Waste Sorting Motivators and Demotivators at the Workplace

Abstract Research purpose. Growing environmental pressures and global sustainability commitments, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12, underscore the importance of effective waste management in all societal sectors. Workplaces, where individuals spend a lot of their time, represent a critical yet underexplored setting for implementing and improving waste sorting practices. This study aimed to examine employees’ attitudes toward workplace waste sorting in Latvia, focusing on identifying motivators and demotivators that influence participation. Design / Methodology / Approach. A quantitative survey was conducted with 108 respondents, representing diverse industries, company sizes, and demographic profiles. The questionnaire covered workplace waste sorting practices, positive and negative influencing factors, and general perceptions. Data analysis focused on identifying patterns in motivators and demotivators, as well as differences by gender, company size, and awareness levels. Findings. The results show that 79% of surveyed employees engage in waste sorting at work, aligning closely with national household statistics. Most workplaces (92%) have sorting stations, though awareness of specific container availability was slightly lower (82%). Nearly 60% reported that employers provided sorting containers, while only 24% had received training on proper sorting, 25% noted the use of motivational systems, and 27% indicated the presence of visual reminders. Motivators most frequently cited included environmental protection (50%), resource saving (over 35%), habit change (over 35%), and improved workplace appearance (over 35%). Negative factors were led by rapid bin overfilling (over 40%), the need to change established habits (over 40%), and time spent deciding on waste categories (over 40%). Gender differences emerged, with 11% of women and 5% of men unaware of sorting station presence; women were more likely to view habit change negatively (nearly 50% vs. 33% of men), while men more often cited time constraints (46% vs. 37% of women). Originality / Value / Practical implications. This study provides information on workplace waste sorting motivators and demotivators in Latvia. The findings highlight the need for enhanced communication, better visibility of sorting facilities, and integration of waste sorting into workplace culture to strengthen engagement. Addressing workplace waste sorting offers benefits that extend beyond meeting waste management targets, as it actively engages employees in achieving organisational sustainability goals.