Cracking the Eggshell Problem: Exploring Disposal Practices, Awareness, and Sustainable Waste Solutions
Abstract
This study examines the eggshell disposal practices of individuals in the food industry and households, addressing the central question: How do individuals typically dispose of eggshells? Using a qualitative research design, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with six purposively selected participants to gather rich, contextual narratives about their disposal behaviors. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: (1) Accustomed Disposal Practices, where convenience and time pressures drive routine disposal into garbage bins; (2) Knowledge and Awareness Gaps, where participants lack understanding of eggshell recycling or reuse options and have limited perception of environmental impacts; and (3) Openness to Innovation and Change, where some individuals express tentative willingness to explore alternative uses, often rooted in family traditions or emerging environmental consciousness. These findings underscore the importance of targeted educational programs, local recycling initiatives, and community-based interventions in promoting sustainable organic waste management. The study aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and 13 (Climate Action), emphasizing the importance of integrating knowledge, behavioral support, and institutional backing to reduce waste and foster environmental stewardship. Recommendations include actionable recycling practices, educational initiatives, and future research expanding the generalizability of qualitative insights.
References
Aditya, S., Stephen, J., & Radhakrishnan, M. (2021). Utilization of eggshell waste in calcium-fortified foods and other industrial applications: A review. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 115, 422-432. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2021.06.047
Bamberg, S., & Möser, G. (2007). wenty years after Hines, Hungerford, and Tomera: A new meta-analysis of psycho-social determinants of pro-environmental behaviour. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 27(1), 14-25. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2006.12.002
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2008). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. doi:https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa
Cabañero, M., & Guison-Bautista, M. (2025). Virtual Mourning: How Filipinos Utilize Facebook to Express Grief and Seek Support – A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study. OMEGA—Journal of Death and Dying, 0(0), 1-32.
Cabuco,, C. D., Cipres, C. L., Dionglay, H. B., Magpantay, L. L., Mendoza, G. T., Ongtawco, A. B., . . . Abad, P. S. (2024). UTILIZATION OF EGGSHELLS: A PILOT STUDY TESTING OF TOOTHPASTE TABLET PRODUCTION. International Journal of Development Research, 14(1), 65401-65404. doi:https://doi.org/10.37118/ijdr.27838.04.2024
Castillo-Montoya, M. (2016). Preparing for Interview Research: The Interview Protocol refinement Framework. The Qualitative Report, 21(5), 811-831. doi:10.46743/2160-3715/2016.2337
Creswell, J. W. (2013). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publication.
Creswell, J., & Poth, C. (2018). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design Choosing among Five Approaches. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publcation.
Creswell, JW, & Poth, C. (2025). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design (5th edition ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.
Daleon, J., & Namoco, S. (2021). Determinants Of Instructional Technology Use Of Tech-Voc Educators In A State University In Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Science Internatinal )Lahore), 35(2), 131-135.
Dean, A. J., Kneebone, S., Tull, F., Lauren, N., & Smith, L. D. (2021). ‘Stickiness’ of water-saving behaviours: What factors influence whether behaviours are maintained or given up? Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 169. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105531
Estrada, Y. N., Santiago, N. P., Zialcita, A. O., & Beltran, A. B. (2023). Paper Review for Application of Thermally Treated Eggshell Waste: Systematic Approach. 3rd DLSU Senior High School Researc Congress, (pp. 415-420). De La Salle University Integrated School, Manila.
Etikan, I., Musa, S. A., & Alkassim, R. S. (2016). Comparison of Convenience Sampling and Purposive Sampling. American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics, 5, 1-4. doi:https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajtas.20160501.11
Faridi, H., & Arabhosseini, A. (2018). Application of eggshell wastes as valuable and utilizable. Research in Agricultural Engineering, 64, 104-114.
