Assessment of Awareness and Behaviors of people in Ben Tre City – Ben Tre Province Toward Separation of Trash at Source in Household

Waste separation at source plays a vital role in effective solid waste management. This study assessed the awareness, attitudes, and behaviors of 430 residents in Ben Tre City, Vietnam, regarding household waste classification, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the analytical framework. Survey results revealed high awareness (mean = 8.03/10) and very positive attitudes (8.5/10), but only moderate classification behavior (6.34/10). Regression analysis indicated that awareness (β = 0.390) had a stronger influence on behavior than attitude (β = 0.294). Among awareness factors, waste type identification (AW1) had the greatest effect (β = 0.271), followed by understanding of benefits (AW4, β = 0.223). Despite positive cognition, only 32.5% of households fully complied with legal classification. These findings highlight the need for integrated solutions combining education, infrastructure, and enforcement to improve compliance. This study provides practical evidence to inform policy development and community-based interventions, bridging the gap between behavioral insights and effective household waste management strategies.