Predictors of consumers' behaviour to recycle end-of-life garments in Australia

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to apply and extend the predictors within the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to understand consumers' behaviour toward recycling end-of-life garments among Australian consumers. The predictors explored within this study include attitude, perceived behavioural control, subjective norms, self-identity, general recycling behaviour eco-literacy, self-efficacy, intentions to recycle and behaviour to recycle end-of-life garments.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a sample of consumers across all eight recognised states/territories in Australia through survey questionnaires. A total of 481 usable responses were analysed using structural equation modelling.FindingsResults show positive relationships between the factors explored with all hypotheses supported. The findings of this study have theoretical and managerial implications. They (1) provide an insight into the significant factors that influence consumers' recycling behaviour amongst Australian fashion consumers; (2) bridge the gap in the explanatory nature of TPB by extending this theory; (3) call to develop marketing campaigns to educate consumers on the impact of fashion waste; (4) suggest the need for provision of household textile collection bins at a national level and (5) highlight the need for policy reform on garment recycling enabled by the Australian government.Originality/valueThis study is part of the limited studies that focus on the recycling of consumer fashion waste within the Australian context. Little research has also applied the TPB to end-of-life fashion products with a focus on recycling. In addition, no study to the authors' knowledge has, in combination, explored self-efficacy, self-identity, general recycling behaviour and eco-literacy as predictors of intentions to recycle end-of-life garments.

Automated summary

This study applies and extends the predictors within the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to understand Australian consumers' behaviour towards recycling end-of-life garments. The results show positive relationships between the factors explored and support all the hypotheses. The findings have theoretical and managerial implications, providing insights into the factors influencing consumers' recycling behaviour, extending the TPB, calling for marketing campaigns to educate consumers, suggesting the provision of textile collection bins, and highlighting the need for policy reform.