Deriving interventions on the basis of factors influencing behavioral intentions for waste recycling, composting, and reuse in Cuba

Abstract

In this article the authors study existing waste-disposal intentions and behavior-influencing factors at the household level in Santiago de Cuba. The authors analyze the perceived reputation of the behavior, two different attitude components (sentiment and cost-value ratio), and perceived difficulties. Our focus is to compare three types of waste-disposal behaviors and derive specific interventions. The behaviors most suitable to Cuba are recycling, composting, and reuse. Analysis with structural equation modeling (SEM) reveals relevant differences in factor influence for attitude components and perceived reputation. Recycling and composting are most strongly influenced by affective aspects of attitude, whereas the general attitude toward reuse seems to have a more rational basis. The influence of perceived reputation on recycling is strong, that on composting is moderate, and no influence at all is found for reuse. The authors combine the SEM results with those of the qualitative data analysis of problems and incentives assessed from the participants and suggest behavior-specific interventions.