Predictor Factors of Recycling Behavior in Residents of Bushehr City: Application of Theo-ry of Planned Behavior

Recycling is one of the most important measures to manage the municipal solid waste. In order to design a training program, it is necessary to identify the factors that influence behavior. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the predictive factors of recycling behavior among residents of Bushehr city based on the extended theory of planned behavior. 

In this cross-sectional study, 582 people were selected through convenience sampling method. A questionnaire with items on demographic characteristics, extended theory of planned behavior, and recycling behavior was used for data collection. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 20.

In this study, 221 participants (38%) adhered to recycling behavior. There was a significant relationship between knowledge of waste collection program (P<0.001), receiving recycling incentive packages (p=0.003), and recycling waste disposal vehicles (p= 0/001) with recycling behavior. Past behavior (OR=0.229, P<0.001), and descriptive norms (OR=1.187, P=0.003) were predictive of recycling behavior. 

The results of the present study indicate that regular refuse collection vehicles, providing environmental facilities including incentive packages, and informing citizens about the schedule of refuse collection vehicles can lead to recycling behavior. Also, friends, relatives, and family are role models for other members by establishing norms and are effective in promoting recycling behavior. Having a positive experience of a behavior is necessary for its maintenance.