An Exploration of The Impact of The Waste Management Program in Jeddah Formula 1 on Visitors' Recycling Behavior

Abstract

This dissertation delves into the impact of the waste management practices at the Jeddah Formula 1 event on visitors' recycling behavior, set against the backdrop of increasing environmental consciousness globally. The Formula 1 event in Jeddah, renowned for its grandeur and scale, offers a unique context to explore waste management practices and their impact on visitors' behavior since uniqueness stems from being the first major sporting event in Saudi Arabia to implement sustainable waste management practices (Barretto, 2022). The dissertation aims to uncover how these practices impact visitors’ recycling behavior, focusing on this prestigious event as an example. The objectives of this dissertation include examining the impact of waste management practices on visitors' recycling behavior, identifying the most effective practices for encouraging recycling, and exploring visitors' perceptions and attitudes towards these practices. The research questions center on the extent to which waste management practices at the event have impacted recycling behaviors, how visitors perceive and react to these practices, and their views on the accessibility and convenience of recycling facilities provided. This dissertation offers insights into the dynamics of waste management in the context of a large-scale event and its implications on visitors' behavior, particularly in terms of recycling. Employing an interpretive research paradigm, the methodology of this dissertation aligns with the qualitative nature of the inquiry, focusing on understanding the subjective experiences and perspectives of visitors. This approach is supported by an exploratory research design, enabling an in-depth examination of the complex interactions between the event's waste management practices and visitors' recycling behavior. Data collection is primarily through in-depth interviews with seven interviewees, providing an understanding of the various aspects impacting recycling behavior at the event. The convenience sampling technique was employed, ensuring voluntary participation while maintaining ethical considerations like informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity. Thematic analysis, as detailed by Willig and Rogers (2017) serves as the data analysis technique, facilitating a detailed and insightful exploration of the collected qualitative data. The analysis reveals significant findings about the impact of waste management practices on visitors' recycling behavior at the event. It shows that visible and easily accessible recycling facilities positively influence visitors' decisions to recycle, whereas a lack of such facilities discourages these behaviors. The dissertation also highlights the varying perceptions of visitors towards these practices, influenced by factors such as environmental awareness, personal beliefs, and convenience of the facilities. These findings integrate the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), highlighting the importance of attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in shaping recycling behavior. The dissertation aligns with TPB, underscoring how the event’s waste management practices impact visitors' attitudes, the social norms around recycling at the event, and their perceived ease of recycling. This serves not only to validate existing theories but also to enrich the understanding of environmental behaviors in the context of large-scale events. Furthermore, the dissertation underscores the role of effective waste management in event management as a practical contribution, offering actionable insights for organisers and environmental strategists. It emphasises the need for well-planned and accessible recycling facilities, clear information dissemination, and the creation of a positive recycling culture among event visitors. Despite its in-depth analysis and contributions, the dissertation acknowledges limitations, such as the specific context of the Jeddah Formula 1 event and the small sample size of interviewees. These aspects suggest the potential for future research to expand the scope to include diverse participant perspectives and different event types. Such studies could further refine the understanding of waste management's impact on public behavior and extend these insights to a broader range of event contexts. In conclusion, this dissertation not only sheds light on the critical role of waste management in impacting recycling behavior at high-profile events but also opens avenues for future research. It contributes significantly to the fields of environmental sustainability and event management, offering an understanding of the interaction between waste management practices and visitors' recycling behavior.