Assessing Consumers’ Attitude and Intention to Recycle Household Electronic Waste

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the determinants of attitude and intention to recycle electronic waste. Building on TRA a theoretical framework is developed and tested using a structured questionnaire administered online among 506 university students. The collected data is descriptively analysed with SPSS and structural equation modelling is employed using SMART-PLS (version 3.0). Results show that attitude has positive influence on intention to recycle electronic waste. Notably, incentives emerge as a pivotal factor for recycling intention followed by social influence, sense of responsibility and incentives. The results show that awareness has insignificant influence on intention to recycle e-waste. Further, results confirm that attitude mediates the effect of awareness, incentives, SoR and social influence on intention to recycle e-waste. The study extends TRA by introducing SOR and incentives as novel constructs, enriching understanding of e-waste recycling behaviour. The study offers potential insights into customer perspectives on electronic product obsolescence to enhance e-waste recycling strategies. Understanding how consumers perceive obsolescence allows for product adjustments that align with recycling preferences. Moreover, decision-makers can use the study’s findings to gauge public support for e-waste recycling initiatives. The findings offer valuable guidance for businesses aiming to implement effective e-waste recycling programmes, engage young adults in recycling efforts, l and enhance overall e-waste recycling participation.