A Multi-Model Analysis of Psychosocial Determinants of Recycling Intention.

Abstract

Since their inception in 1972, recycling collection programs across the United States have become commonplace for many local governments and municipalities across the United States, collecting more than 86.6 million metric tons of recycling. While programs become more common and concerns about the environment increase, participation in recycling programs has plateaued. For programs to be appropriately delivered and successful, we must recognize the individual and collective psychosocial dynamics involvement in recycling behavior. In this study, recycling intentions were examined using the Theory of Planned Behavior, Norm-Activation, Comprehensive Action Determination models. These models are three of the most commonly used, yet represent three distinct approaches to analyzing pro-environmental behavior. Using quantitative methods, the Comprehensive Action Determination Model was identified as explaining the most variance in individual recycling behavior. Findings also suggest that personal norms, perceived behavioral control, and the self-report habit index as the most significant explainer of recycling behavior. In addition, an examination of the relationships and the theoretical implications among the explanatory variables found in the models listed are discussed.