Developing interventions to change recycling behaviors: A case study of applying behavioral science

ABSTRACT

The Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) are frameworks that can be used to develop recycling interventions. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the utility of these frameworks for developing recycling interventions. 20 semistructured interviews with university building users were analyzed using the TDF and BCW. Environmental context and resources, beliefs about consequences, knowledge, and intention were identified as the key theoretical domains influencing recycling behaviors. The BCW was used to develop recommendations for intervention. This research is the first case study to demonstrate how the TDF and the BCW can be used to develop recycling interventions.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the building users and administrators who participated in this research and members of UCL Estates who helped to facilitate the initial intervention. The authors would also like to thank Dr. Uwana Evers and Dr. Helena Rubenstein for conducting interviews as well as Sarah O'Farrell for her assistance developing the interview schedule. Finally, the authors wish to thank Clare Littleford for reviewing and providing feedback on this article.

Funding

This research was funded by the University College London Grand Challenges Small Grants Scheme (2012–2013).