Abstract for: Exploratory Dynamic Analysis of the Adoption of Biowaste Separation Behavior in Households

Biodegradable waste (biowaste) corresponds to the largest fraction of household waste in low and middle-income countries. However, very low recovery rates for this material stream are obtained. In part, this is due to the fact that the adoption of source separation at household level is not given sufficient attention. In cases where source separation has been ineffectively introduced, the lack of awareness is named as culprit for the failure. Unfortunately, managers of such initiatives are not cognizant of the need of moving households from a stage of non-compliance to compliance. Furthermore, the feedback effects of social interaction, awareness raising campaigns, financial incentives, and punitive actions have never been studied in this socioeconomic context. Thus, the model presented explores the possible behaviors resulting from these interventions in the setting of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.