Barriers and enablers of the domestic waste selective collection: an analysis from the circular economy perspective based on structural equation modeling

Abstract

The research presented in this paper aimed to obtain relevant results in relation to the behavior and degree of awareness of the collection of household waste, the factors that influence this behavior, as well as the identification of barriers that prevent the selective collection of household waste. The research methodological approach was deductive; a cross-sectional survey was organized in 2019 with the population over 18 years of age in Prahova County (Romania), with a non-probabilistically selected sample. Structural equation modeling using SmartPLS was used to highlight the effect of enablers and barriers on the behavior of household waste collection. The results obtained showed that: the availability of information and awareness of the benefits had significant positive effects on waste collection behavior; the perception of barriers negatively affects household waste collection; the availability of information about waste management has a positive influence on the awareness of the benefits. The results have obvious implications on waste management policies in Prahova County and will contribute to the scientific substantiation of the strategies and policies of local authorities. In the future, we intend to expand the geographic area of the research from the level of Prahova County to the level of the entire country.