Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the opinions of elementary science teacher candidates in Turkey regarding the collection, separation and recycling of solid wastes. To this end, a questionnaire consisting of two sections was administered to a total of 315 first-year, second-year, third-year, and fourth-year university students enrolled in the department of elementary science teacher education. Based on the study results, it was determined that the elementary science teacher candidates acquired their knowledge regarding the collection, separation and recycling of solid wastes mainly from school and television. It was understood that teacher candidates who recycled solid wastes (other than organic wastes) and who used separate recycling containers for each type of solid waste were generally aware that materials used in packages can be recycled and reutilized. Owing to this awareness, these teacher candidates endeavored to create a cleaner environment, and also contributed to the economy through recycling. For this reason, students should participate in courses on the environment to better learn the role of recycling in ensuring a sustainable future, and the economic contributions and significance of recycling solid wastes.he aim of this study was to determine the opinions of elementary science teacher candidates in Turkey regarding the collection, separation and recycling of solid wastes. To this end, a questionnaire consisting of two sections was administered to a total of 315 first-year, second-year, third-year, and fourth-year university students enrolled in the department of elementary science teacher education. Based on the study results, it was determined that the elementary science teacher candidates acquired their knowledge regarding the collection, separation and recycling of solid wastes mainly from school and television. It was understood that teacher candidates who recycled solid wastes (other than organic wastes) and who used separate recycling containers for each type of solid waste were generally aware that materials used in packages can be recycled and reutilized. Owing to this awareness, these teacher candidates endeavored to create a cleaner environment, and also contributed to the economy through recycling. For this reason, students should participate in courses on the environment to better learn the role of recycling in ensuring a sustainable future, and the economic contributions and significance of recycling solid wastes.
Highlights
The term “solid waste” refers to all forms of substances and materials that are formed as a result of domestic, commercial, and industrial activities (Igbinomwanhia & Ohwovoriole, 2009), and does not contain any fluids or liquids (TÇSV, 1991; Güler & Çobanoğlu, 1996)
Solid waste management is of considerable importance for public health and the environment; it is one of the most important environmental problems currently faced by Turkey
The study results demonstrated that schools were the main source of information regarding solid wastes for elementary science teacher candidates (Table 1)
Summary
The term “solid waste” refers to all forms of substances and materials that are formed as a result of domestic, commercial, and industrial activities (Igbinomwanhia & Ohwovoriole, 2009), and does not contain any fluids or liquids (TÇSV, 1991; Güler & Çobanoğlu, 1996). Failing to sort and collect wastes such as glass, plastic, paper, and metal at their source, in order to reuse and utilize them, leads to pollution, which in turn results in economic losses (Topbaş, Brohi & Karaman, 1998; Yılmaz & Özdil, 1999). It is of utmost importance for public and environmental health that solid wastes are properly collected, gathered, and transported to treatment facilities, where they will be eliminated in a manner that is not detrimental to the environment (Cici et al, 2005). Methane and carbon emissions released by solid wastes in landfills and improper storage areas contribute to the greenhouse effect, and to global warming (Çepel, 1992)
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