Abstract:
Technology advancement has led to a new societal challenge of e-waste, a highly
complex amalgamation of chemicals, glass, precious metals and plastic that is
extremely toxic when incorrectly disposed. Recycling is deemed as a method by
which people can help reduce their impact on the environment with many studies
aimed at understanding the factors that influence recycling behaviour. This study
aimed to understand the factors that influence the e-waste recycling behaviour of
urban South African consumers using the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a
framework for understanding underlying factors that influence behaviour.
A quantitative study was undertaken with data collected through the distribution of a
self-reported survey to a conveniently selected sample of which there were 160
respondents. Statistical analysis was conducted on the data collected and a model
was constructed, using SEM regression analysis, to explain e-waste recycling
behaviour.
The findings revealed that social pressure is a leading influencing factor of e-waste
recycling behaviour together with laws and regulation, inconvenience of recycling,
past experience and cost of recycling. Environmental awareness and attitude
towards e-waste recycling was not substantiated. The findings support future
research and policy makers in developing laws that encourage the recycling of ewaste
for the Planet’s sustainability.
