Household Waste Reduction: A Segmented Approach Through Social Practice Theory

Waste management is a major global issue, with rising waste generation creating environmental and economic challenges. Public authorities have introduced strategies focusing on infrastructure, awareness, and incentives. However, these approaches are usually standardized and overlook behavioral diversity, limiting their effectiveness. This research adopts the lens of social practices to examine household waste management, recognizing that behaviors vary within households depending on competencies, meanings, and material conditions. A qualitative study was conducted in a community of municipalities in Western France (Lorient Agglo), involving residents and local waste management actors. Findings reveal four progressive stages in waste practices: (1) non-systematic sorters, (2) ‘good sorting', (3) consumers in transition, and (4) Zero Waste Heroes. This continuum highlights the gradual evolution toward waste reduction and underscores the need for differentiated interventions tailored to consumers profiles. Theoretically, this research contributes to a better understanding of household waste management by showing how the theory of social practices explains the dynamics of behavioral change. Practically, it advocates for targeted strategies: non-systematic sorters require tools, awareness, and incentives to initiate change; diligent sorters and transitioning consumers need support to progress toward waste prevention, such as accessible information and facilitating materials; Zero Waste Heroes benefit from recognition and communication strategies that reinforce their commitment and inspire others. By emphasizing segmentation based on practices and motivations, this research proposes more effective public policies to enhance waste reduction and maximize impact.