Plastic waste sorting intentions among university students

Abstract

This paper focuses on plastic waste sorting intentions to address municipal solid waste challenges in developing countries. This study also adapts the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in evaluating the determinants of plastic waste sorting intentions among Nigerian students. Nine hundred and thirty-nine respondents participated through questionnaire surveys. Findings of structural equation modelling depict that perceived behavioral control had the highest impact on the respondents’ plastic waste sorting intentions, followed by subjective norms; however, attitude was found to be insignificant and TPB explained 77% of the variance in waste sorting intentions. The importance of other influencing factors is also considered such as environmental awareness, volunteering, and study program in evaluating plastic waste sorting intentions and these factors were found to be statistically significant. Therefore, the results from this study add to the limited body of information on the application of TPB and other influencing factors in the study of plastic waste sorting in Nigeria. The findings also provide suggestions to current and prospective policymakers on the relevance of introducing waste sorting management practices such as recycling bins in Nigerian university premises and campaigns for waste sorting and recycling activities.