BRIDGING KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE: BEHAVIORAL DRIVERS AND THEIR ROLE IN STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY-BASED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN URBAN BARANGAYS

Aims: The study aims to assess the influence of behavioral drivers on community-based solid waste management in Barangay Bagbag, Novaliches, Quezon City. Specifically, it aims to explore how environmental knowledge, motivation, perceived social norms, sense of community responsibility, and attitudes toward waste management affect community participation, waste segregation compliance, and the sustainability of local waste management initiatives. Study design: This study utilizes a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design, focusing on a survey-based approach to gather data from 100 residents of Barangay Bagbag, who are directly involved in household waste disposal or community waste management activities. The study aims to quantify the relationship between various behavioral factors and community-based solid waste management outcomes. Methodology: The study employs a structured survey questionnaire, consisting of three parts: demographic profile, behavioral drivers (environmental knowledge, motivation, perceived social norms, sense of community responsibility, and attitude toward waste management), and community-based solid waste management indicators (participation, segregation compliance, sustainability, partnerships, and waste reduction outcomes). The data is analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's rho correlation to examine the relationships between the behavioral drivers and SWM practices. Results: Results indicate that respondents show moderate to positive levels of engagement with behavioral drivers. The highest-rated factors include attitudes toward waste management and environmental knowledge, while motivation and perceived social norms show moderate engagement. The overall level of community participation and waste segregation compliance is positive, but partnerships with local government and NGOs are weaker. Regression analysis reveals that perceived social norms and attitude toward waste management are the most significant predictors of effective community-based solid waste management practices. Conclusion: The study concludes that behavioral drivers such as perceived social norms and attitudes toward waste management play a critical role in influencing community-based SWM. Although other factors like environmental knowledge and community responsibility contribute to waste management practices, the findings highlight the need for strengthening social norms and fostering positive attitudes through community leadership and educational programs. It is also recommended to enhance collaborations with local government units and NGOs and provide incentives to increase participation and motivation.