Citizens’ Attitudes and Practices Towards Waste Reduction, Separation, and Recycling: A Systematic Review

Anna Konstantinidou (), Konstantinos Ioannou, Georgios Tsantopoulos and Garyfallos Arabatzis
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Anna Konstantinidou: Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, Pantazidou 193, 68200 Orestiada, Greece
Konstantinos Ioannou: Forest Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Vasilika, 57006 Thessaloniki, Greece
Georgios Tsantopoulos: Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, Pantazidou 193, 68200 Orestiada, Greece
Garyfallos Arabatzis: Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, Democritus University of Thrace, Pantazidou 193, 68200 Orestiada, Greece

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 22, 1-36

Abstract: The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the attitudes and practices adopted by citizens in waste reduction, separation, and recycling, taking into consideration specific socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, income level, and level of education that might have an influence on these practices. The study was based on an extensive review of published articles found in Scopus. In total 27 articles were selected for analysis after filtering and evaluation based on a series of predefined criteria set for the present review, such as time period, geographical coverage, and thematic relevance. Many studies have shown that women, compared to men, in addition to being more aware, adopted more frequently recycling practices. Furthermore, age emerged as a very important factor, as younger citizens were more actively involved and at the same time more willing to recycle waste compared to older citizens. Additionally, education level proved to be a decisive factor, as citizens with higher educational levels possessed greater knowledge regarding recycling and, at the same time, had more environmentally conscious awareness about environmental problems. This resulted in citizens being more involved in various recycling practices. Finally, income proved to be an equally important factor in both shaping recycling attitudes and practices. It turned out that people who received higher incomes had more opportunities and resources for participating in pro-environmental activities. However, some studies have shown opposite results where the effect of income on waste separation practices was either not statistically significant or negative. Finally, from the research, it was clear that there is a need to incorporate environmental issues into educational programs and information campaigns. All these should be tailored to the needs of the socio-demographic groups targeted and at the same time be concerned with promoting best recycling practices as well as waste reduction.

Keywords: socio-demographic characteristics; practices and attitudes; reduce and recycle waste; recycling practices (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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