Using the Theory of Planned Behavior to Understand University Students Recycling Behavior

Improving recycling behavior is an important means to reducing the ever-increasing amount of waste sent to landfills. When discussing sustainable behaviors, such as recycling, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) can be used to explain why people make the decisions they do. The Theory of Planned Behavior utilizes attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control to be the predictors of behavioral intention. Once we can better explain why students decide to recycle or not to recycle we can utilize this data to increase recycling rates. The Theory of Planned Behavior was used as a basis for this study in order to uncover motivating factors related to on campus recycling. The results show that students have a positive attitude toward recycling on campus, they do not feel there is an established subjective norm to recycle on campus, and they feel in control of their ability to recycle on campus. The information provided from this research can be used to develop a more efficient recycling program and make revisions to current recycling strategies.