Using behavioural science to reduce littering : understanding, addressing and solving the problem of litter

The main objective of this article is to provide an overview of decision-making literature relevant to littering and to explain behavioural science be applied to tackling the problem of littering. We begin by explaining how littering is a commons dilemma and why, therefore, it is such a complex problem. We use this framework to show how policy-makers, social entrepreneurs and anyone else who wants to reduce littering, can approach the problem. We then move on to describing models and frameworks, taken from behavioural science theory and research, that can be helpful in designing effective anti-littering interventions. Finally, we apply all this knowledge and outline some ideas of such interventions.