Analysing selective waste collection habits using the World Café method

Developing an effective awareness-raising methodology is essential to increase public commitment to separate waste collection. The first step is to study the behaviour of a small group. In this study, we analysed the habits of students at the University of Pannonia. We used the World Café method, which is an effective way of getting to know a situation from several perspectives and can help triggering collective reflection. The method is less used in the study of attitudes, behaviour and habits towards selective waste collection. In our research, one of the aims of applying the World Café method is to identify the barriers to selective waste collection among students at the University of Pannonia. Based on our results, the most common barriers that influence waste collection behaviour are lack of adequate infrastructure, lack of information and unwillingness to collect waste separately. The main components of the latter are lack of motivation, laziness, disinterest and indifference. The second goal is to collect, together with the participants, suggestions for solutions to the problems identified, at three different levels: micro (individual and family), mezzo (municipality, local government, employers) and macro (public, government, legislature). The results of this research could contribute to strengthening a circular economy model that takes into account the interests of society and the economy, including the transformation of habits related to selective waste collection. It will also serve as an output for further research and the development of educational content for changing waste collection habits.