Factors affecting waste generation and segregation behaviour. An analysis using data from the educated communities in the Western and the North-Western provinces of Sri Lanka

The study intends to identify the factors influencing the waste generation and segregation behaviour of households. An online survey was conducted with more than 400 residents in the North-western and Western provinces of Sri Lanka who have obtained a tertiary educational qualification. It was identified that family income level, local governmental authorities’ involvement in waste collection, age of the household head, and house type significantly affect the waste segregation behaviour of households of educated communities. Further, age of household head, family size, attitude, land area, household ownership, family income and involvement of local governmental authorities in the waste collection were observed to affect the household solid waste generation. The results could support developing influential policies in the local governmental authority levels to further strengthen and improve the solid waste management practices in Sri Lanka. It could also shed light on the formulation of appropriate strategies focussed on different communities to encourage the practice of waste segregation at source in Sri Lanka