16/05/2025
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Key words: Waste sorting; Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB); Incentive measures; Convenience of recycling
Have you ever hastily tossed your half-finished bubble tea cup into the nearest trash bin without sorting it because you were in a rush? Thinking back, you might now wonder why you didn’t take just a few seconds to practice waste sorting. However, sometimes, the feeling of “inconvenience” becomes the biggest barrier. To explore this question, a student research group from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) conducted a study on the influence of Convenience of recycling on the practice of Waste sorting behavior.
Urban waste pollution is becoming an alarming issue, especially in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, where household waste continues to increase. Although waste sorting at source is considered an effective solution, the habits of unsorted waste disposal, lack of convenience, and people’s reluctance to change remain major obstacles. Therefore, studying the influence of Convenience of recycling on Waste sorting behavior is essential in order to raise awareness and improve the effectiveness of urban waste management.
Research Background
Based on the theoretical foundation of planned behavior, studies in the field of waste management have developed various models to explain Waste sorting behavior and waste treatment. In general, these models often emphasize the influence of factors such as: incentive measures, Subjective norms, Personal moral norms, Convenience of recycling, along with the actual process of practicing Waste sorting behavior.
Delving into specific studies, the work of Stoeva and Alriksson (2017) pointed out that Waste sorting behavior requires a certain level of effort, thus individual attitudes play a decisive role. This study highlighted that, if the conditions supporting sorting are convenient, the rate of consumer participation in Waste sorting behavior could significantly improve. Similarly, another study on plastic waste sorting in Japan also revealed the influence of various factors, including Subjective norms, Waste sorting knowledge, and government policies. The results showed that Subjective norms and Waste sorting knowledge strongly influence Waste sorting intention, while this intention and legal interventions directly impact Waste sorting behavior. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers as well as directions for further research in this field.
The issue of sorting is particularly prominent in China, especially in the context of managing used lead-acid batteries, which has become a major concern. Due to high treatment costs and complex procedures, non-compliance with standard treatment processes has become common in many locations (Sun et al., 2017). The serious consequence is pollution and degradation of land and water sources due to the release of hazardous emissions from improper processing. Even more dangerously, agricultural and livestock products in affected areas risk accumulating lead residues above safe levels, posing potential cancer risks and other severe health problems when entering the food chain. The study by Lou et al. (2022) on this issue indicated that both attitudes and Subjective norms significantly affect Waste sorting behavior, and these factors can, in turn, be influenced by the level of Convenience of recycling.
Building on and extending from these research foundations, the student research group from UEH conducted a survey and analysis in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to better clarify the current situation and contribute to finding solutions to the issue of Waste sorting behavior at the local level.
Factors related to Waste sorting behavior
*Household waste separation at source is a deliberate behavior, not a random act
Waste sorting behavior is defined as the conscious act of an individual to separate household waste at the source into distinct categories (such as organic, recyclable, and non-recyclable) to facilitate appropriate treatment or recycling processes. Based on Ajzen’s (1991) Theory of Planned Behavior, this behavior is not random but influenced by psychological factors such as Waste sorting intention, Attitudes, Subjective norms, and Perceived behavioral control. In addition, contextual factors like the Convenience of the recycling system also play a key role in encouraging and sustaining this practice in the long term.
*The “thinking before doing” stage is shaped by Attitudes, Subjective norms, and Perceived behavioral control
The process leading to a specific action such as Waste sorting behavior often begins with a psychological state called Waste sorting intention. This is the “thinking before doing” stage, where an individual forms a desire or plan to carry out the behavior in the future. Studies in behavioral psychology have shown that Waste sorting intention serves as an important bridge between thought and action. Specifically, the Theory of Planned Behavior explains that the intention to perform a behavior is shaped by three core factors: how the individual evaluates the behavior (Attitudes), perceptions of social acceptance or expectations (Subjective norms), and confidence in one’s ability to perform the behavior (Perceived behavioral control). Therefore, the formation of Waste sorting intention depends on one's Attitudes toward sorting, encouragement from the surrounding environment, and self-confidence in the ability to carry it out.
*The convenience of the sorting system plays a key role in encouraging and sustaining sustainable practice
In addition to intention and individual perception, a practical factor that strongly influences Waste sorting behavior is the level of Convenience of recycling during the implementation process, specifically the act of Waste sorting behavior itself. Many people feel that sorting waste is a troublesome task, time-consuming, and lacking space to store recyclable materials. According to Aceti (2002), when people feel inconvenienced, they tend to reduce the frequency of sorting or abandon it altogether. Barriers such as fear of insects, messiness, or distant collection points make taking action more difficult. Therefore, when an individual has a positive Attitude toward Waste sorting behavior, is positively influenced by the actions or attitudes of those around them (Subjective norms), and believes they have sufficient conditions to carry it out (Perceived behavioral control), their Waste sorting intention becomes stronger, leading to a change in actual behavior.
Research Findings
The analysis results show that Waste sorting knowledge has the strongest influence on Waste sorting behavior. The research team argues that deep knowledge about Waste sorting contributes to improving the effectiveness of the sorting process, thereby increasing the rate of correctly sorted waste. Furthermore, understanding how to sort waste properly helps individuals better recognize the importance of this behavior, leading to positive changes in both Waste sorting intention and Waste sorting behavior. This argument is supported by findings from previous studies (Li et al., 2018; Liu et al., 2019).
