Author(s)

Ziyue Zhang¹, Guohua Zhang^2*

¹School of Communication and Arts, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
²School of Foreign Studies, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China.

This study aims to investigate the changes in recycling attitudes and behaviours of mainland Chinese international students in Australia, as well as the social-psychological and experiential factors that may have been functional in resulting in these changes. Based on a questionnaire survey involving 136 respondents, the study reveals that approximately half of the respondents report more positive recycling attitudes and increased recycling behaviours since their arrival in Australia, with social norms playing a significant role in these changes. Importantly, they are more likely to exhibit more positive recycling attitudes and behaviours when they believe that those around them are actively involved in recycling. Furthermore, it is discovered that their recycling attitudes and behaviours are markedly influenced by environmental education they have received and their frequent exposure to nature, while acculturation is found not to have played an equally significant role. The research findings offer empirical support for the creation of more focused recycling initiatives, particularly when it comes to using social norms as an incentive to encourage recycling among international Chinese students.

Ecological Behavioural Change, Social Norms, Environmental Education, Recycling Attitudes

Zhang, Z.Y. and Zhang, G.H. (2025) Recycling Attitudes and Behaviours among Chinese International Students in Australia: A Social-Psychological Perspective. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 13, 605-623. doi: 10.4236/jss.2025.136040.