Enhancing garbage classification proficiency through neuroscience insights: EEG evidence of P300/LPP for informing environmental education

Abstract

Enhancing residential garbage classification is critical to promoting waste reuse and recycling. This study integrated event-related potential (ERP) experiments, a cognitive neuroscience method measuring brain activity via electroencephalography (EEG), into a questionnaire survey to assess residential decision-making processes in garbage classification and facilitate environmental education optimization. The results indicated that subjects exhibited significant ERP components during classification tasks, including the P300 and late positive potential (LPP). Significant differences in judgement accuracy were observed across demographic groups and garbage categories. Young adult males (18–40 years) with tertiary education demonstrated higher accuracy, accompanied by amplified P300 and LPP amplitudes. Both survey and ERP results aligned on classification proficiency: recyclable waste > kitchen waste > hazardous waste. Higher classification proficiency correlated with larger P300/LPP peaks and shorter LPP latency. These findings uncover the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying garbage-sorting decisions and provide insights into developing targeted interventions for environmental education.