<p>This work proposes and offers valuable intuitions into the factors influencing waste separation practices. Employing a methodical survey, data will be gathered from a representative sample of rural households in Chhattisgarh. For data analysis, the structural equation modeling (SEM) method was used. These factors include perceived behavioral control (PC) (<i>p</i> = 0.045), subjective norms (SN) (<i>p</i> = 0.001), habitual behavior (HB) (<i>p</i> = 0.034), situational factors (SF) (<i>p</i> = 0.000), awareness (AW) (<i>p</i> = 0.000), and knowledge (KN) (<i>p</i> = 0.035). In addition, households’ intentions strongly influence their actual behavior in separating plastic waste (<i>p</i> = 0.000). However, attitude (AT) (<i>p</i> = 0.228) does not significantly affect these intentions. Overall, the results highlight that subjective norms, habitual behaviors, situational factors, perceived control, awareness, and knowledge play key roles in shaping household intentions, which then impact their waste separation practices. To guide policymakers, environmentalists, and community stakeholders in developing targeted interventions that enhance plastic waste separation practices at the grassroots level, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly living environment is important. This article provides crucial insights into the factors influencing plastic waste separation in rural areas, enabling the development of more effective environmental policies and practices.</p>