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Article
Publication date: 14 June 2011

Frank H. Bezzina and Stephen Dimech

The purpose of this paper is to explore different factors of recycling behaviour with evidence from Malta in order to determine which of these factors emerge as significant…

4154

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore different factors of recycling behaviour with evidence from Malta in order to determine which of these factors emerge as significant predictors of the recycling participation of Maltese residents.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, the recycling behaviour of 400 Maltese residents selected at random from the e‐Electoral Register for general elections and local councils was investigated. A behavioural framework was adopted and the questionnaire used incorporates elements from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the Model of Altruistic Behaviour (MAB) as well as other determinants of recycling behaviour (e.g. inconveniences and demographic variables). The participants had the option of answering the questionnaire by telephone or via an online survey which was e‐mailed directly to the participants.

Findings

The study shows that nine factors – “personal recycling attitudes, norms and skills”, “satisfaction with service provided”, “inconveniences”, “awareness of consequences”, “knowledge of issues”, “social recycling attitudes and norms”, “motivating factors”, “intentions to act” and “scheme preference” – account for 68.5 per cent of the variability in the recycling behaviour of Maltese residents. Additionally, the first three factors highlighted above emerged as significant predictors of recycling participation and together accounted for 48.5 per cent of the variability in recycling participation. In the light of the findings, the issue of adopting a corporate communications programme emerges as a possible strategy aimed at putting mandatory EU recycling targets for Malta back on track.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence from Malta that the incorporation of elements from the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the Model of Altruistic Behaviour as well as other additional variables (e.g. situational factors and demographic factors) makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the recycling behaviour and the recycling participation of Maltese residents.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2016

Kin Wai Michael Siu and Jia Xin Xiao

This paper aims to address convenience as a prominent feature of a scheduled society and examines the nature of convenience, identifies the waste collection system and recycling

1803

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address convenience as a prominent feature of a scheduled society and examines the nature of convenience, identifies the waste collection system and recycling programmes in some densely populated areas in Asia and discusses the existing barriers to enhancing the convenience of the recycling facilities in Hong Kong. The paper further identifies some recommendations for the policy and design of recycling practices and facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

In this qualitative study, two districts in Hong Kong from 2013 to 2014 were used as case studies. The research methods included field observations, semi-structured interviews and ethnographic research. The locations for field observation included lobbies, corridors, lifts, ground floors and streets. Direct interviews were conducted with residents, cleaners, government officials and expert planners and environmentalists. In-depth interviews and observations were conducted with six families following the interviews to identify important issues that might have been ignored in the semi-structured interviews and field observations.

Findings

A holistic understanding of convenience in a scheduled society is effective in the design of high-quality recycling facilities. In terms of convenience, the gap between recycling and not recycling is rather obvious in Hong Kong. Therefore, it is necessary and important to adjust the difference in the degree of convenience regarding refuse disposal and recyclable collection. In addition, the enhancement of economic incentives could shift the degree of convenience and encourage public participation in recycling. The challenges of specific living conditions and social contexts should also be taken into account to enhance the convenience of recycling.

Research limitations/implications

Further case studies are expected in other countries and cities with the purpose of gaining an in-depth understanding of the means by which to approach the convenience of recycling programmes within various social contexts. Comprehensive and continuous studies on these factors are recommended throughout the design and implementation processes to account for constantly changing situations. A clear understanding of convenience from the perspective of the users is important.

Practical implications

The findings provide reference and direction for a holistic approach to the design and management of recycling facilities in Hong Kong. The findings also advocate the consideration of convenience from the perspective of the users.

Social implications

The findings illustrate how to design and manage public facilities for waste recycling in ways that encourage household and community participation in terms of convenience.

Originality/value

The paper identifies the manner by which the culture of convenience and an institutionalised rhythm influence recycling practices. Although substantial studies on recycling indicate that convenience is a necessary characteristic of designs and services, the nature of convenience and the means by which to approach convenience in terms of public facilities are seldom discussed. The paper proposes several recommendations on the basis of the studies of the refuse collection programmes in other areas of Asia and case studies in Hong Kong. The findings provide insights for policymakers, researchers and designers to improve the design of public facilities.

