Associated Factors of Pesticide Packaging Waste Recycling Behavior Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior in Chinese Fruit Farmers

Abstract

Pesticide packaging waste recycling is crucial in promoting the development of agricultural modernization and ensuring the safety of agricultural products, but, currently, studies on pesticide packaging waste recycling behavior at the farmer level are still scarce, especially from the perspective of social psychology and regulation paths. In the current study, we surveyed 198 farmers in Shaanxi Province, China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the associated factors of farmers’ pesticide waste packaging recycling behavior based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). The results indicate that a degree of convenience and time spent affected recycling behavior. Attitude toward the behavior (AB) and subject norm (SN) showed significant associations with fruit farmers’ behavior intention (IN) in pesticide packaging waste recycling, while perceived behavior control (PBC) presented insignificant association. However, the direct association between PBC and fruit famers’ behavior in regards to pesticide packaging waste recycling was statistically significant. Our study’s results suggest that measures such as improving the policy system of pesticide packaging recycling and treatment, strengthening science popularization, publicity and guidance, standardizing pesticide packaging tips, carrying out pilot recycling programs, and improving infrastructures could be effective in promoting fruit farmers’ behavior in regards to the recycling of pesticide packaging waste.