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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 2 July 2020

Bing Chen and Jiwon Lee

The key challenge that urban cities in most developing and transitional economies is confronting is municipal solid waste (MSW) management. Waste separation is a critical…

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Abstract

Purpose

The key challenge that urban cities in most developing and transitional economies is confronting is municipal solid waste (MSW) management. Waste separation is a critical component to successful recycling management in terms of enhancing the quality of recyclables, reducing MSW and optimizing incineration. The urge to actualizing sustained waste separation behavior has been hindered by potential barriers. This study aims to examine the influences of external and internal stimuli of targeted households' waste separation intention in parts of China.

Design/methodology/approach

A multifactor framework predicting the process that leads to waste separation attitude and behavioral intention is proposed. SEM analysis is conducted in SmartPLS based on 371 survey questionnaires collected in Nanning city in China.

Findings

Policy regulation is the biggest determinant of attitude among external stimuli, while awareness of consequence has the strongest relationship with an attitude among internal stimuli. Facilitating conditions, subjective norms and moral norms are all significant predictors of attitude. As a result, increasing positive attitude leads to enhance waste separation lifestyle.

Research limitations/implications

This study adopts a cross-sectional design to investigate the waste separation intention of local households. Data collection is restricted to one point in time for every individual. A mixed method is recommended. Quantitative research can examine variables provided in existing literature with numerical analysis. Qualitative research might be helpful to identify other unknown factors. Also, the survey questionnaires employ a self-reported manner, and respondents might be overrating to avoid embarrassment.

Practical implications

Future research is recommended to engage observation at houses or at the waste-collecting points for actual waste separation behavior. Moreover, this study measures intention toward household waste separation, but whether this intention will eventually lead to waste separation behavior is not a guarantee. Future study is recommended to examine whether intention translates into actual waste separation behavior.

Originality/value

Emphasizing the importance of policy element as a direct influence toward attitude, this paper focuses on the waste separation attitude accumulated from external and internal stimuli, and, concurrently, waste separation behavioral intention is influenced by accumulated attitudes. The study provides relevant policy development information of three Asian countries to enhance their present and future policy directions for a sustainable household waste separation management process

Details

International Trade, Politics and Development, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2586-3932

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 2004

John Saunders and Peter Wynn

Waste generation by the construction industry is a significant issue for the industry and for society generally. The paper examines previous studies about attitudes towards waste

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Abstract

Waste generation by the construction industry is a significant issue for the industry and for society generally. The paper examines previous studies about attitudes towards waste management within the industry and by means of a small questionnaire study sets out to examine: the extent of labour only sub‐contractors' awareness and understanding of waste as an issue, their perceptions of the causes of waste and their attitudes towards the allocation of financial responsibility for waste minimisation. The survey shows that the results of previous studies can be extended to labour only sub‐contractors and it identifies a willingness, beyond what might have been anticipated for this group, to accept some of the costs of waste reduction.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 December 2023

Shabab Absarul Islam, Robert Paul Jones, Asma Azad Akhi and Md. Shamim Talukder

Food waste in the hospitality sector has emerged as a global concern. Various technology-driven online food services such as the food delivery apps (FDA) contribute to hospitality…

Abstract

Purpose

Food waste in the hospitality sector has emerged as a global concern. Various technology-driven online food services such as the food delivery apps (FDA) contribute to hospitality food waste. FDA users might behave irresponsibly by ordering more foods than required which may lead to food waste generation. To date, limited studies have been attempted to understand how consumers’ over-ordering behavior through FDA result in hospitality food waste.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze survey data from 248 FDA users.

Findings

The results indicated that perceived convenience and trust positively influence consumers' attitude toward FDA, which in turn promotes over-ordering behavior. Interestingly, the anticipated positive relationship between price advantage and attitude toward FDA was not supported by the data. Furthermore, the authors confirmed that over-ordering behavior contributes to food waste, an outcome that has crucial implications for both the hospitality sector and sustainability efforts.

Originality/value

The current study employs the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequence (SOBC) theory to investigate the catalysts and consequences of over-ordering behavior via FDA. This study thus highlights the importance of the SOBC model in understanding consumer behavior.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 April 2023

Tri Rakhmawati, Sih Damayanti, Rahmi Kartika Jati and Nidya Judhi Astrini

This research investigates factors affecting the intention to sort waste. Specifically, this research aims to develop a waste-sorting intention model by extending the theory of…

Abstract

Purpose

This research investigates factors affecting the intention to sort waste. Specifically, this research aims to develop a waste-sorting intention model by extending the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model and to test the model to ensure the model's goodness-of-fit, validity and reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a quantitative research methodology. Data were collected from 460 respondents using an online questionnaire. Some statistical analyses were performed to analyze the data: descriptive statistics, factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis-structural equation modeling (CFA-SEM), SEM and Cronbach's alpha analysis.

