New Research Highlights Practical Pathways for Improving Community Waste Behaviour

Strategy&Ops Consultancy is pleased to share the publication of a new peer-reviewed research article in the Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, led by Aarti Sewak, PhD researcher and one of our Sustainability and Behavioural Change Expert, and co-authored by Professor Fang Zhao, our CEO.

The study examines how municipal councils in small island developing states design and deliver waste management programs, with a focus on community engagement and behavioural change. Using a social marketing lens, the research assesses whether current approaches are effectively motivating households, schools, and market communities to adopt more sustainable waste practices.

Key insights include:

• Many council-led initiatives rely heavily on one-way communication, limiting community engagement

• Behavioural interventions often lack user-centred design, reducing participation and long-term impact

• Greater use of interactive, locally tailored strategies can significantly strengthen recycling and composting outcomes

• Schools play a critical role in shaping pro-environmental attitudes when behavioural principles are applied effectively

The findings offer practical guidance for local governments, policymakers, and practitioners seeking to design more effective waste behaviour programs—particularly in contexts facing capacity and resource constraints.

This research resonates with Strategy&Ops’ commitment to translating behavioural science into actionable sustainability solutions that support communities and local authorities in achieving lasting environmental outcomes.

📄 Read the full article:
Sewak, A., Deshpande, S., Rundle-Thiele, S., & Zhao, F. (2026). Creating effective waste management behavioural interventions: are municipal councils in small island developing states on track? Australasian Journal of Environmental Management.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14486563.2026.2613043