Influence of recycling programmes on waste separation behaviour

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Sociology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Effective household waste separation is crucial for achieving high rates of waste reuse and recycling.
• Understanding the factors influencing participation in waste separation programs is essential for improving recycling initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of recycling programs in Sweden and Bulgaria on household waste separation behavior.
• To analyze the role of environmental conditions and personal attitudes in waste separation participation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Theory of Planned Behavior framework to study waste separation behavior.
• Surveyed 111 university students in Kalmar, Sweden, and 112 students in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Main Results:

• Inadequate conditions for waste separation significantly deter participation, irrespective of individuals' attitudes.
• When local conditions are satisfactory, personal attitudes towards waste separation and recycling become the primary determinants of behavior.

Conclusions:

• Environmental conditions play a critical role in enabling or inhibiting household waste separation.
• Recycling program design must address practical conditions to foster consistent participation, complementing positive attitudes.