Behavioral Determinants of Household Participation in a Home Composting Scheme

This article investigates the factors that influence the decision made by individuals to participate in home composting schemes promoted by two local authorities in Scotland. The research considers eight potential determinants of home composting behavior and applies logistic regression data analysis to assess the significance of these specific determinants. The results suggest that the most important variables for predicting whether individuals choose to participate in the home composting scheme include (a) having a favorable attitude toward what home composting involves, (b) being knowledgeable about home composting, (c) and the stage of the household in terms of the family life cycle. Variables such as general environmental concern, participation in other proenvironmental behaviors, social norms, social diffusion, and being a “gardener” were not significant predictors of the decision to participate. The implications of these findings for the promotion of home composting schemes are discussed.