Analyzing Productivity and Behavior of Plastic Drop-Off Points: A Case Study of Send Plastic Home Project in Plastic Waste Recycling during COVID-19 Outbreak

Abstract

In this work, the Productivity Index (PI) was developed for evaluating ten plastic drop-off points along the Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, Thailand. Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD) was employed to study the effects of various parameters on drop-off point’s performance. To explore plastic separation behaviors, the structured questionnaires were created based on the extended Theory of Planned Behavior, and the questionnaire’s responses were then analyzed through the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The highest PI (0.0058) was observed from a drop-off point located in the shopping mall while that installed in a restaurant exhibited the lowest PI (0.0008). Besides environmental attitude and perceived behavioral control, a drop-off point facility was proved as another factor influencing people’s intention towards plastic waste separation behavior. To improve the PI, drop-off point’s bin design and location should be carefully optimized. Moreover, public relation on drop-off point campaigns and knowledge on household plastic waste separation should be promoted. These findings are helpful for the improvement or expansion of plastic drop-off point facilities as well as for the future development of waste recycling policy.