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Public Perceptions of Waste Management in Sri Lanka: A Focus Group Study

Author

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  • Sophie Gudmann Knutsson

    (Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden)

  • Therese Asplund

    (Department of Thematic Studies, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden)

  • Gunnar Höst

    (Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden)

  • Konrad J. Schönborn

    (Department of Science and Technology, Linköping University, 601 74 Norrköping, Sweden)

Abstract

The prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse of waste is promoted by the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, but many countries lack both necessary resources and infrastructure for sound waste management. While literature pinpoints the need for an engaged public and suggests a range of factors and supportive actions that may impact citizens’ waste behaviour, qualitative in-depth studies for engaging in waste management practices remain scarce. This study aimed to investigate perceptions of waste management and underlying behaviours for waste practices in the context of household waste management in Sri Lanka. Six focus group interviews were held with 23 residents across 6 regions in Sri Lanka. A thematic analysis of the interview transcripts revealed perceptions of four waste management systems, together with five motivational aspects of waste practices in urban, suburban, and rural areas. The analysis further considers how the motivational aspects are interlinked with practices within citizens’ perceived systems. In addition to the novel thematic contribution to the field, the findings can be used as a foundation to inform strategies to communicate with selected target audiences about their local challenges for sustainable waste management practices, in an attempt to influence citizen behaviours.

Suggested Citation

  • Sophie Gudmann Knutsson & Therese Asplund & Gunnar Höst & Konrad J. Schönborn, 2021. "Public Perceptions of Waste Management in Sri Lanka: A Focus Group Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:23:p:12960-:d:685949
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Prabjot Kaur & Supriyo Roy & Gagandeep Kaur, 2025. "Circular Economy Practices: A Case with Priority Selection Under Multi-Criteria Decision-Making," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(6), pages 4773-4799, November.
    3. Xu Geng & Honghao Li & Xiaoyu Liu & Huayun Liu & Miaoxin Huang, 2023. "The Effect of the Evaluation of Trash Can Removal Policy under the “Compulsory Times” of Waste-Sorting in Longhua District in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-14, June.

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