The determinants of individual’s recycling behavior with an investigation into the possibility of expanding the deposit refund system in glass waste management in Croatia

This study investigates the recycling behavior of Croatian citizens and identifies the determinants of individual recycling intention. It also addresses whether the existing deposit refund system for glass bottles in Croatia can be replaced by an expanded system that includes the return and reuse of almost all types of glass containers. A total of 427 Croatian citizens participated in the survey. Quantitative data analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling. In addition to the survey, a focus group was conducted with the relevant experts. The results confirmed the assumption about the pro-environmental orientation in Croatia. Citizens have a positive attitude towards the expanded deposit refund system in waste glass disposal and intend to implement it. The most significant predictor of their intention is their attitude towards the expanded deposit refund system, followed by familiarity with recycling. A person’s recycling intention is mainly determined by familiarity with recycling and perceived behavioral control. In the qualitative study, Croatian experts were generally positive about an expanded deposit refund system for glass containers but warned that implementation would not be without certain obstacles. The added value of the study is the creation of new knowledge for the design of local and national policies that can promote individuals’ environmentally friendly behavior and improve the glass waste disposal system in Croatia.