In addition to the knowledge factor, the study also indicates that internal factors such as Subjective norms and Personal moral norms significantly affect Waste sorting behavior. These factors motivate residents to comply with waste sorting practices even in the absence of direct supervision. Accordingly, individuals who place greater importance on Subjective norms and Personal moral norms tend to comply with Waste sorting behavior more effectively than others. This finding suggests the potential for developing interventions to promote Waste sorting behavior based on these psychosocial factors.
Finally, the additional factor included in this research model – Convenience of recycling – also demonstrates a positive influence on Waste sorting behavior. Individuals living in environments that are designed to facilitate sorting practices, such as residential areas or apartment buildings equipped with accessible and appropriate waste sorting bins, tend to engage in Waste sorting behavior more regularly and effectively.
Policy Implications
In the context of Ho Chi Minh City facing increasing pressure from household waste, promoting Waste sorting behavior at source is not only seen as an urgent environmental solution but also as a long-term strategy toward sustainable development. The research findings from UEH students reveal that several factors have intervention potential to improve residents’ Waste sorting intention and Waste sorting behavior, thereby offering practical and noteworthy policy implications.
First, Waste sorting knowledge is identified as a foundational factor in the formation of Waste sorting behavior. When people understand the reasons, methods, and purposes of sorting, their proactiveness in performing the behavior increases. According to the Theory of Planned Behavior by Ajzen (1991), individual cognition and beliefs are key origins of behavioral intention. Therefore, urban authorities need to develop effective community education programs that not only deliver information but also connect knowledge to real-life contexts and the value systems of residents. For instance, illustrated instructional boards can be implemented at public locations, in-depth outreach sessions can be held at schools and residential areas, or digital technologies can be used to create engaging, interactive content.
In addition, the role of social media and mass communication in shaping positive Attitudes toward Waste sorting behavior is extremely important. When Waste sorting behavior is perceived as meaningful, associated with the image of being civilized, modern, and responsible citizens, positive Attitudes are reinforced, making it easier for individuals to adopt and maintain the behavior. To enhance effectiveness, media campaigns should be inspiring, using positive and relatable imagery, and be integrated into broader environmental campaigns. Leveraging celebrities or symbolic figures representing green lifestyles to convey the message is also an effective way to generate widespread social influence.
Convenience - identified as a significant behavioral barrier in the study - is a factor that deserves special attention in policy development. The inconvenience in the sorting process, reflected in the lack of appropriate collection points, unclear collection schedules, or inconsistencies in post-sorting processes, can diminish the public's motivation to engage in Waste sorting behavior. Therefore, the government and environmental service providers need to make adequate investments in the development of source-based sorting infrastructure, including collection point systems and sorting models, while also ensuring that the post-sorting processing is conducted in accordance with proper standards. Additionally, environmental staff should be trained with professional knowledge and skills on environmental management in general and Waste sorting in particular, to ensure that the operational process runs smoothly. Policymakers should also encourage households to proactively implement the “source-based waste sorting” model at home, thereby contributing to the effectiveness of the entire waste treatment chain.
Finally, a subtle yet crucial factor is personal ethics and social norms. When Waste sorting behavior is perceived as a moral responsibility—meaning people perform it because it is the right thing to do rather than out of obligation—the behavior tends to be sustained more effectively. As Schwartz (1977) highlighted in the Norm-Activation Theory, environmentally motivated behaviors rooted in strong personal values are closely linked to moral awareness. Therefore, policies should aim to build communities with positive social norms, recognize exemplary neighborhoods or individuals, and organize “green neighborhood” competitions to enhance community pride and collective responsibility.
This research paper has indirectly contributed to SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13 – Climate Action.
See the full research article The process of forming waste sorting behavior: how convenience of recycling affect residents’ behavior in Ho Chi Minh city HERE
Authors: Phuong Ngoc Tuong Vy, Nguyen Phuoc Quy Chau, Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, Bui Trong Huy, Vo Huong Giang – University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)
This article is part of the series “Green Research Community” with the message “Research Contribution for UEH Living Lab Green Campus.” UEH warmly invites the community to stay tuned for upcoming editions of the Green Research Community Newsletter
*In order to maximize opportunities for developing the “UEH Green Research Community,” all members will be able to participate in scientific research methodology classes related to the Living Lab and Green Campus topics. In addition, when a product meets the required standards, the research group will receive a Certificate from the UEH Sustainable University Project Board and financial support for one qualifying research project.
More Information:
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities aims to build resilient, safe, and sustainable urban areas and communities by improving living conditions, managing waste efficiently, and ensuring access to basic services for all citizens. A sustainable city not only focuses on physical infrastructure but also emphasizes residents' awareness and behavior in protecting the shared living environment.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, thereby reducing pressure on natural resources, minimizing waste, and limiting environmental pollution. This goal highlights the importance of efficient waste management, optimal resource use, and behavioral change at both individual and community levels - particularly through education and awareness-raising efforts.
SDG 13 – Climate Action calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its negative impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing resilience, and increasing community awareness. This goal involves not only national-level policies but also demands behavioral changes at the individual and community level in daily life - especially in areas directly related to waste generation and management.
News and Photos: UEH Green Campus Project, UEH Communications and Partnership Development Department
