Consumers’ Disposal Behavior at the Base of the Pyramid

This dissertation explores the sources of sustainable waste management by examining the disposal behavior of low-income consumers at the base of the pyramid (BoP). Consumer product and package disposal behavior varies internationally and requires a selective strategy for waste management at the BoP. Uniform approaches to waste management have proven inadequate, as BoP markets are complex and heterogeneous and thus need to be considered individually. Therefore, this dissertation focuses on identifying factors influence daily disposal routines in the poorest population groups through qualitative methods for exploration and quantitative approaches for measurability. To gain initial insights, qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted to explore the disposal practices, emotions, and concerns of the local population. Additionally, quantitative studies were undertaken to examine relevant psychological factors and their direct effects on disposal behavior, utilizing a structural equation model fitted with SmartPLS 3.0. Understanding these factors can lead to more effective addressing of social and environmental issues, thereby promoting ecological sustainability. The results underscore the crucial role of individual actions and attitudes for sustainability, placing the global waste challenge within a broader framework. This dissertation contributes to the scholarly discourse by shedding light on the psychological factors that influence consumer disposal behavior at the BoP when making decisions regarding the disposal of basic household items. Therefore, the present dissertation addresses the following overarching research question: How can the disposal behaviors of individuals living at the BoP be explained and changed that they act more pro-environmental? To specify the focus of the dissertation and validate previous findings in the BoP context, the daily routines and behaviors were examined in all refugee camps in the Gaza Strip, as well as in private households in a suburb of Guatemala City. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review was conducted using the academic search engine Web of Science, employing a selective keyword search for bibliometric analysis. This enabled the answering of detailed research questions (Q 1- Q 3): (Q1) Which disciplines, theories, and methods are discussed in the scholarly literature regarding solid waste management and disposal behaviors at the BoP? (Q2) Which factors influence the disposal practices of BoP consumers living in confined conditions, and how do the factors, attitudes, behaviors, perspectives, disposal routines, social dynamics, and cultural traditions among residents interrelate? (Q3) Which psychological determinants influence BoP consumers’ disposal behavior, and what emotions are evoked when they dispose of basic household items? To address the research questions and contribute to the advancement of waste management strategies in BoP countries, various scientific methodological approaches were pursued. The dissertation consists of five articles that examine different aspects of disposal behavior in specific contexts.