Evaluating Household Hazardous Waste Management Systems in Greece

The growing generation of household hazardous waste (HHW) presents critical environmental and public health challenges worldwide. This study investigates prevailing trends in HHW management and analyzes the socio-economic and demographic determinants that influence public perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors toward HHW recycling practices. A comparative mass flow analysis is also conducted to evaluate the limitations of current HHW management practices in Greece and outline policy implementation plans. Statistical findings indicate that income significantly influences recycling behavior. Individuals with annual incomes between €10,001 and €30,000 are less likely to engage in HHW recycling, whereas those earning over €70,000 demonstrate higher levels of recycling participation. The public recognizes the need for green collection points for appropriate HHW management. However, no statistically significant correlation is found between income levels and perceived importance of these facilities. This outcome is attributed to the high proportion (46.7%) of dichotomous variables in the χ2 independence test, exceeding the recommended threshold of 25%, which limits interpretability. Such findings indicate the complex interplay of behavioral and socio-economic variables in HHW recycling. The study highlights the importance of targeted public policies, educational interventions, and infrastructure improvements to increase recycling participation and promote sustainable HHW management in Greece.