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The effect of waste bin design on observable recycling behaviour: A systematic review and research agenda

Ann Högberg,P. Sörqvist

Published 2026 in Environmental Psychology Research

ABSTRACT

In view of the attitude‐behaviour gap, the most valid way to study waste bin behaviour (i.e., human interaction with waste bins) is arguably through observable rather than self‐reported behaviour. The purpose of the present paper was to conduct a systematic review of research on observed waste bin behaviour with focus on effects of design and location. The goal was to outline a research agenda with this review as a basis. 440 articles were screened and a final sample of 44 articles were included in the review. The review shows that waste bin saliency (i.e., features that makes the bin stand out from the surrounding environment) is important as it attracts users' attention and increases waste bin use; prompts, logos and signs (that can provide semantic cues on how bins should be used) can improve recycling, but should preferably comprise explicit symbols and only necessary words; the shape of lids and slot holes are important, and should be designed such that they guide behaviour to a desired outcome; and finally, while waste bin location, distance and proximity are important, a strategic bin location (e.g., placing the bin on a common walking path) appears to be more important than distance per se. The review also shows that the importance of these factors varies depending on setting (indoor vs. outdoor environments, public spaces vs. home environments) and they are often studied in isolation. The findings call for future studies on how these factors interact and their relative importance to waste bin behaviour. A research agenda is outlined as well as policy implications for home environments and public spaces.

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