Consumers’ Behavior in Selective Waste Collection: A Case Study Regarding the Determinants from Romania

Abstract

The increase in consumerism due to population growth, excessive advertising and the constant encouragement of buying behavior by advertising media and opinion formers comes with side effects for the environment and public health if it is not properly supported by a sustainable selective waste collection process. In this context, the paper aims at determining the impact of different elements on people’s intention to participate in selective waste collection and on their behavior related to the collection process. Based on the literature, a series of variables were considered and a questionnaire was created in order to extract people’s opinions related to the selective waste collection process. As discrepancies in findings might appear due to culture in various countries, the analysis has been conducted with reference to Romania’s case. The waste collection situation in Romania is similar in some ways to other countries in the world, with some differences related to a small recycling rate compared to other countries in the European Union. In this context, it is important to identify the determinants of the consumers’ behavior in selective waste collection and to act based on these findings. Creating better policies that can support the selective waste collection process will have results in increasing the waste collection rate, offering a clear and safer environment to all the citizens.

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