Improving households biowaste management: An attitudes and perceptions based typology to identify targeted policy levers

Small island territories such as Guadeloupe face acute challenges in solid waste management and limited recycling of organic residues. Strengthening better household biowaste management is essential to advancing a circular bioeconomy and reducing waste management costs. Composting offers a locally adapted solution that can enhance soil quality, support domestic resource valorization, and divert organic waste from landfills. However, adoption remains limited by behavioural and infrastructural barriers. This study investigates the attitudinal and sociodemographic determinants shaping household biowaste sorting and composting practices in Guadeloupe. The research draws on the COM-B model, which conceptualises behaviour as the interaction of capability, opportunity, and motivation. It also uses the Behaviour Change Wheel to identify key behavioural drivers and design targeted interventions for home and community composting. A household survey (n = 241) was conducted, and behavioural determinants were analysed using binomial probit modelling, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis. Results show that physical constraints, such as lack of space and psychological barriers, including perceived complexity and forgetfulness, are the most significant obstacles to composting. Environmental motivation alone is insufficient to induce behavioural change. Three household profiles were identified: indifferent households, motivated and practising households, and motivated but constrained households. Recommendations of targeted policy levers are proposed for each profile to better foster circularity in biowaste management. The study highlights the importance of integrating behavioural insights into circular bioeconomy policies. Differentiated strategies combining education, incentives, and infrastructural support can effectively enhance domestic composting and organic resource recovery in Guadeloupe.