This study examines consumer engagement in circular economy practices, specifically focusing on routine waste management behaviors such as waste sorting and reducing single-use items. Given the substantial greenhouse gas emissions from waste management and projected 50% increase in global waste by 2050, the urgency for sustainable practices is evident. Through the application of the Knowledge-Attitude-Practice (KAP) model and the Health Belief Model (HBM), this research investigates the influence of objective (factual) and subjective (self-assessed) knowledge on key attitudinal factors—perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits, and barriers—and their subsequent impact on circular economy behaviors. Utilizing data from the Public Attitudes towards the Environment: 2023 Survey, which includes 3,088 respondents, findings indicate that objective knowledge primarily informs attitudinal development, while subjective knowledge exerts a notably direct influence on behavior. Attitudinal factors, including perceived severity, susceptibility, benefits, and barriers, emerge as critical determinants of pro-environmental actions within a circular economy context. These findings underscore the necessity of promoting both factual understanding and consumer confidence through targeted policy and educational interventions, facilitating sustainable behavioral engagement. This integrated approach offers substantial implications for climate change mitigation by fostering consumer participation in circular economy initiatives.
