Determinants Predicting Intention to Properly Dispose of Used Batteries

Abstract

     Toxic metals are used in batteries which end up in landfill sites and which may reach humans via the food chain and food web. Proper disposal of used batteries is needed. However, the factors related to intention to proper disposal of used batteries need to be better understood. The purpose of this study was to examine relationship between any of these determinants: intention, attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and exposure to information and the proper disposal of used batteries and to identify which of these determinants were predictors of the intention. Survey research was conducted using a self administered questionnaire among 3,652 Thammasat University students at the Rangsit campus. The sample was selected by a stratified random sampling technique. The results indicated that students who have a high and positive intention, high levels of subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control, and moderate level of positive attitudes were likely to practice a proper disposal of used batteries. Subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, exposure to information, and attitudes are statistically significant predictors of intention to dispose the used batteries in separate specific bins. Therefore, giving information by different innovations or activities on proper disposal of the used batteries and providing a specific waste bin for used batteries around campus are likely to encourage students to properly dispose their used batteries.