The impact of informational, social, convenience and financial tools on waste sorting behavior: Assumptions and reflections of the real situation

Abstract

Waste sorting behavior is an important factor in reducing raw material usage through recycling programs and seeking circular economy implementation. Despite huge efforts to promote sorting behavior, in Lithuania 6 percent do not sort waste at all. The main tools which can promote this behavior are informational, social, convenience and financial. However, to the best of our knowledge, no research has analyzed the impact of all these tools on sorting behavior: this analysis revealed which tools were the most effective and to which policymakers should pay the most attention. Furthermore, we analyzed whether the identified tools really contribute to waste sorting behavior, including statements about the current situation in the model. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to investigate the impact of informational, social, convenience and financial tools - and the real situation - on waste sorting behavior. Referring to a representative survey conducted in Lithuania, the results showed that, according to respondents, only informational and financial tools had significant impact on waste sorting behavior, which was insignificantly affected by social and convenience tools. Considering the real situation, the current situation of convenience and social tools significantly influenced waste sorting behavior. Meanwhile, the current level of the informational aspect negatively and insignificantly determined waste sorting behavior. Therefore, this study provided practical insights for policymakers into which tools contribute to waste sorting behavior, and how to promote it effectively.

Keywords: Circular economy; Convenience; Education and information; Recycling; Social tools; Waste sorting behavior.