Details

Facilities, vol. 34 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 October 2010

Tanhum Yoreh

Recycling facilities are not available in most Ultra‐Orthodox (Haredi) Jewish neighborhoods in Israel. Servicing Ultra‐Orthodox communities would offer significant relief for…

Abstract

Purpose

Recycling facilities are not available in most Ultra‐Orthodox (Haredi) Jewish neighborhoods in Israel. Servicing Ultra‐Orthodox communities would offer significant relief for rapidly bloating landfills. Haredi communities have highly religious lifestyles, very large families and tend to cluster together in communities, posing significant challenges in urban planning and policy. With careful planning and education these communities have the potential to be high‐yield recyclers, as the act of recycling plastic, paper and glass is not religiously prohibited. The purpose of this paper is to determine the feasibility of installing recycling facilities in two Ultra‐Orthodox neighborhoods in Jerusalem.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by administering a short questionnaire to neighborhood residents and asking them questions about recycling behavior as well as demographic information.

Findings

Ultra‐Orthodox communities have a unique recycling narrative which determines the materials they are most likely to recycle. Rabbinical leaders and monetary incentives are instrumental in garnering support for recycling programs.

Research limitations/implications

The findings shed light on demographic variables which influence recycling behavior such as age, gender, household size and religiosity/ethnicity.

Practical implications

The rich data have significant planning and policy implications. As this study relies on statistically significant data, it is highly likely that the conclusions drawn are applicable to other Haredi neighborhoods and beyond.

Originality/value

As a whole, Ultra‐Orthodox attitudes and behaviors exposed in this study reveal, for the first time, a religious ethnography of recycling or a recycling narrative.

Details

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6204

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 April 2022

Sonal Thukral, Deep Shree and Shakshi Singhal

With the rapid increase in the consumption of electrical and electronic innovations, responsible management and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) or waste electrical and…

2669

Abstract

Purpose

With the rapid increase in the consumption of electrical and electronic innovations, responsible management and recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has been a significant concern for the governments, stakeholders, researchers and industry practitioners around the world. Consumer awareness, disposal behaviour and perception are chief facets of designing sustainable management strategies. Although researchers have widely studied e-waste over many years, the research focusing on consumer awareness about e-waste recycling has gained momentum recently. This paper aims to systematise the existing literature and explore future research prospects on household e-waste sorting behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Web of science (WoS) core collection was searched using selected keywords to identify relevant articles published from 2001 to 2021. The search resulted in 1,156 research articles published from 2001 to 2021. After a detailed study, 85 articles were shortlisted for in-depth review. The review was conducted based on global trends, top journals, most prolific authors, most active e-waste research countries, and institutions centring on consumer participation in e-waste disposal and recycling behaviour. The present research has also identified around eleven factors that seem to have a bearing on consumer behaviour towards storage, disposal and recycling of e-waste.

Findings

E-waste research has gained increased attention in the last five years. The majority of the studies has focused on motivational factors and ignore the risks associated with handling e-waste. The present study reports the pertinent issue of lack of awareness among the masses about e-waste handling and disposal. Thus, bringing to the fore the lack of awareness programmes and initiatives. The analysis presents the gaps in the literature and future research agendas.

Originality/value

The review article will help in providing an in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour towards storage, disposal and recycling of e-waste and delineates the future direction of research that may be undertaken in this field of study.

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2004

Nicky Mee and Debbie Clewes

This paper is a case study which explores the impact of a variety of communication tools and the way in which they influence the recycling behaviour of residents in Rushcliffe…

5779

Abstract

This paper is a case study which explores the impact of a variety of communication tools and the way in which they influence the recycling behaviour of residents in Rushcliffe Borough Council. Despite the fact that household waste is growing at a significant rate, very little empirical research has been conducted to explore the role that effective corporate communications can play in influencing attitude change and recycling behaviour or to determine which communication tools are considered to be most effective by local residents. The research reported is longitudinal involving three large‐scale surveys assessing attitudes to current refuse collection, the recycling service and the effectiveness of the various communication tools used. Results are presented together with recommendations for improving the effectiveness of any council's corporate communications strategy for increasing recycling rates.

Details

Corporate Communications: An International Journal, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-3289

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 May 2020

Rafia Afroz, Mohammad Muhibbullah, Puteri Farhana and Mohammad Niaz Morshed

To achieve proper waste management, the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) is one suitable method. Most developing countries, including Malaysia, are facing lack of e-waste…

3707

Abstract

Purpose

To achieve proper waste management, the disposal of electronic waste (e-waste) is one suitable method. Most developing countries, including Malaysia, are facing lack of e-waste recycling facilities and low household participation. Using a survey method using a questionnaire, this study aims to examine the intention of Malaysian households to drop-off their mobile phones to the nearest collection boxes (n = 600).

