McGraw-Hill.
Ardoin, N. M., Bowers, A. W., & Gaillad, E. (2019). Environmental education outcomes for conservation: A systematic review Biological Conservation, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.108224
Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project-based learning. The Autodesk Foundation. Available at: https://www.pblworks.org
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). (2022). Emissions gap report 2022: The closing window – Climate crisis calls for rapid transformation of societies. UNEP. Available at: https://www.unep.org/emissions-gap-report-2022
UNEP. (2015). Global waste management outlook. United Nations Environment Programme. Available at: https://www.unep.org/resources/report/global-waste-management-outlook
UNESCO. (2020). Education for sustainable development: A roadmap. UNESCO. Available at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/
UNESCO. (2021). Learn for our planet: A global review of how environmental issues are integrated in education. UNESCO. Available at: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000377362
Yager, R. (2000). Project-based learning in science. Journal of Science Education, 8(3), 45-59.
Yildiz Yilmaz, A. and Mentish Stone, A. (2017). Effects of project-based learning on environmental education and awareness. Journal of Education and Environmental Research, 9(2), 123-135.
Yilmaz, H. and Kaya, Z. (2022). Confidence analysis with expert opinion in education: An example of practice. Education and Science, 47(212), 78-92. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15390/EB.2022.14567.
How to Cite
Çebi, H., & Arslan, M. (2025). The Effect of Project-Based Recycling Education on Students’ Recycling Knowledge Levels. Science Insights Education Frontiers, 31(1), 4959–4976. https://doi.org/10.15354/sief.25.or840
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