Examining waste separation behaviour in Nigeria using the extended
theory of planned behaviour: Implications for post-pandemic waste
management strategies
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of waste separation
for efficient management, disease control, public health protection, and
fostering sustainable communities. This study investigates residents’
waste separation behaviour in Nigeria during the pandemic using an
extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework. Analyzing data
from 726 residents in Lagos and Oyo states, we found that attitude,
perceived behavioural control, subjective norms, and intention
significantly predict waste separation behaviour, with attitude emerging
as the strongest influence. This highlights the crucial role of
individual beliefs in shaping waste management practices. Importantly,
past waste separation behaviour positively correlates with the intention
to separate during public health emergencies. However, perceived policy
effectiveness negatively moderates the link between intention and actual
separation behaviour. This study suggests strategies for improved
biodegradable infectious waste management to support economic
activities. More so, Post-COVID-19 pandemic tailored interventions and
policies are crucial to enhancing waste separation behaviour, ultimately
promoting public health and sustainable communities in Sub-Saharan
Africa, for day-to-day environmental safety or preparedness in the event
of future health emergencies.