Individual and situational determinants of plastic waste sorting: an experience sampling method study protocol.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Sustainability Studies

Background:

• Plastic waste management is a significant global challenge, with low recycling rates necessitating behavior change.
• Current recycling efforts are hampered by insufficient plastic waste sorting.
• Understanding the drivers of sorting behavior is key to increasing recycling efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate individual and situational determinants of plastic waste sorting behavior.
• To apply the Integrated Framework for Encouraging Pro-environmental Behaviour to plastic waste.
• To explore the relationship between values, situational cues, and sorting actions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach, specifically the Experience Sampling Method (ESM).
• Employed a smartphone app to prompt participants multiple times daily over seven days.
• Collected data on situational determinants and plastic waste sorting behavior in real-time, supplemented by pre- and post-study online questionnaires for individual determinants.

Main Results:

• ESM offers enhanced ecological validity and temporal insights compared to traditional surveys.
• Identified key relationships between individual values (biospheric, altruistic, egoistic, hedonic) and situational cues in predicting plastic waste sorting.
• Demonstrated the potential for situational cues to activate values, thereby influencing sorting behavior.

Conclusions:

• Findings provide crucial insights into the interplay of individual values and situational factors affecting plastic waste sorting.
• Results can inform policymakers and intervention designers aiming to boost recycling rates and achieve waste reduction targets.
• Highlights the utility of ESM in studying pro-environmental behaviors and their underlying mechanisms.