Environmental pollution represents a global ecological challenge. Increasing volumes of waste severely disrupt ecological balance and pose threats to human health and quality of life. Against this backdrop, enhancing the environmental literacy of young people, especially university students, is of paramount importance. Strengthening their knowledge and fostering a sense of responsibility in waste management are key steps toward sustainable development. This study assesses the levels of knowledge, attitudes, and practical engagement of students from different urban contexts regarding solid waste management. The objective is to evaluate students’ environmental awareness and highlight the importance of integrating waste management themes into higher education curricula. The research sample included 433 students from Almaty, Astana, and Kyzylorda. Data were analyzed using SPSS 29.0.2.0, applying Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests. The study explored how gender, academic level, and place of residence influence knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to waste management. The results indicated no statistically significant gender differences in knowledge or practice. However, female students exhibited more positive attitudes toward waste management than their male counterparts. The study also revealed that higher levels of education were associated with improved environmental knowledge and practices. Students’ responses also varied by city, reflecting differences in local environmental exposure and infrastructure. These findings support the integration of environmental education, particularly around waste management, into university curricula. This study contributes to the development of effective environmental education programs and provides valuable insights for advancing research and policy in the field of sustainable waste management.
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