Findings

The result shows that the intention to sort waste was directly affected by attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), moral obligation and facility support. Environmental concerns, waste-sorting knowledge and time availability indirectly influenced the intention to sort waste. The testing indicated that the proposed model was fit, valid and reliable.

Practical implications

The model provides a more comprehensive understanding of waste-sorting intention. The central and local governments can use the results to encourage waste-sorting intention in the community.

Originality/value

This research is believed to be the first study to develop and test the waste-sorting intention model that extends the TPB model by incorporating moral obligation, facility support, policy and regulation support, environmental concerns, waste-sorting knowledge and time availability into the traditional TPB model.

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2017

Ayodeji Peter Ifegbesan, Biodun Ogunyemi and Isaac T. Rampedi

Waste management is a critical element of the campus sustainability movement in which Nigerian universities are yet to actively participate. The purpose of this study was to

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Abstract

Purpose

Waste management is a critical element of the campus sustainability movement in which Nigerian universities are yet to actively participate. The purpose of this study was to investigate prevalent waste management practices and the disposition of undergraduate students in a Nigerian University.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection involved the use of a questionnaire, focus group discussion and participative observation. Respondents consisted of 840 students drawn from four academic faculties of the university. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to address the research questions raised to guide the investigation.

Findings

Indiscriminate littering, open dumping of waste, weedy and overgrown lawns, proliferation of power generating sets, uncollected refuse sites and defaced walls with postings were the major observed environmental challenges. Open burning of refuse was found to be the single most prevalent way of managing large volumes of waste generated on the university campus. Although the problems were widespread, only 40.5 per cent of the students expressed serious concern for the solid waste practices. Also, while the students were positively disposed to innovative ways of addressing the challenge of waste management in the university, there were significant differences in students’ awareness and disposition according to sex, age, academic level and faculties.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the findings for campus-based sustainability education are discussed.

Originality/value

This study is an original research article which interrogated the students’ attitudes to solid waste management in a Nigerian University. It used a combination of both qualitative and quantitative techniques, such as questionnaire, focus group discussion and participative observation.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 18 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2013

T. Ramayah and Elham Rahbar

This research was carried out to assess the recycling behaviour of university students, as they are the future consumers of the country.

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Abstract

Purpose

This research was carried out to assess the recycling behaviour of university students, as they are the future consumers of the country.

Design/methodology/approach

A model based on the Theory of Reasoned Action was developed and tested using the variance‐based structural equation modelling technique of Partial Least Square (PLS).

Findings

The findings indicate that the attitude towards recycling is significantly influenced by perceived value, awareness and actual gains perceived by the consumers. Recycling behaviour was significantly influenced by resistance to change and attitude towards recycling.

Originality/value

The paper enables the policy makers target these variables in their future action plans in order to enhance recycling behaviour.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 24 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 June 2022

Hongbo Liu and Breda McCarthy

This paper aims to identify Australian consumer segments based on sustainable lifestyles and attitudes towards food waste and model the factors (socio-demographic, attitudinal and…

1040

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify Australian consumer segments based on sustainable lifestyles and attitudes towards food waste and model the factors (socio-demographic, attitudinal and lifestyle) contributing to different levels of food waste.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a face-to-face survey of 334 respondents. Principal component analysis (PCA) is used to identify consumer segments, and econometric analysis is used to model the factors contributing to different levels of food waste.

Findings

A total of six lifestyle segments are identified: the freshness lovers, the vegetarian and organic food lovers, the recycle/reuse advocates, the waste-conscious consumers, the label-conscious/sensory consumer and the food waste defenders. This research distinguishes between low and medium levels of food waste based on marginal effects analysis. At low levels of food waste, consumers who worry about the food waste cost, making efforts to reduce food waste are less likely to waste food. Affluent consumers, who claim to be waste conscious, have young children and frequently eat outside, are more likely to waste food than others, lying in the medium waste group.

Originality/value

Australia, like many other countries, has high levels of food waste and despite policy efforts, curbing household food waste remains a challenge. In addition, there are limited food waste studies that focus on consumers who practice sustainable lifestyles. The current paper contributes to the market segmentation literature and has several implications for food policy and practice.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 35 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 September 2019

Blazenka Knezevic, Natasa Kurnoga and Ivan-Damir Anic

The purpose of this paper is to examine the knowledge, awareness and concern of young consumers towards avoidable and “edible” food waste, and identify groups of individuals based…

2332

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the knowledge, awareness and concern of young consumers towards avoidable and “edible” food waste, and identify groups of individuals based on their attitudes. In addition, this study describes demographic and behavioural characteristics of each group.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected by a questionnaire conducted among university students in Croatia. Factor and cluster analyses were applied to identify the groups of individuals with similar attitudes towards food waste.

