1)
Household/individual
behaviour
Many times household waste material hasn’t
become regularised into people’s daily household routines – therefore it hasn’t
been carried out automatically. Many factors, including time, personal cost, space,
labour, practicality, and inconvenience, all impose demands on households when
participating in recycling activities. Many times people also forget to sort at
the source. Practicality specifically refers to houses not being big enough to
keep several waste storage containers and therefore, storage problems ensue.
Furthermore, another barrier to waste separation is that of social dilemma:
short-term rationality impels people to act for their own benefit.
2)
Services / local situation
This category varies by locality. Although
people frequently want to protect the environment and desire to participate in
recycling, that concern is often hampered by the lack of access to recycling
centres.
3)
Attitudes
/motivation
It is axiomatic that motivation and
attitudes can predict behaviour. Half-truths from the media or neighbours about
what happens to the waste can negatively impact such behaviour.
4)
Information and
knowledge
Sometimes people are unsure what exactly
they are expected to do and what exactly which materials are to go in which
receptacle. Recycling schemes have to be easier, more convenient, less time
consuming, less effort but at the same time more enjoyable and rewarding.
Reference
Barr, S. 2007.
Factors Influencing Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors: A U.K. Case Study of
Household Waste Management. Environment
and Behavior Volume 39 Number 4. 