The Malaysian government through the National Department of Solid Waste (JPSPN) is targeting to achieve the national recycling rate of 22% by the year 2020. Currently, the recycling rate is estimated at approximately 10.5%. One of the key strategies in solid-waste management is to change the perception and attitude of the Malaysian public in order to encourage receptivity towards the practice of recycling. The objective of this study was mainly to investigate effects of an awareness programme on the perception of engineering students at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (the National University of Malaysia, UKM) towards the recycling of solid waste. This study provides an answer to one of the questions as to why students do not practice recycling even though recycling facilities are provided by the university. In this study, survey forms were distributed to Bachelor of Civil Engineering students, UKM regarding their perception towards recycling practices, awareness of the issues regarding solid waste generation and management in Malaysia as well as knowledge of recycling facilities provided at the university. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the students are aware of the importance of recycling and individual responsibility to protect and conserve the environment. However, there are some conflicting attitudes towards practicing recycling even though the students are informed on the availability of recycling facilities at the university.