Interactive effects of two-way information and perceived convenience on waste separation behavior: Evidence from residents in eastern China. (10th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cheng, Xiu; Long, Ruyin; Yang, Jiameng
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 374(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11-10
• Subjects: Waste separation behavior -- Two-way information -- Perceived convenience -- Social interaction -- Behavioral change -- Multi-agent simulation; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Citizens' waste separation behavior is crucial for recycling. Prior studies have not considered the directions of information in the context of social interactions in this domain, and thus have failed to capture the interactive effects of information and perceived convenience. To address this gap in the literature, we propose an interaction model to detect the effects of two-way interactive information on the waste separation behavior of residents in different contexts of perceived convenience. A multi-agent simulation is conducted using data collected from 3257 residents in eastern China. The results indicate that greater intensity of information can induce residents to separate waste, with a minimum rate of behavioral change of 20%. Perceived convenience promotes waste separation; when perceived convenience was high, about 85% of residents chose to separate waste. Further, the effect of intensity ratio on the number of residents separating waste decreased as perceived convenience decreased. Interestingly, in the context of low perceived convenience, negative information appeared to be irrelevant because the intensity of the information made no evident difference to residents' behavioral choices. The results verify the differentiated effect of interactive information and perceived convenience on people's behaviors, and provide new ideas relevant to customizing waste separation promotion policies in contexts with differing levels of perceived convenience. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: An interaction model was proposed to study waste separation behavior. Multi-agent simulation was used with data collected by questionnaire survey. The stable value of the rate of behavioral changes was between 20% and 40%. About 85% of residents separate waste in the context of high perceived convenience. Negative information became irrelevant in low perceived convenience scenario.