Source Separation of Waste as an Effective Strategy for Reducing Pollution and Increasing Recycling Rates has gained particular importance in addressing the challenges of rural waste management. This study aims to analyze the behavior of rural households in source separation of waste and to identify the factors influencing the enhancement of environmental participation, conducted in Khararud Rural District of Khodabandeh County.



The research is applied in purpose and descriptive–analytical in nature, carried out through a survey method using a researcher-made questionnaire. The statistical population includes all households residing in Khararud Rural District, and the sample size was determined to be 378 households using Cochran’s formula. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and both descriptive and analytical statistical tests.



Findings revealed that household separation behavior is in the transitional stage from theoretical awareness to practical action, shaped by demographic, infrastructural, socio-economic, and institutional factors. Indicators such as personal motivation, cooperation with neighbors, and local education play a significant role in enhancing participation, while weaknesses in separate waste collection and lack of separation equipment are major obstacles to sustaining the behavior. Moreover, the analysis of household responses indicated that strategies such as strengthening infrastructure, targeted education, financial incentives, and institutional trust-building