Findings

Results show that there are five factors that represent the knowledge, awareness and concern about food waste of young people – awareness of food waste problem; concern about economic aspects of food waste; health concern; concern about environmental impact of food waste; and awareness and concern about expiration date. Based on those factors, four groups of consumers were identified: consumers concerned about economic effects of food waste; unaware consumers neglecting food waste; well-informed consumers; and fully aware consumers, but not ready to take health risk.

Practical implications

The results of the study can be used by marketers and policy makers when planning food waste reduction activities to focus their campaigns towards consumer niches, based on the typology of young consumers.

Originality/value

This study provides a typology of university students based on their knowledge, awareness and concern about food waste in Croatia, as an example of a transition and new EU member state, where the issues about food waste are relatively new and underexplored topic.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 121 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 May 2014

Jeyaraja Jayamathan and Raufdeen Rameezdeen

Construction waste originates from various sources, generally from the inception of construction through to the completion of a building project. Previous research has shown that…

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Abstract

Purpose

Construction waste originates from various sources, generally from the inception of construction through to the completion of a building project. Previous research has shown that there is a link between the quantity of waste generated and the way labour is organized in the construction industry. However, these studies have failed to look into the sources of waste with respect to labour utilization and how it influences the generation of waste. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of labour arrangements on construction waste generation, particularly the sources of waste and the attitudes of workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a combination of direct observations and source evaluations on six case study sites, the waste in direct and subcontracted labour (SL) arrangements was quantified. A questionnaire survey was administered to the workers participating in the observation study to elicit their attitudes to waste and closely linked issues.

Findings

The results show that SL produced more waste than direct labour in all three work processes considered. A lack of organizational commitment and effective strategy emerged as the main problem in waste reduction.

Practical implications

Subcontractors should be made responsible for their share of waste generated in a project. Main contractors should record who are “approved subcontractors” based on their performance at site which should include inter alia waste generation. The approved subcontractor method is a way of barring subcontractors from being included on future projects if they do not meet the performance standards of a main contractor.

Originality/value

This study shows that waste generation has a relationship to organizational commitment and strategy rather than to workers’ attitudes. In order to manage construction waste effectively, it has to be considered in the financial equation of a project, because attitudinal changes are difficult to achieve unless there is a personal financial benefit attached to it.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2019

Giustina Pellegrini, Sandro Sillani, Mario Gregori and Alessia Spada

Every year 1.3bn tonnes of food are lost or wasted in production, manufacture, distribution and at household level. Consumers are the biggest contributors to the total volume of…

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Abstract

Purpose

Every year 1.3bn tonnes of food are lost or wasted in production, manufacture, distribution and at household level. Consumers are the biggest contributors to the total volume of food waste generated over the world. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the factors affecting consumer’s food waste behavior at household level, providing more insights to existing literature, basing on a hypothesized model.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection was carried from May 2016 to March 2017, by means of a face-to-face structured questionnaire distributed among 580 Italian consumers, with seven constructs. Data analysis included two main steps: exploratory factor analysis and structural equation model (SEM) implemented by means of STATA 14.

Findings

Results show that price consciousness, environmental concern and time management influence the attitude that in turn affect the behavior toward food waste minimization. These findings provide basic guidelines for developing policies and campaigns aimed to decrease food waste.

Research limitations/implications

This study point out the importance of the food waste behavioral determinants analysis at household level in Italy. Therefore, the research will include other constructs and further studies can be conducted in European countries to produce spatial SEM.

Practical implications

Waste prevention approaches should concentrate interests on avoiding losses, and releasing of information, best practices and education of consumers as well as strengthening the donation to social services.

Social implications

The present findings may be used by decision makers, municipality, stakeholders, involved in food waste reduction policies. Moreover, social marketing campaigns can advantage by these results, in order to avoid food-related habits in consumers’ everyday lives not respecting the issues of the food waste. In addition, this study is addressed to academics and scholars that are already working on the role of consumer’s behavior and its implication on food waste reduction.

Originality/value

Food waste in Italy has been analyzed by several authors, yet not involving national samples, using different methodologies and aiming at analyze different aspects. The present study aims at analyzing main determinants affecting food waste behavior at household level: providing more insights to existing literature.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 121 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

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