What Influences Consumers to Recycle Solid Waste? An Application of the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This extant study attempts to present a comprehensive predictive model for solid waste recycling behavior. Solid waste is a major environmental concern globally. Particularly, the kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), being the larger gulf country in the Middle East is a major contributor to solid waste. Consequently, this study was carried out to identify the motivational factors that consumers consider important for recycling their household waste. We extended the theory of planned behavior (TBP) and utilized actual behavioral variables such as resell, reuse, and donation. A structured questionnaire was carried out with 365 purposively selected respondents in the KSA. Among several other noteworthy findings consistent with previous studies, we found that reselling was the most significant factor of recycling behavior followed by donation. Further, the multi-group analysis (MGA) results reveal significant group differences in gender and age variables; the significance test indicates that the male group has much better pro-environmental behavior than the female group. In terms of age, our results showed that recycling intention and reselling behavior passed a significant test in the elderly group when compared to a younger group. This study has unique contributions and findings leading to practical implications for government authorities, businesses, and non-governmental organizations. The findings will particularly aid in increasing the recycling intention and behavior among household consumers. This research will guide in making laws and policies that can help to embrace the green challenges and boost recycling activities for a sustainable environment.