Design/methodology/approach

This study expanded the theory of planned behavior by adding environmental awareness and knowledge. In addition, the cost of disposal and the convenience of the available disposal infrastructure were measured as two parts of the perceived behavioral control.

Findings

The results of this study show that environmental knowledge and awareness have a significant impact on attitudes toward recycling intention of the households. In addition, it was also found that the attitude and cost of disposal infrastructure is positively related to household intention.

Originality/value

These results show that if e-waste collection boxes are provided to the nearest community and e-waste management information is distributed, this will increase household participation in e-waste management.

Details

Ecofeminism and Climate Change, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2633-4062

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 October 2018

Aleksandra Michalec, Martin Fodor, Enda Hayes and James Longhurst

The purpose of this paper is to present results from the action research project, where sustainability professionals, local businesses and academic researchers collaborated on…

1537

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present results from the action research project, where sustainability professionals, local businesses and academic researchers collaborated on exploring barriers for food waste recycling in SMEs food outlets in order to inform local policy and business practices in Bristol, UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers conducted face-to-face, qualitative surveys of 79 catering businesses in three diverse areas of the city. The action research methodology was applied, where a range of co-researchers contributed towards study design and review.

Findings

The research reveals the main barriers to recycling and how such perceptions differ depending on whether the respondents do or do not recycle, with “convenience” and “cost” being the main issue according to the already recycling participants. On the other hand, participants who do not recycle state that their main reason is “not enough waste” and “lack of space”.

Practical implications

Participants recommended a range of measures, which could improve the current food waste services in Bristol. For example, they suggest that business engagement should address the barriers voiced by the participants applying the framings used by them, rather than assuming restaurants and cafes are not aware of the issue. By inviting a variety of non-academic stakeholders into the process of research design and analysis, the project addressed the imbalances in knowledge production and policy design.

Originality/value

Despite the local and qualitative focus of this paper, the results and research methodology could act as a useful guide for conducting food waste action research in the policy context.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 120 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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.

4645

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: 13 June 2016

Yatish Joshi and Zillur Rahman

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that predict green purchase behaviour of young educated consumers in Delhi.

8333

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that predict green purchase behaviour of young educated consumers in Delhi.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was carried out on a sample of 1,502 young educated consumers. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the predictive power of considered variables towards green purchasing.

Findings

Results indicate that the variables under study predicted green purchase behaviour of young educated consumers of Delhi in the following descending order: social influence, attitude towards green purchase, perceived environmental knowledge, recycling participation, ecolabelling and exposure to environmental messages through the media.

Research limitations/implications

The sample considered in the study was restricted to Delhi only. Further, the predictive power of only a few variables was examined.

Practical implications

The paper identifies key predictors of consumers’ green purchase behaviour, enabling practitioners to understand which factors influence young educated consumers in their decision making regarding green purchases. This knowledge will help marketing managers design effective strategies to encourage green purchase behaviour among such consumers.

Social implications

Policy makers and government organizations may use the findings of this study to run awareness campaigns for disseminating information and promoting green purchase behaviour among larger sections of society. Such initiatives may help in minimizing the negative consequences of irresponsible consumption practices on environment and society.

Originality/value

The present study is the first which applies reciprocal deterministic theory to predict green purchase behaviour of educated young consumers in India. Moreover, this is the first study to investigate the influence of consumers’ exposure to environmental messages through the media on their green purchase behaviour.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 June 2018

Hamdiyah Alhassan, Felix Ankomah Asante, Martin Oteng-Ababio and Simon Bawakyillenuo

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that encourage households’ source separation behaviour in Accra and Tamale Metropolises in Ghana.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that encourage households’ source separation behaviour in Accra and Tamale Metropolises in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a cross-sectional design, 855 households of Ghana were interviewed based on the theoretical framework of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The ordered probit regression model was employed to examine the factors that influence households’ source separation intention.

Findings

The results indicated that educational attainment of head of household, total income of household, occupation type of household head, information, past experience with source separation, inconvenience in terms of time, space and availability of formal source separation scheme, attitude, subjective norm and the location of the respondents significantly predicted households’ solid waste separation intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The cross-sectional design does not determine causality but an association. Thus, future studies should examine actual household waste separation behaviour by using the experimental design to test the TPB model.

Practical implications

To promote solid waste separation at source, the public should be educated and provided with solid waste separation schemes that are efficient and compatible with households’ preference.

Originality/value

This study was partly motivated by the fact that despite the benefits associated with source separation, little attention has been given to formal source separation in Ghana. Moreover, there are limited studies on source separation behaviour in Ghana using the TPB as the theoretical framework.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

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