Reducing plastic waste: A meta-analysis of influences on behaviour and interventions

Eliminating plastic waste relies, in part, on changing human behaviour. This review aimed to (a) use the AACTT (Action-Actor-Context-Target-Time) framework to identify and categorise relevant behaviours, (b) use the COM-B (Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour) model to identify, categorise and evaluate variables that might be associated with these behaviours, (c) use the Behaviour Change Wheel and the Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy to identify, categorise and evaluate the nature of interventions. A systematic literature search iden-tified 60 studies of behaviour relating to plastic waste. Meta-analysis was used to quantify (i) the strength and direction of the relationship between variables and behaviour and (ii) the impact of intervention components on changes in behaviour. Studies focused predominantly on the general public (actors), recycling (action), shopping (context), and a limited range of plastic waste items. Variables reflecting capability, opportunity, and motivation all had medium-strength associations with behaviour. The intervention types associated with the strongest changes in behaviour were 'persuasion', 'enablement' and 'environmental restructuring'. The policy options associated with strongest changes in behaviour were 'communications and marketing', 'environmental and social planning' and 'service provision'. Interventions targeting 'psychological capability' had a negative effect on plastic waste reducing behaviours while interventions targeting 'physical opportunity' and 'reflective motiva-tion' had the strongest positive effects. All identified behaviour change techniques had medium to large effects on changes in behaviour. Taken together, the findings provide clear directions for future research and efforts to reduce plastic waste.

Automated summary

Eliminating plastic waste depends on changing human behaviour. This review categorizes and evaluates relevant behaviours, variables, and interventions using different frameworks and models. The study finds that capability, opportunity, and motivation have medium-strength associations with behaviour. 'Persuasion', 'enablement', and 'environmental restructuring' interventions have the strongest impact on behaviour change. 'Communications and marketing', 'environmental and social planning', and 'service provision' policies have the strongest impact on behaviour change. Interventions targeting 'psychological capability' have a negative effect, while interventions targeting 'physical opportunity' and 'reflective motivation' have the strongest positive effects. All identified behaviour change techniques have medium to large effects on behaviour change. These findings provide clear directions for future research and efforts to reduce plastic waste.