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Research on the Driving Mechanism of Waste Separation Behavior: Based on Qualitative Analysis of Chinese Urban Residents

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  • Feiyu Chen

    (School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Da Xue Road 1, Xuzhou 221116, China)

  • Hong Chen

    (School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Da Xue Road 1, Xuzhou 221116, China)

  • Meifen Wu

    (School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Da Xue Road 1, Xuzhou 221116, China)

  • Shanshan Li

    (School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Da Xue Road 1, Xuzhou 221116, China)

  • Ruyin Long

    (School of Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Da Xue Road 1, Xuzhou 221116, China)

Abstract

Waste source separation is the fundamental premise to ensure effective waste recycling. Whether the entire waste recycling and reduction process can be effectively carried out depends on the waste source separation. Clarifying the driving mechanism of waste separation behavior plays an important role in effectively guiding the urban residents’ waste separation behavior and achieving waste recycling. In this study, qualitative analysis was used to explore the driving mechanism of waste separation behavior. Through the open coding, axial coding and selective coding of the in-depth interview data collected from 323 Chinese urban residents, the study has proposed and verified the four-dimensional structure of waste separation behavior, namely, waste separation behavior of habit, decision, relationship, and citizen. The main driving factors of urban residents’ waste separation behavior have been clarified. On this basis, a theoretical model for the driving mechanism of waste separation behavior was constructed in this study. Ten main categories of factors have been presented, namely, value orientation, cognition of separation, regulatory focus, preferences for comfort, perception of separation empowerment, policy and standards, products and facilities, group norms, links trustworthiness, and social demography variables. Moreover, four typical relationship structures were proposed. Finally, the intervention policy suggestions were made to effectively guide the urban residents’ waste separation behavior.

Suggested Citation

  • Feiyu Chen & Hong Chen & Meifen Wu & Shanshan Li & Ruyin Long, 2019. "Research on the Driving Mechanism of Waste Separation Behavior: Based on Qualitative Analysis of Chinese Urban Residents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-19, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:10:p:1859-:d:234518
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Chen, Hong & Chen, Feiyu & Huang, Xinru & Long, Ruyin & Li, Wenjie, 2017. "Are individuals’ environmental behavior always consistent?—An analysis based on spatial difference," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 125(C), pages 25-36.
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    4. Chen, Hong & Long, Ruyin & Niu, Wenjing & Feng, Qun & Yang, Ranran, 2014. "How does individual low-carbon consumption behavior occur? – An analysis based on attitude process," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 376-386.
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    Cited by:

    1. Guoqiang He & Tao Yu, 2023. "Evaluating the Benefits and Potential of “Plastic Reduction”: A Case Study of College Students in Western China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-14, December.
    2. Mengge Hao & Dongyong Zhang & Stephen Morse, 2020. "Waste Separation Behaviour of College Students under a Mandatory Policy in China: A Case Study of Zhengzhou City," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-20, November.
    3. Qiannan Zhuo & Chen Liu & Beiqi Wang & Wanglin Yan, 2023. "Bridging Local Governments and Residents for Household Waste Source Separation Using a Business-Driven, Multi-Stakeholder Cooperative Partnership Model—A Case Study of HUGE Recycling in Yuhang, Hangzh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-18, July.

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