Household Solid Waste Management in Brazil: Comparative and Cluster-Based Insights into Sustainable Practices and Environmental Awareness

Objective: This study aims to compare household solid waste management practices and environmental knowledge in two Brazilian municipalities (one with and one without selective collection) while identifying behavioral profiles through cluster analysis, with the goal of informing targeted sustainability policies. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in concepts of sustainable development, circular economy, and waste management policies, notably Brazil’s National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS). The framework highlights the role of environmental awareness, selective collection systems, and socio-economic conditions in shaping household waste practices. Method: A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and questionnaires applied in Pirassununga-SP (no selective collection) and Tupã-SP (with selective collection). Responses from 131 households were analyzed through descriptive statistics, K-Means clustering, and statistical tests (ANOVA and Chi-square). Results and Discussion: Four distinct behavioral clusters were identified, ranging from environmentally aware but infrastructure-limited youth to low-income, low-education groups with minimal environmental engagement. Despite structural differences, both municipalities showed limited knowledge of waste destinations and the conceptual difference between garbage and residue. These findings underscore the need for localized strategies integrating infrastructure investment, educational campaigns, and incentives for citizen participation. Research Implications: The study provides practical guidance for designing segmented public policies to improve waste separation and circular economy practices at the household level. Originality/Value: This work advances the understanding of how socio-economic, infrastructural, and perceptual factors interact in household waste management, offering actionable insights for sustainability-oriented governance.