Drivers of Waste Separation Behavior in Urban Bangladesh: Leveraging Social Norms and Environmental Awareness for Circular Economy Success

Syed Shah Alam (), I. M. M. Serajul Haque, Husam Ahmad Kokash (), Saif Ahmed () and Mst. Nilufar Ahsan
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Syed Shah Alam: Prince Sultan University
I. M. M. Serajul Haque: University of Surrey
Husam Ahmad Kokash: Prince Sultan University
Saif Ahmed: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, UKM
Mst. Nilufar Ahsan: Multimedia University

Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2025, vol. 5, issue 3, 1631-1663

Abstract: Abstract This study explores the factors influencing waste separation behavior in urban Bangladesh, focusing on the integration of circular economy practices. With urban areas projected to generate over 47,000 tons of waste daily by 2025, effective waste separation is crucial for reducing environmental impact and enhancing resource recovery. However, inadequate infrastructure, limited public awareness, and weak policy enforcement hinder progress. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Social Norms Theory (SNT), and the Norm Activation Model (NAM), the study examines how Environmental Awareness (EA), perceived behavioral control (PBC), and social norms (SN) shape waste separation intentions and practices. A survey of 500 respondents from major cities is analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS). Findings indicate that EA and SN significantly influence waste separation intentions, while the availability of waste separation facilities moderates the intention-behavior relationship. PBC shows a more complex role, with a non-significant direct impact on behavioral intention (BI), highlighting the need for supportive infrastructure. These insights inform strategies combining education, SN, and infrastructure to promote circular economy practices and sustainable waste management in Bangladesh.

Keywords: Waste separation; Circular economy; Theory of planned behavior; Social norms theory; Norm activation model; Environmental awareness; Urban Bangladesh (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s43615-025-00526-2

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