Extending the Theory of Planned Behaviour Using Behavioural Economics to Reduce and Access Small WEEE Anthropogenic Stocks

Abstract

From an urban mining perspective stockpiles of Waste of Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) by individuals represent anthropogenic stocks that could be exploited for precious and critical resources. The current challenge resides in minimising these stocks generation, as well as accessing the resources they represent. Behavioural models such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) have been used in waste and resources management studies to understand WEEE end-of-use intentions and behaviours. But the results have been uneven and the very presence of these anthropogenic stocks is the acknowledgement that these models need to be adapted. Based on a review from the waste and resources management literature we found that TPB models incorporating emotions tended to have higher variance explained for intention, but the intention-behaviour gap remained strong. To explain this gap for small WEEE we propose using variables associating emotions with decision-making biases and tendencies that affect individual behaviours. This study is a theoretical elaboration supporting future empirical testing. A TPB extended with behavioural economics could better model small WEEE end-of-use decisions. Improved understanding of small WEEE urban mines generation could, in turn, inform policy and incentives design to transform these anthropogenic stocks into flows of resources within a circular economy.