Impact of cognition on waste separation behavior - Nonlinear moderating effect by trustworthiness for links

Separating waste at its source is important to reduce and better utilize municipal solid waste. However, there is a complex relationship between cognition and behavior. Based on the process trust perspective of separation activities, this study explores the formation mechanism of inconsistent knowledge and behavior by residents with regard to waste separation activities. Through qualitative research, the characteristics of the cognition of separation, trustworthiness for links, and waste separation behavior were analyzed, and a theoretical model is proposed of the transmission mechanism from the cognition of separation to waste separation behavior under the action of trustworthiness for links. According to questionnaire survey data (N 1/4 1505), stratified regression and sensitivity analysis revealed that individuals with a high cognition of separation or high trustworthiness for links were more inclined to participate in waste separation activities. In terms of interaction effects, trustworthiness for links and its various dimensions positively regulated cognition of separation into waste separation behavior, with a third-power nonlinear moderating effect. Specifically, under the nonlinear moderating effect of trustworthiness for links, waste separation behavior and cognition of separation form a saddle-type relationship, and trustworthiness for links had an exponential moderating effect on the relationship between cognition of separation and waste separation behavior. In particular, trustworthiness for disposal links was the most critical moderating variable. Based on the analysis, policies are suggested to promote active participation in waste separation and recycling. (c) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Superscript/Subscript Available

Automated summary

The study suggests that individuals with high cognition of separation and high trustworthiness for links are more inclined to participate in waste separation activities. Trustworthiness for links plays a critical role in regulating the relationship between waste separation behavior and cognition of separation.