What Really Works to Reduce Waste in Protected Areas? Discover the Findings of the WASTEREDUCE Meta-Analysis
29/07/2026
What encourages people to reduce waste and make more sustainable choices when visiting protected areas? The latest WASTEREDUCE meta-analysis provides valuable insights into which approaches are most effective in promoting responsible waste-related behaviours.
As part of the WASTEREDUCE project, a systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to examine scientific evidence on interventions that encourage actions such as proper waste disposal, recycling, reuse, and litter prevention. Following the internationally recognised PRISMA 2020 methodology, the study analysed a wide range of behavioural and informative approaches used in different environmental settings.
The findings show that the most effective solutions go beyond simply providing information. Interventions that make sustainable behaviour easier, such as well-designed waste collection points, conveniently located recycling bins, and clear guidance, can significantly improve waste-related behaviours. Positive feedback and social examples that encourage responsible actions also proved to be highly effective.
In contrast, measures based solely on reminders, instructions, or incentives showed more limited results, highlighting the importance of combining awareness-raising activities with practical solutions that make sustainable choices easy and accessible.
These results provide valuable guidance for the WASTEREDUCE project and for future waste prevention initiatives in protected and Natura 2000 areas. By better understanding what motivates behavioural change, project partners can develop more effective actions that help preserve natural environments for future generations.
If you are interested in a more detailed analysis, we invite you to explore Document 1.6.1, which presents the full results of the systematic review and meta-analysis. The document follows the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and the methodology defined in Document 1.5.1, providing a comprehensive overview of the research process, findings, and recommendations.