Exploring citizen’s awareness, attitudes and behaviour regarding solid waste management: An investigative analysis in Gurugram city, India

Solid Waste Management (SWM) is a critical challenge in rapidly urbanizing cities like Gurugram, India, where inefficiencies in waste collection, segregation, and disposal persist despite policy interventions. This study investigates citizen awareness, attitudes, and behaviors regarding SWM in Gurugram, identifying key gaps and proposing evidence-based solutions. Using a mixed-methods approach, including a stratified random sampling survey (n=1,256) and semi structured interviews (n=120) between January 2022 and July 2024, the study evaluates public engagement, knowledge of waste segregation laws, and barriers to effective waste disposal. The findings reveal a significant gap between awareness and practice, with only 36% of respondents following waste segregation despite high levels of awareness (88%). Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and regression analysis, establish a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude but a weak link between knowledge and practice. The study highlights the role of socioeconomic factors, governance inefficiencies, and lack of enforcement in hindering effective SWM. A comparative analysis with Indore, India’s cleanest city, underscores the importance of structured governance, strict enforcement, and public-private partnerships in achieving an efficient waste management system. The study recommends stricter enforcement, infrastructure investment, behavioural nudges, and technological interventions like AI-based waste sorting and public-private partnerships for sustainable waste governance. Future research should explore longitudinal behavioural studies, comparative city-level analyses, and innovative waste management models to enhance policy effectiveness and community participation in SWM.