Antecedents of daily disposal routines in the Gaza Strip refugee camps

Abstract

Abstract A primary cause of environmental pollution is a lack of sound solid waste management and people s disposal behavior. Yet, driving factors of consumers daily disposal behavior of household waste are still poorly understood. We apply the Theory of Planned Behavior in a quantitative study with 323 respondents living in refugee camps in the Gaza Strip. The objective of this study is to identify relevant determinants highlighting factors affecting people s daily disposal routines. Findings reveal that internal locus of control is the strongest predictor of the daily disposal routines. Spirituality and religious coping with waste have the second strongest positive effect on daily disposal routines that can be utilized for triggering behavioral changes. Similarly, frustration has a significant effect on daily disposal routines, although it is considered to be a maladaptive consequence due to the lack of prospective amendment of the practices. Confirming the relevance of role model behavior in the immediate social environment, attention to social comparison information has a significant positive effect. This paper provides practical implications for researchers and policymakers on solid waste management in the Gaza Strip and similar developing countries.