Title: Determinants of waste generation and segregation behaviour among the educated communities in the Western and the North-Western Provinces of Sri Lanka

Authors: R.N.K. Soysa; Asankha Pallegedara; A.S. Kumara; D.M. Jayasena; M.K.S.M. Samaranayake

Addresses: Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka ' Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka ' Department of Public Administration, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka ' Department of Industrial Management, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka ' Department of English Language Teaching, Faculty of Business Studies and Finance, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Kuliyapitiya, Sri Lanka

Abstract: Solid waste, especially municipal solid waste, is a growing problem in Sri Lanka, and this problem has become intensified due to the absence of proper waste management systems in the country. At-source segregation could be practised at the household level as one of the solutions to this problem. The study intends to identify the factors influencing the waste generation and segregation behaviour of households of educated communities who have received tertiary education in Sri Lanka. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire through an online survey and responses from 402 respondents were analysed by employing logistic and OLS regression analysis. The study identified that family income level, local governmental authorities' involvement in waste collection, age of the household head, and house type significantly affect the waste segregation behaviour of households of educated communities. Further, age of household head, family size, attitude, land area, household ownership, family income and involvement of local governmental authorities in the waste collection significantly affect the household solid waste generation. Implementation of policies and effective strategies in the local government authority levels would be an effective practise to encourage proper waste management practises in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: waste management; waste segregation at source; waste generation; households; recycling; municipal solid waste; logistic regression; multiple regression; educated community; Sri Lankan; Sri Lanka.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2025.144988

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2025 Vol.36 No.3, pp.266 - 288

Received: 18 Mar 2022
Accepted: 13 Jan 2023
Published online: 17 Mar 2025 *

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