Fernandes, E. D., & Litz, F. H. (2017). Chapter 25 - The Eggshell and Its Commercial and Production Importance. Sciece Direct. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-800879-9.00025-1
Knickmeyer, D. (2020, February 1). Social factors influencing household waste separation: A literature review on good practices to improve the recycling performance of urban areas. Journal of Cleaner Production, 245. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.118605
Knudsen, E., Dahlber, S., & Iversen, M. H. (2021). How the public understands news media trust: An open-ended approach. Journalism, 11. doi:10.1177/14648849211005892
Knudsen, E., Dahlberg, S., Iversen, M. H., & Nygaard, S. (2021). How the public understands news media trust: An open-ended approach. Journalism, 1-17. doi:10.1177/14648849211005892
Kollmuss, A., & Agyeman, J. (2002). Mind the Gap: Why do people act environmentally and what are the barriers to pro-environmental behavior? Environmental Education Research, 8(3), 239-260. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/13504620220145401
Kvale, S. (1996). Interview Views: An Introduction to Qualitative Research Interviewing. Tousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
LaCaille, L. (2013). Theory of Reasoned Action. In M. T. Gellman, Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine. New York, NY: Springer. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_1619
Lincoln, YS, & Guba, E. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Newburt Park, CA: SAGE Publications.
Mirza, H., Bellalem, F., & Mirza, C. (2023). Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research: Summary Guidelines for Novice Social Science Researchers. Social Studies and Research Journal, 11(1), 441-449.
Montazzeri, R. (2023). The Lived experience of Iranian Mothers in the role of Mother-in-law: A phenomenological Study. Journal of Applied Family Therapy, 4(5), 570-592.
Nagendran, R. (2011). Agricultural Waste and Pollution. In Waste. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-381475-3.10024-5
Ngayakamo, B., & Onwualu, A. p. (2022, June 8). Recent advances in green processing technologies for valorisation of eggshell waste for sustainable construction materials. Heliyon, 8(6). doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09649
Nowell, L., Norris, J., White, D., & Moules, N. (2017). Thematic Analysis: Striving to Meet the Trustworthiness Criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16, 1-13. doi:10.1177/1609406917733847
Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful Sampling for Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis in Mixed Method Implementation Research. Adm Policy Ment Health, 533-544. doi:10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y.
Patoon, M. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods: Integrating theory and (4th edition ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publishing.
Patton, M. (1990). Qualitative evaluation and research methods (2nd edition ed.). Sage Publications.
Paz-Soldan, V. A., Bauer, K. M., Lenhart, A., Cordova Lopez, J. J., Elder, J. P., Scott, T. W., . . . Morrison, A. C. (2016). Experiences with insecticide-treated curtains: a qualitative study in Iquitos, Peru. BMC Public Health, 16(582). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016
-x
Point, S., & Baruch, Y. (2023). (Re)thinking transcription strategies: Current challenges and future research directions. Scandinavian Journal of Management, 39(2), 101272. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scaman.2023.101272
Schultz, P. W. (2014). Strategies for Promoting Proenvironmental Behavior. Environmental Conservation, 19(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.1027/1016-9040/a000163
Seidman, I. (2006). Interviewing as Qualitative Research: A Guide for Researchers in Education and Social Sciences. Teachers College Press.
Sembiring, E., Fenitra, R. M., Dangkua, A. R., Al Khoeriyah , Z. B., Van Der Laan, A. K., Fan, Y., . . . Jobling, S. (2024, December). Improving household waste management in Indonesia: A mixed-methods approach for waste Sorting. Cleaner Waste Systems, 9. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clwas.2024.100185
Sokolowski, R. (2000). Introduction to phenomenology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Van Nes, F., Abma, T., Jonsson, H., & Deeg, D. (2010). Language differences in qualitative research: is meaning lost in translation. European Journal of Ageing, 7, 313-316.
Wu, L., Zhu, Y., & Zhai, J. (2022, January 12). Understanding Waste Management Behavior Among University Students in China: Environmental Knowledge, Personal Norms, and the Theory of Planned Behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.771723
Yuriev, A., Dahmen, M., Paille, P., & Guillaumie, L. (2020). Pro-environmental behaviors through the lens of the theory of planned behavior: A scoping review. Resources Conservation and Recycling, 155.
