From waste to sustainability: explaining composting behaviour through the lifestyle of health and sustainability

Purpose Although previous studies have examined composting mainly from technical, agricultural and policy perspectives, limited attention has been given to the psychological and lifestyle-related factors that encourage individuals to adopt composting as a sustainable behaviour. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the psychological and social drivers of composting as a sustainable consumer behaviour. Using lifestyle of health and sustainability (LOHAS) as a lifestyle-based framework and social cognitive theory (SCT) as the theoretical lens, the study examines how sustainability-oriented lifestyles shape composting intentions through cognitive and control mechanisms. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 329 respondents in Türkiye through an online survey and analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. The model tests the direct and indirect effects of LOHAS on composting intention via attitudes, social norms and perceived consumer efficacy. Findings LOHAS primarily affects composting intention through indirect mechanisms. Perceived behavioural control (PBC) emerged as the key mediating pathway, shaped by efficacy-related beliefs, while attitude played a complementary mediating role. Social norms and attitudes also exerted strong direct effects on the intention to compost. Social implications Findings position composting as a consumer-led climate action supporting soil health, waste reduction and sustainable behaviour change goals. Insights can inform social marketing interventions by strengthening lifestyle-based motivation, perceived efficacy and PBC to encourage sustainable behaviour. Originality/value The study contributes to the LOHAS and sustainable consumption literatures by explaining how sustainability-oriented lifestyles translate into composting intention through key psychological mechanisms. This perspective positions composting as a value-driven and intentional consumer behaviour rather than a purely technical practice.